Popovich got second guessed, too, when Ginobli injured himself in the last game of the 2010-11 regular season: "The Spurs had hopes of clinching homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory over Phoenix and a successful coin flip. When Chicago pulled out a dramatic comeback over New Jersey shortly before tip-off, it might have been a signal to reconsider playing key players like Duncan, Tony Parker and Ginobili in the final game of the season." And yes, I know Pops did hold them out this year, so maybe he learned something. I'm not citing this in defense of Thibs, I'm just noting that every coach, no matter how good, gets second guessed.