Suns Owner Robert Sarver Calls Out Spurs For Phoning In Preseason Game

The Spurs' starting five for last night's game against the Suns was a bit underwhelming: Matt Bonner, Aron Baynes, Tony Parker, Danny Green, and Kyle Anderson. Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, and Patty Mills all sat out. Gregg Popovich didn't even show up to coach. (Hey, it's preseason basketball.) Suns owner Robert Sarver wasn't happy with it, and expressed his feelings during the game.

During a timeout, Sarver took the mic to thank fans for coming out, with a not-so-subtle jab at the Spurs for their effort. "This is not the game you paid your hard-earned money to watch," he said, before telling fans to send their tickets from tonight to him for a "gift." Sarver was fed up.

It's hard to see, though, how this wasn't what the people paid to see. Tim Duncan is 97 years old, and everyone knows he's not going to be putting in work in an October game against the Suns; it's nothing but unnecessary wear. The Spurs want to not suck in the regular season, when it matters. At least Sarver got a chance to wave his hands and make a gesture to show he really cares about the Suns and their fans. That's good public relations. Now, about that gift ...