Spurs vs. Houston Game Blog - Preseason Game 1

[Indazone]

cool

Lets go G. Hill..show us some studly guard moves.

[T Park]

Agreed, I like Hairston, I like Watkins alot, and Hill looks good, especially defensively.

[benefactor]

Was that Hill's first basket?
Yes...he didn't even get into the game until the middle of the 3rd.

[T Park]

I'll agree at least as to one word. :)

You think he looks like he doesn't give a crap?

I have to respectfully disagree.

[Buddy Holly]

Hill looks good.

Hairston looks like Kobe now compared to his SL play.

Watkins needs to be the third center/PF on this team.

[T Park]

Hill again.

[Indazone]

Maybe the shot doctors have fixed Hill's shot???

[usckk]

Nice teardrop

[T Park]

Fucking Watkins is a beast.

[T Park]

:lol Watkins royally fucked on that call.

[bigdog]

if there was a way to get rid of Bonner(if he doesn't improve this preseason), then I would love to have the backup bigs be Mahinmi and Watkins

[T Park]

Von Wafer showing off his stuff for the Vipahs.

[tav1]

we should keep both our draft picks + Watkins... Tolliver and Green... sorry guys

1 game.

I say we should give them more pt to see if we should keep them.

I'm really surprised by Hairston. And I'm happy to see a potential shot blocker in Watkins.

[benefactor]

Good pass off the cut by Watkins. Hill looks better already.

[T Park]

If Hairston keeps this up, he sews up a spot on the roster and sews up a starting SG spot on the Toros.

[usckk]

Likin' Hill's agressiveness today.

[T Park]

Hill's eyes got too big on that layup.

Great move to get to the basket though.

[SpurAddict561]

man, is this on TV?

[timvp]

Hill looking pretty solid.

[Russ]

Cut Bonner and let the rest of the D league guys fight it out.

[benefactor]

Hill can really blow by a defender...now he has to finish.

[tav1]

Hairston has a good body for a shooting guard. Probably too short and laterally slow for small forward. But he could become a decent defender.

If he doesn't make the team maybe the Spurs can find a place for him in Europe like they did Gist.

[T Park]

Malik fucking Hairston..

[usckk]

Man, Hairston playing well too!

[urunobili]

Malik again!

[T Park]

If Watkins keeps this up, you almost HAVE to find him a spot.

[bigdog]

can't see the game, but from what I hear, I like Hairston. I hope he can step it up and make the team, although I do want to see Stoudamire in action.

[benefactor]

All the people we bring in..and the draft picks are getting it done.

[Spork KIller]

You are getting your collective asses KICKED bwahahahahaha

Masoquist mofos!!!

[usckk]

Hill looks comfortable, calling out plays to his teammates. I like how Pop put him later in the game when the opponents put in their scrubs. It's good that we're progressively getting him ready to keep his confidence up.

[T Park]

All the people we bring in..and the draft picks are getting it done.

Thats usually the way it goes.

I think Mason's 3rd quarter is more indicative of how he will play rather than the first half.

[tav1]

If Watkins keeps this up, you almost HAVE to find him a spot.

If...

Sorry to sound so pessimistic. But I got my hopes up with Darius Washington last year, and then with Gist this summer.

I'm too encouraged by Watkins to start hoping.

[T Park]

Hill looks comfortable, calling out plays to his teammates. I like how Pop put him later in the game when the opponents put in their scrubs. It's good that we're progressively getting him ready to keep his confidence up.

Just has to be patient for his chance thats all.

[tav1]

Maybe Watkins is just the fire needed to light under Mahinmi's ass.

[Spork KIller]

Artest owning your parhetic butts...expect more of this during the regular season as well....

[ElNono]

Thats usually the way it goes.

I think Mason's 3rd quarter is more indicative of how he will play rather than the first half.

We all hope so anyways.

[benefactor]

Thats usually the way it goes.

I think Mason's 3rd quarter is more indicative of how he will play rather than the first half.
Agreed. He looked much more comfortable after he saw the ball go in once.

[Indazone]

Bonner..he is the weakest link.

Like Hairston so far
Hill looks decent.
Udoka looks ok too

[tav1]

Yikes. Tolliver. Bad night.

[anakha]

You are getting your collective asses KICKED bwahahahahaha

Masoquist mofos!!!

Getting predictable there, Louis. :lol

[Buddy Holly]

Vaughn should be waived to make room for someone.

I'd also waive Bonner but that's unlikely.

[SpurAddict561]

Sprok Killer must be that idiot Princess Pimp

[tomtom]

Artest owning your parhetic butts...expect more of this during the regular season as well....

lol i hope you're kidding, hes been playing for how long compared to most of the guys playing tonight for the spurs

[Buddy Holly]

Getting predictable there, Louis. :lol

Just ignore the troll.

EVERYONE.

[xellos88330]

JV gave Hill some confidence... when pop put hill in, JV tells Hill "Go play worse than that!"

[bigdog]

Artest owning your parhetic butts...expect more of this during the regular season as well....

you forgot Duncan, Bowen, Ginobili, Finley, and Thomas aren't playing.

[Russ]

Hill has promise (thank God).

[benefactor]

Tolliver still can't find the range...but makes a good play going to the rim.

[usckk]

Man o man! Hairston!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buddy Holly]

IGNORE THE FUCKING TROLL.

[Spork KIller]

you forgot Duncan, Bowen, Ginobili, Finley, and Thomas aren't playing.

Is Tmac Playing? or Yao??

Yeah I thought so!

[bigdog]

Hairston!

[usckk]

GO SPURS GO! LOL, I know this game is meaningless, but I'm pumped! Go Hill and Hairston!

[benefactor]

Lead is now 4 for what its worth.

[timvp]

Is everyone sure Tolliver isn't Bonner in costume?

[T Park]

I like Green.

[Buddy Holly]

Hairston!

My feed is 20-30 seconds behind. lol

[T Park]

Is everyone sure Tolliver isn't Bonner in costume?

Jumps too high.

[Spork KIller]

IGNORE THE FUCKING TROLL.
Ignore your fucking momma...stupid ass homer...

[T Park]

Malik Hairston has made a wonderfull impression IMO.

[byrdman31]

Is Tmac Playing? or Yao??

Yeah I thought so!


yao did play//:toast

[SpurAddict561]

from the looks of the boxscore Hairston is playing some good ball

5-8

are they all short range?

[jayc23]

Is everyone sure Tolliver isn't Bonner in costume?

I laughed out loud... I think we should sighn tolliver to a 4 mill contract imo

[tav1]

As bad as Tolliver looks, Bonner does not look much better. If you have to pay a PF to brick shots, might as well pay him Tolliver's salary and not Bonner's. But Bonner is not even helping his trade value.

[benefactor]

I like Green.
He is aggressive...but seems to be a bit of a ball hog.

[Buddy Holly]

Holy shit, our deep bench/scrub guys are outplaying the Rockets deep bench/scrub guys! lol

[timvp]

Preseason championship in sight. Let's get 'er done :hungry:

[usckk]

Hill's defense is amazing!

[Buddy Holly]

Malik has made up in one night a summer leagues worth of horrible games.

[tomtom]

i noticed gaines wasnt on the roster on the nba stats for the game. is he gonna be playing at any of the preseason games?

[bigdog]

I like Green alot, but even in Summer League he seemed like somewhat of a bollhog.

[benefactor]

Its one game for Tolliver...so lets not hang him yet. Bonner already has a suckage history.

[usckk]

Finally he hits a shot.

[mystargtr34]

Hairston can jump.. he dunks effortlessly , you dont see aot of 6'6" guys jumping flat footed dunking next to defenders.

[T Park]

Tolliver's shot has nice arc, I just think hes been going a million miles an hour thats the problem.


Adelman puts in Luther Head to try and keep the lead :lmao

[Buddy Holly]

Hill's defense is amazing!

Yes it is.

[bigdog]

wow Tolliver hit a shot

[tav1]

Its one game for Tolliver...so lets not hang him yet. Bonner already has a suckage history.

+1

[benefactor]

And the 0-fer is over for Tolliver.

[T Park]

He is aggressive...but seems to be a bit of a ball hog.

I disagree.

Hes set up a couple guys for easy layups and as been decent.

Not enough to make the team, but looks better than I thought.

[T Park]

George muthafuckin Hill.

This kids gonna be good.

[usckk]

LOL, Hill is so loud! I like that!

[benefactor]

Hill with the nice heads up play off the steal.

[tav1]

Actually, Tolliver's per minute stats are better than Bonner's. Ha!

[bigdog]

anyone who is watching, how does Hill look defensively?

[ElNono]

When is Bonner going back in?

[mystargtr34]

That was nice by Luther

[T Park]

Hopefully Hill knows he won't be the backup point from day 1.

Go in with the mindset to bust ass, play in your face D, and keep stroking that sweet jumper.

While Vaughn has the job, he just has to work twice as hard to get it from him.

[byrdman31]

i want to hear..... hill for the game winner, its good! :flag:

[T Park]

anyone who is watching, how does Hill look defensively?

IMO looks very good.

[tav1]

5 steals in 13 minutes. Is that right?

[Buddy Holly]

Spurs would probably be up had Pop played Hill instead of Vaughn. Though they would have lost whatever lead they had once Pop rested Hill and put Vaughn in.

[timvp]

Nice showing by Hill so far. Granted it's against the backups of the scrubs but he's doing pretty good. Still needs to rev it up a little bit offensively but looking solid.

[T Park]

Tolliver is a bit of a ball hog for my tastes.

[ElNono]

I'm liking Hill more than Vaughn so far... He needs some sessions with TP and MG to learn how to finish near the rim, and he'll be ok...

[T Park]

Nice showing by Hill so far. Granted it's against the backups of the scrubs but he's doing pretty good. Still needs to rev it up a little bit offensively but looking solid.

Its up against the god almighty Aaron Brooks.

[tav1]

I lost my feed. Does Hill have 5 steals, and are they off gambles or smart D or a combination?

[benefactor]

Tolliver misses again...then hits again.

[xellos88330]

Hill has Vaughn beat in defense no question about it. If only he could finish at the rim. He gets by his defenders pretty easily, but seems to be shocked because he is so wide open. It is almost like he is thinking "I'm in the NBA now, but where is the shot blocker? Oh shit, I have to shoot it!"

[Buddy Holly]

Nice showing by Hill so far. Granted it's against the backups of the scrubs but he's doing pretty good. Still needs to rev it up a little bit offensively but looking solid.

Hayes
Head

I wouldn't call back up to scrubs.

[usckk]

Hill again!

[T Park]

very nice move by Hill.

Brooks looks horrible against him.

[benefactor]

Goal tend...Hill straight rolled him up.

[T Park]

God, is Tolliver trying to be Ron Mercer part 2?

[Indazone]

I don't see a hell of a lot of motion. What's this motion offense everyone keeps talking about?

[T Park]

Hill forces another turnover.

[usckk]

Hill again on defense!!!!!!!!!

[Russ]

Maybe the Hill stretch makes up for the Mahinmi stretch.

[bigdog]

shit I didn't see that Hill had that many steals.

[T Park]

God, just goes to show you, you don't have to be smart to be a hall of fame basketball player.

Exhibit A

Clyde the glide.

[DROB4EVER]

So who are we keeping out of Watkins, Tolliver and Green, Stoudimire and Hairston

[T Park]

I'd say Hairston Watkins and Stoudamire.

[byrdman31]

so everyone agree hill> vaughn????

[bigdog]

So who are we keeping out of Watkins, Tolliver and Green, Stoudimire and Hairston

Right now it looks like it's between Hairston and Watkins, but Stoudamire hasn't played yet. As much as I like Green, I don't think he has a chance, and if Tolliver can't play consistently, he won't make the team.

[Indazone]

Hill is better than Vaughn in preseason.

[mystargtr34]

God, just goes to show you, you don't have to be smart to be a hall of fame basketball player.

Exhibit A

Clyde the glide.

hes a retard of a human... some of the shit hes said.

[MaNu4Tres]

Hairston looked impressive

[tav1]

Not enough roster spaces.

[ElNono]

so everyone agree hill> vaughn????

Its just one game...

[T Park]

so everyone agree hill> vaughn????


Based on this game?

By a slight margin yes.

All depends on how the rest of the preseason goes.




BTW,

am I seriously hearing Rocket fan chant hey hey goodbye?

Seriously?

I mean, really!??!

[benefactor]

Rockets fans singing goodbye...lol.

[Indazone]

There is just no ball movement by the Rockets scrubs, no screens, no backdoor cuts. This is just a bunch of guys out there playing hoops without any set plays or offense.

[byrdman31]

Its just one game...


thats all it took for me. i seen vaughn suck it up too many times. sorry

[SpurAddict561]

wtf was Princess Piss talkin about Yao didn't play?

it says Yao & Artest both had 24+ minutes...lmao

wow

[Russ]

Lots of interesting prospects.

Mason looks like a Bullets' out-placement but it's just one game.

[Indazone]

Why can't Morey do something about the piss poor Rockets announcing?

[SpurAddict561]

and ya, 1 game is enough for me to take Hill over Vaughn

cuz for the life of me I can't think of 1 game I saw Vaughn playing well the whole game..lmao

[T Park]

There is just no ball movement by the Rockets scrubs, no screens, no backdoor cuts. This is just a bunch of guys out there playing hoops without any set plays or offense.

Welcome to third string pre season.

[tomtom]

boring but overall im feeling much better about hill and suprised about hairston. udoka and mason both had some good moments but not great yet.

[T Park]

Lots of interesting prospects.

Mason looks like a Bullets' out-placement but it's just one game.


I think your being a tad hard on the guy.

[xellos88330]

Hill was a defensive monster. And he hit some shots and got a layup!!!

[timvp]

Everyone stayed healthy. Best part of the game.

One step closer to the regular season.

[DROB4EVER]

Looks like Hairston proved me wrong he looks like he could be a player off the bench.

[Indazone]

You gotta keep Hairston. Dude was a stud today

[SpurAddict561]

wow @ Derrick Rose 5 assists/6 steals

lol

[DROB4EVER]

Watkins was impressive, we could use him. A tough guy who blocks shots is just what we need IMO.

[DROB4EVER]

If Stoudimire and Ian come around we could have the deepest team we have ever had. We werent missing much last year and I was impressed with what I saw tonight.

[angelbelow]

hill!

[T Park]

I tell you what, if Watkins keeps playing like that, the Spurs will have a tough decision to make on him.

Interested to hear TIMVP's take on him.

Whatever his take is on him, is gonna be Pop's.

[mystargtr34]

wow @ Derrick Rose 5 assists/6 steals

lol

5 assists and 6 turnovers
0 steals i tihnk'

[angelbelow]

i hope hill will play more enxt time.

[Buddy Holly]

Pop should rest TP the next game and start Hill.

[angelbelow]

I tell you what, if Watkins keeps playing like that, the Spurs will have a tough decision to make on him.

Interested to hear TIMVP's take on him.

Whatever his take is on him, is gonna be Pop's.

his stats were unimpressive, so im guessing his in game impact was pretty good.

[T Park]

his stats were unimpressive, so im guessing his in game impact was pretty good.

stats suck.

[SenorSpur]

Any Robert Horry sightings in the crowd?

[Manufan909]

If this is a true indication of the new guys I hope our depth chart is:

Parker/Hill
Mason/Finley/Hairston
Bowen/Udoka
Duncan/Mahinmi
Thomas/Watkins/Oberto

I hope after the allstar break Mason, Ian, and Udoka are starting, and Hairston has proved that Finley, not him should be replaced by Manu on the active roster.

I really liked what I saw from Watkins, Hill, and Hairston. Mason took awhile, but he heated up. Didn't he score consecutive buckets?

[benefactor]

his stats were unimpressive, so im guessing his in game impact was pretty good.
He was good roaming around the rim, blocked a couple of shots and disrupted others. He would make a nice dirty work big with a little work. He actually had a nice looking outside shot too.

[angelbelow]

He was good roaming around the rim, blocked a couple of shots and disrupted others. He would make a nice dirty work big with a little work. He actually had a nice looking outside shot too.

nice, wish i could have watched him in person =/

[T Park]

If this is a true indication of the new guys I hope our depth chart is:

Parker/Hill
Mason/Finley/Hairston
Bowen/Udoka
Duncan/Mahinmi
Thomas/Watkins/Oberto

I hope after the allstar break Mason, Ian, and Udoka are starting, and Hairston has proved that Finley, not him should be replaced by Manu on the active roster.

I really liked what I saw from Watkins, Hill, and Hairston. Mason took awhile, but he heated up. Didn't he score consecutive buckets?


What makes you think that Udoka is gonna take the starting spot from Bruce Bowen?

[SpurAddict561]

5 assists and 6 turnovers
0 steals i tihnk'

that's what I meant

thanks for the correction

[Manufan909]

Anyone else agree Watkins did better on Yao then Oberto? And what is his first name anyways? Can't wait to read all the articles, and timvp's take.

[Buddy Holly]

Watkins had more than two blocks, that's for sure. Messed up they're only giving dude two.

[benefactor]

If this is a true indication of the new guys I hope our depth chart is:

Parker/Hill
Mason/Finley/Hairston
Bowen/Udoka
Duncan/Mahinmi
Thomas/Watkins/Oberto

I hope after the allstar break Mason, Ian, and Udoka are starting, and Hairston has proved that Finley, not him should be replaced by Manu on the active roster.

I really liked what I saw from Watkins, Hill, and Hairston. Mason took awhile, but he heated up. Didn't he score consecutive buckets?
Hairston looked good but proved nothing. It's one preseason game. Did you not know we just game Finley 5 mil?

[Buddy Holly]

What makes you think that Udoka is gonna take the starting spot from Bruce Bowen?

He said he hoped.

[SenorSpur]

Sounds like Watkins and Hairston had fine showings. I hope they can both keep it up - especially Watkins. We could certainly use another big, with those skills, at the end of the bench.

[Buddy Holly]

Hairston looked good but proved nothing.

Untrue.

He proved he's better than what he showed in the summer league.

Playing the way he did tonight versus actual NBA players > Playing badly against wannabe NBA players.

[Buddy Holly]

Sounds like Watkins and Hairston had fine showings. I hope they can both keep it up - especially Watkins. We could certainly use another big, with those skills, at the end of the bench.

I'd rank their performances tonight as:

Hairston
Hill (didn't play enough)
Watkins
Green
Tolliver

[duncan228]

Preseason: Rockets 85, Spurs 78 (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Game_updates_Spurs_vs_Rockets.html)
MySanAntonio.com

FOURTH QUARTER

New Spurs Malik Hairston, Devin Green, Darryl Watkins, George Hill and Anthony Tolliver all got extended playing time in Thursday's 85-78 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets.

Hairston led the Spurs with 10 points, hitting 5 of 8 from the field. Green, Tolliver and Watkins had seven points each. Hill had six points and three assists.

Spurs veterans Fabricio Oberto and Tony Parker scored eight points each.

The Spurs put together a 12-0 run with a combination of young players that included Hill at point guard. They cut What had been a 20-point Rockets lead is down to 74-70.

Hill, Hairston and Watkins combined for the Spurs' first five points of the quarter.

THIRD QUARTER

The Rockets used an 11-0 run to take a 72-56 lead at the end of the third quarter. Tony Parker and Fabricio Oberto led the Spurs with eight points each through three quarters.

Hill made his first appearence midway though the third quarter. He recorded his first points when he made a jumper late in the quarter.

The Spurs' Roger Mason, who started in the Manu Ginobili/Michael Finley position at shooting guard, hit two shots early in the second half. Ime Udoka and Matt Bonner followed with 3-pointers as the Spurs cut what had been an 18-point Rockets lead down to 52-44.

SECOND QUARTER

Houston's Ron Artest scored 14 points and the Rockets dominated the second quarter to take a 50-34 halftime lead.

Parker and Jacque Vaughn combined for 15 points in the half for the Spurs. Watkins, Hairson and Green combined for 11 points.

The Rockets outscored the Spurs 28-10 in the second quarter. Artest hit back-to-back 3-pointers and made a pair of free throws as part of a 15-0 run that helped the Rockets take a 46-30 lead.

Hairston was the third new Spur to get in on the scoring action. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Oregon had a basket early in the second quarter.

FIRST QUARTER

The Spurs gave some of their young players early game time as they finished the first quarter tied with the Rockets 22-22.

Green, a guard, and Watkins, a center, scored two points each shortly after hitting the court.

Parker made four of his first five shots and Fabricio Oberto made his first two shots. The Spurs and Rockets were tied 14-14 at the first timeout.

Spurs starters: Tony Parker, Roger Mason, Ime Udoka, Matt Bonner and Fabricio Oberto. Former Spur Brent Barry started for the Rockets, along with Rafer Alston, Ron Artest, Luis Scola and Yao Ming.

PREGAME

Spurs veterans Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley are sitting out tonight's preseason road game against the Houston Rockets. They are healthy.

Three other Spurs - Kurt Thomas, Ian Mahinmi and Salim Stoudamire - are out with injuries. Rockets veterans Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier are out.

The Spurs open the preseason tonight on the road against the Houston Rockets.

In addition to some of the core players who have been the key to the Spurs' success in recent seasons, there will be some guys we've never seen before wearing the Silver and Black. That group includes rookies George Hill, Malik Hairston, Anthony Tolliver and Charles Gaines.

As has been thoroughly documented, Manu Ginobili won't be ready to go.

The Rockets return many of the players who helped them build a 22-game win streak last spring - plus Ron Artest.

Don't look for much in the way of NBA preseason games on TV. The Spurs games are on the radio at WOAI-AM 1200 (and in Spanish at KCOR-AM 1350).

[BlackSwordsMan]

trade ginobili now!

[cze1860]

Barry have 8 ast

[Buddy Holly]

How could whoever doing the live blogging for MYSA.com completely leave out the 5 steals?

[baseline bum]

Do we get a report card from timvp for tonight's game?

[benefactor]

Untrue.

He proved he's better than what he showed in the summer league.

Playing the way he did tonight versus actual NBA players > Playing badly against wannabe NBA players.
He did...but it was suggested that he replace Finley after one preseason game. He is far from proving anything in that aspect.

[Buddy Holly]

He did...but it was suggested that he replace Finley after one preseason game. He is far from proving anything in that aspect.

I agree.

Though if he keeps it up I love his style of play versus Finley's.

[Ice009]

I think with a little polish in his game Watkins could make the rotation. Then the Ian debate would be over.

If Watkins proces he's good enough and makes the roster can we trade Ian, Bonner, Splitter to the Bulls for Nocioni?

[angelbelow]

i had a dream that geogre hill was the second coming of monta. too bad i woke up before the nba finals.

[Punkkboy44]

Here is the bottom line..GET RID OF VAUGHN...Hill had 5 steals in 17 minutes..5..I dont care against who...5...retire already Vaughn.

[Buddy Holly]

Hill's height and strength coupled with his length and speed will give many PG's trouble.

[Buddy Holly]

Here is the bottom line..GET RID OF VAUGHN...Hill had 5 steals in 17 minutes..5..I dont care against who...5...retire already Vaughn.

Nearly had 6.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

CDR recorded 18 points in an NBA debut, yeah, good job front office. Pass up on a rookie that can give you 18, and take george fucking hill.

[Indazone]

Barry have 8 ast


yup, I think we found our backup point when Alston is out of the game.

[benefactor]

I agree.

Though if he keeps it up I love his style of play versus Finley's.
He could be the new version of Mike with better defense. If he makes the team and continues to improve I don't see why he couldn't replace him in two years.

[Buddy Holly]

The Spurs were down 61-44 when Hill entered the game at the half way point of the third.

The Rockets went on to score just 24 points while the Spurs scored 34.

[benefactor]

CDR recorded 18 points in an NBA debut, yeah, good job front office. Pass up on a rookie that can give you 18, and take george fucking hill.
Kill yourself now.

[Ice009]

Tolliver playing himself off the team as expected.

We need to forget about bigs that can shoot. Fuck them all off. Tim needs help down low...we need bigs who can play defense, rebound and block shots. We should be looking at guys like Ian and Watkins.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

It's so weak watching all the spurstalk fans instantly jump on players koolaid drinking bandwagons over the slightest crap. You guys do this for anyone and at any time.

[TDMVPDPOY]

what are watkins measurements?

[jayc23]

CDR recorded 18 points in an NBA debut, yeah, good job front office. Pass up on a rookie that can give you 18, and take george fucking hill.

how are you still breathing with his jockstrap that far down your throat

[angelbelow]

It's so weak watching all the spurstalk fans instantly jump on players koolaid drinking bandwagons over the slightest crap. You guys do this for anyone and at any time.

lol

[Allanon]

What I got from the game:

The good:
Hairston is better than I thought
George Hill is pretty good on defense although his offense is lacking
Watkins looks like a serviceable big man

The bad:
Mason's shot is really off
Bonner is just as bad
Gaines isn't aggressive enough
Tolliver - Spurs don't need another Bonner
Oberto - Probably won't last the season as the starting Center

[baseline bum]

What I got from the game:

The good:
Hairston is better than I thought
George Hill is pretty good on defense although his offense is lacking
Watkins looks like a serviceable big man

The bad:
Mason's shot is really off
Bonner is just as bad
Gaines isn't aggressive enough
Tolliver - Spurs don't need another Bonner
Oberto - Probably won't last the season as the starting Center

Bonner makes your boy Luke Walton look like Jordan. I think we'd be better off keeping Rasho.

[MaNu4Tres]

Maybe if Hairston can keep it up, that can make Mason expendable and maybe we will have an asset and a real chip to trade for a big man.

[ducks]

hopefully mason was trying to hard
he needs to let it go

[tav1]

Maybe if Hairston can keep it up, that can make Mason expendable and maybe we will have an asset and a real chip to trade for a big man.

You're insane. One Game.

If Hairston keeps it up the Spurs *might* find a roster spot for him and send him to Austin.

George Mason is a borderline NBA starter. Right now, Hairston is a borderline D-Leaguer.

Lest you forget, Darius Washington nearly put up a triple double last preseason.

[Obstructed_View]

One game does not a season make, but here are some of my thoughts. I'm no LJ, but maybe this will have some value.

Hairston was a surprise. He showed a high basketball IQ and is a surprisingly good finisher. It'll be interesting to see how he goes from here. The Spurs were marching right back into the game until he left the floor.

Watkins was another surprise. He has good hands, didn't seem lost and made some plays on both ends, including muscling a dunk past Yao. If Ian doesn't show something during the preseason, I'd say this kid has a chance to make the roster.

Hill looked good, and played nice defense, but I'd have liked to have seen him before garbage time. Seeing the ball go in from him was nice. At least we now know that he's capable of making a basket.

Green is a heck of a passer. He had at least three feeds that had some wow factor to them.

Mason is a good ball handler, and he makes good decisions as far as I could see. He's a good shooter and he did create his own shot a couple of times. He was just invisible for much of the game, but nobody was able to hit anything while he was in the game. He finally called his own number a little bit at the end of the first half just to see the scoreboard move.

Vaughn was the second or third best Spur on the floor tonight against relatively better competition. If anyone wants his job, they're going to have to take it away from him.

Bonner wasn't horrible, but it hurts watching him play against Scola.

Udoka was the worst player on the floor for much of the game. Terrible defense, bad shooting, stupid turnovers and mental lapses. Bowen's job is safe until he's lost another step and a half or so.

Good hustle and defense by all the young guys who played in the second half.

The Spurs couldn't buy a bucket in the first half, when the Rockets were actually trying to play defense. They only started making them when left wide open later. As mentioned before, any NBA player should be able to make a shot when nobody's near them.

[angelbelow]

mason will be fine. everyone has bad games.

[ducks]

mason will be fine. everyone has bad games.

REALLY

[MaNu4Tres]

Bonner and Tolliver don't look like the answer for our 4th big. Watson showed more of the toughness we need inside from our bigs. My only thing on Watson, can he show that he knows what he can and can't do? IE There were times when he got the ball and tried putting it on the ground, which lead to turnovers everytime. If he can learn to only board and bang inside and play champ help defense. I think he makes the squad. He just needs to realize trying to create offensively one and one isn't his thing.

[024]

hill with 5 steals in 17 minutes AND shot 50%?? i'm impressed.

[angelbelow]

thats tough to hear about udoka.. hopefully he picks it up next game.

[angelbelow]

REALLY

:king

[Obstructed_View]

BTW, Tolliver's new nickname: The Machine.

[ducks]

mason will be fine. everyone has bad games.

does that include POP

QUESTION

[MaNu4Tres]

You're insane. One Game.

If Hairston keeps it up the Spurs *might* find a roster spot for him and send him to Austin.

George Mason is a borderline NBA starter. Right now, Hairston is a borderline D-Leaguer.

Lest you forget, Darius Washington nearly put up a triple double last preseason.

I meant if Hairston keeps it up and ends up breaking the rotation ( which i understand is highly unlikely) then maybe mason can be expendable piece to trade for a big man. I'm hoping mason ends up blossoming at the same time.

I'm just biased towards guards who are active inside and that can finish with authority. Maybe because we haven't had one in a while.

[Obstructed_View]

Mason had much less to play for tonight than Hairston did.

[MaNu4Tres]

Mason had much less to play for tonight than Hairston did.

Y'all are making it seem I'm doggin Mason. I never said Mason sucked tonight. I'm just saying if Hairston ends up being a diamond in the rough, Mason can become expendable.

[Allanon]

Bonner makes your boy Luke Walton look like Jordan. I think we'd be better off keeping Rasho.

Even Bonner ain't THAT bad...Luke sucked pretty bad last year.

But hopefully Luke's suckiness was due to his ankle...at least that's what I hope for since he's under contract for a few more years.

Tolliver plays like Bonner Jr, there isn't a 25 foot shot he doesn't like.

[Spork KIller]

Suck ass MOFOS

[DPG21920]

I am glad that Hill got some time and played good defense. Like I said earlier, same as Hairston, even when they played poorly in SL, they looked like they belonged. No one got hurt, they upped the level of competition for roster spots and have a lot to build on. Good start.

[angelbelow]

does that include POP

QUESTION

never thought about it. but i guess it would only be fair that he does.

[Obstructed_View]

Y'all are making it seem I'm doggin Mason. I never said Mason sucked tonight. I'm just saying if Hairston ends up being a diamond in the rough, Mason can become expendable.

I wasn't really disagreeing with any particular point, but Mason has a spot on the roster and is working on different things than Hairston, who might be playing for his life right now. So you might be a tad premature on the thought. :)

[Obstructed_View]

Tolliver plays like Vujacic, there isn't a 25 foot shot he doesn't like.

Fixed.

[MaNu4Tres]

I can see it now in february Mason and Bonner for Haslem.

[MaNu4Tres]

Lol

[ducks]

I can see it now in february Mason and Bonner for Haslem.
nope for kobe

[Allanon]

Tolliver plays like Vujacic, there isn't a 25 foot shot he doesn't like.
Fixed.

That too, the Machine is trigger happy, but at least Vujacic makes them.

[baseline bum]

It was weird seeing Hairston in Malik's old number.

[ducks]

It was weird seeing Hairston in Malik's old number.

atleast they are not going to retire rose's number

[T Park]

That too, the Machine is trigger happy, but at least Vujacic makes them.

for one season.

Don't get cocky laker fan.

[Obstructed_View]

That too, the Machine is trigger happy, but at least Vujacic makes them.

Taking the shots without thought is what earned him the nickname in the first place. Tolliver made a bunch of them in SL. He aint' done taking them yet.

[ElNono]

I thought James Gist played really well... :lol

[Allanon]

for one season.

Don't get cocky laker fan.

Just stating the facts Spur fan...Vujacic is a much better shooter than Tolliver.

[byrdman31]

Just stating the facts Spur fan...Vujacic is a much better shooter than Tolliver.

and gayer:downspin:

[angelbelow]

I thought James Gist played really well... :lol

he got a few great blocks.

[Allanon]

and gayer:downspin:

Unfortunately.

[Manufan909]

Hairston looked good but proved nothing. It's one preseason game. Did you not know we just game Finley 5 mil?

Do you know that I personally don't give a fuck? Pop did that because he has an unhealthy mancrush for vets. I would like the youngest version of each spot to start, when it comes to sf at least, unless there's a WAY superior player (why I want Mason over Hairston, Tim over Ian, Parker over Hill). Fin can be an expensive ace in the hole, not an expensive waste of 22+ minutes a game,

And thanks, buddy holly. Glad some people don't need reading comprehension to understand simple posts.

[Ice009]

Why didn't Farmer get any playing time? Are they saving him for the next game?

I think he's really going to be a player that pushes hard to make the roster.

I think the talent the Spurs have brought into this training camp is great compared to the last few seasons.

I am also glad that Watkins did good. The guy must have really shown some good stuff in those open workouts for him to get into training camp and he did it again in his first preseason game.

[angelbelow]

i think we have a back to back so maybe pop is saving some players.

[IronMexican]

Just stating the facts Spur fan...Vujacic is a much better shooter than Tolliver.

Everyone should refer to everyone as "______ fan" Laker fan.

[Manufan909]

Come on timvp, where's your take!?!

[cze1860]

According to the Rockets page, it will be broadcast locally on FSN Houston.

Now if some computer savvy Houston fan could hook us up with a feed... ;)

how to watch FSN houston online ？？

[Blackjack]

What I learned from watching the game. (Thanks to NBATV's free-preview:))
- The Mid-West division is alive an well and up for grabs.
- The Spurs started a center named, Francisco Oh-bur-toe.
- And Bill Worrell is still a tool.

For what it's worth, here's a few observations on three guys I feel have a shot at making the team.(Depending on circumstances)

Watkins - A Really quick and athletic big with deceptive strength. Showed some good weakside/help defensive instincts, nice hands, and the ability to finish strong around the rim. Showed all the tools to be a serviceable big and has the potential of upside with his youth.

Hairston - A Really sneaky athlete (just ask Yao:lol) with a nice feel for the game. A competent and confident scorer who plays with a nice pace. Solid finisher around the basket who has nice size and strength for the wing. Defensively looked adequate to solid for the most part.

Tolliver - While shorter than Bonner, much longer, more agile, and plays bigger defensively.(Not such a hard thing to do) Good form and elevation on his shot and like Bonner, isn't lacking for confidence:lol. Unlike Bonner, I get the since the confidence in his shot is warranted and that he's an adequate enough defender to not be a liability.
If the Spurs can move Bonner, Tolliver's a no-brainer. He might have a shot even if they can't, but it wouldn't make much sense to have both.

[Obstructed_View]

i think we have a back to back so maybe pop is saving some players.

Yeah, I had forgotten about that, and expect those guys to see big minutes tonight.

[Obstructed_View]

Another point I'd forgotten to note earlier: Brent Barry leaves the Spurs and suddenly he can't fuckin' turn down an open shot. Hell, he even took one with the defender within seven feet of him, which would have inspired him to turn the ball over when he was in San Antonio.

[Manufan909]

Dude, it's preseason, no pressure for guys who know they'll get time. I know I'm sounding hypocritical because I freaked out over Hairston and Watkins, but it is what it is. I guess you could both say we had good reason to overreact. Is today's game away as well? And who do you think the starters will be? I'd like to see Hill, Mason, Farmar, Gaines, and Watkins, then Tony, Hairston, Udoka, Tim, and Fab tear it up in the second. Then the second half could be all the unproven players who are fighting for a spot.

Too bad Salim and Ian are screwed for the moment.

[timtonymanu]

was impressed by Watkins, Hairston, and Hill.

was disappointed with Udoka and Tolliver.

[benefactor]

Do you know that I personally don't give a fuck? Pop did that because he has an unhealthy mancrush for vets. I would like the youngest version of each spot to start, when it comes to sf at least, unless there's a WAY superior player (why I want Mason over Hairston, Tim over Ian, Parker over Hill). Fin can be an expensive ace in the hole, not an expensive waste of 22+ minutes a game,

And thanks, buddy holly. Glad some people don't need reading comprehension to understand simple posts.
Its funny you talk of comprehension...when you understand little about your own team. The last time I checked our starting SF was Bruce Bowen, but hey, he is hella old so lets just bench him. I am also fascinated with this idea that you seem to have about Hairston taking Finley's minutes when A) He played well in one preseason game and B) He somehow becomes this anomaly that picks up our system perfectly when it even takes veteran NBA players a year to do it.

Hairston played well. If he plays like that in every game he could wind up a third swingman while Manu is out. Depending on what he does in those games will dictate whether or not he is the starting SG for the Toros.

[Bruno]

What was quite worrisome in this game is that a lot of rotation players looked like shit. Udoka, Mason and Bonner were damn bad. Tolliver who could have taken Bonner spot was also horrible. Gaines was also disappointing, it looks like he is out of shape.
It's only one game and things can change but Spurs depth doesn't look good. Yesterday's Spurs best players (Hairston and Watkins) were the youngest ones and should land in Austin if they are kept. A positive point of this game is that all three PGs (Parker, Vaughn and Hill) have done a good job.

Spurs have a game today against Hornets I expect that players who haven't played a lot yesterday get some burn today.

[Spurs Brazil]

Udoka was the worst player on the floor for much of the game. Terrible defense, bad shooting, stupid turnovers and mental lapses. Bowen's job is safe until he's lost another step and a half or so.

I think Ime may be out of the rotation when Manu is back.

He needs to play better D. Against LA last season his D was a disaster. He needs to improve to get some minutes

[Obstructed_View]

He needs to stop being a mutton-head or else he and Bonner will be traded for a snow cone machine before Manu gets back.

[T Park]

Another point I'd forgotten to note earlier: Brent Barry leaves the Spurs and suddenly he can't fuckin' turn down an open shot. Hell, he even took one with the defender within seven feet of him, which would have inspired him to turn the ball over when he was in San Antonio.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Guaranteed Pop was sitting there going "Sure, now you do it fucker"

[T Park]

I think you guys are seriously overreacting to Roger Mason's game.

[Many PackYao]

I hope they put Emo Sudoku or whatever his name is on Artest when the Spurs play the Rockets in the reg season.Ron was blowing right by him every time.:lol

[benefactor]

I think there is a lot of overreaction in here. I am far from innocent myself.

It's been said a lot already, but I'll say it again for the over emotional among us...its the FIRST game of the PRESEASON. New players are nervous. Veterans are shaking of rust and trying to stay interested in a meaningless game. It was also a game where Duncan did not play, so we really didn't see a lot that resembled our offense besides some high screen and roll by TP. Some guys tried too hard(Tolliver) and some guys got trapped in their own minds(Mason). After three or four games I think we will start to have an idea where our prospects stand. We don't have a lot of room on the bench and the players we keep out of this pool will probably split time between the D-League and the bench depending on how our rotation players play early on. I think the only one that stands a really good chance of being on the active roster on opening day is Hill, and in saying that I wouldn't be surprised if he was in Austin. My gut feeling is that we will keep guys we want to continue to develop and start the season with most of the regular rotation.

[DPG21920]

I think you guys are seriously overreacting to Roger Mason's game.

It was just one game, people just have high hopes as fans. I am sure his heart was going a million miles per hour. He should be fine. All it takes is that one good game where you hit shots and make good defensive rotations to become that "Spur". He should be fine.

[Many PackYao]

I like how Ron was working his ass off and taking the game serious. Hopefully that motivates T-mac cuz Ron looks serious about getting that title.Sometimes I think Mcgrady needs a good motivational ass-kicking.

[Obstructed_View]

I think you guys are seriously overreacting to Roger Mason's game.

I think people are overreacting to his stats. I thought Mason played well. He was better than some of the guys who have been here for a while, and never seemed lost even if he was a little frustrated. The Rockets knew to deny him shots, and without Duncan or Manu in the game they could pretty much do that.

[Obstructed_View]

I like how Ron was working his ass off and taking the game serious. Hopefully that motivates T-mac cuz Ron looks serious about getting that title.Sometimes I think Mcgrady needs a good motivational ass-kicking.

Yeah, those honeymoon periods are nice with Ron. The Kings had the best shot in the playoffs with him because they traded for him in the middle of the year. He's got a full season in Houston to wear out his welcome. He's a hell of a player when his head's right. Relatively.

[Many PackYao]

He's a hell of a player when his head's right.Yup, that's how I see it.

[benefactor]

I think people are overreacting to his stats. I thought Mason played well. He was better than some of the guys who have been here for a while, and never seemed lost even if he was a little frustrated. The Rockets knew to deny him shots, and without Duncan or Manu in the game they could pretty much do that.
Not to mention the fact that the Rockets were playing all there starters besides TMac and our whole starting lineup was backup scorers besides Parker. Houston played all their major rotation players except for TMac and Battier. We were without Duncan, Manu, Finley, Bowen and Kurt Thomas.

[benefactor]

To put things in perspective...players that played over 20 minutes for each team.

Spurs - Tolliver, Green, Mason, Bonner, Oberto and Udoka

Rockets - Artest, Yao, Alston, Head, Brooks, Wafer, Barry and Hayes

So you got a bunch of guys in their first game out trying to make a team spending most of their time playing against star players/major rotation players. I'd say the odds were stacked slightly against our guys in this game.

[T Park]

I think people are overreacting to his stats. I thought Mason played well. He was better than some of the guys who have been here for a while, and never seemed lost even if he was a little frustrated. The Rockets knew to deny him shots, and without Duncan or Manu in the game they could pretty much do that.

Pretty much my thoughts exactly.

I still think he should stay the starter when Ginobili comes back.

[T Park]

Not to mention the fact that the Rockets were playing all there starters besides TMac and our whole starting lineup was backup scorers besides Parker. Houston played all their major rotation players except for TMac and Battier. We were without Duncan, Manu, Finley, Bowen and Kurt Thomas.

Might as well say without half a Parker.

Didn't even suit up for the second half.

[Solid D]

I hope they put Emo Sudoku or whatever his name is on Artest when the Spurs play the Rockets in the reg season.Ron was blowing right by him every time.:lol

Emo Sudoku, :lol

[Buddy Holly]

I hope we see Hill on CP3 tonight.

[Many PackYao]

To put things in perspective...players that played over 20 minutes for each team.

Spurs - Tolliver, Green, Mason, Bonner, Oberto and Udoka

Rockets - Artest, Yao, Alston, Head, Brooks, Wafer, Barry and Hayes

So you got a bunch of guys in their first game out trying to make a team spending most of their time playing against star players/major rotation players. I'd say the odds were stacked slightly against our guys in this game.
Wow, you make it seem if as the Spurs had their starters then the Rockets would have not won.Didn't they go 2-2 last season and the year before that? You didn't have to make excuses for them losing this game, we know the Spurs had the majority of their starters out.:toast

[Buddy Holly]

Wow, you make it seem if as the Spurs had their starters then the Rockets would have not won.Didn't they go 2-2 last season and the year before that? You didn't have to make excuses for them losing this game, we know the Spurs had the majority of their starters out.:toast

You read that and took away from it the BS you typed?

[Many PackYao]

You read that and took away from it the BS you typed?Well, wasn't it obvious that the Rockets should of won with guys they put on the court vs what the Spurs had last night?He was making an excuse for the Spurs losing.:bang

[underdawg]

Wow, you make it seem if as the Spurs had their starters then the Rockets would have not won.Didn't they go 2-2 last season and the year before that? You didn't have to make excuses for them losing this game, we know the Spurs had the majority of their starters out.:toast

Wow, you seem to be pretty proud of winning a pre-season game. I can understand the excitement coming from desperate rockette fan, but reality check - a younger artest was on a pretty good Pacer team too and how did that turn out? Once a nut - always a nut (see rodman, TO, PacMan, chad johnson, etc.)

[Many PackYao]

Wow, you seem to be pretty proud of winning a pre-season game. I can understand the excitement coming from desperate rockette fan, but reality check - a younger artest was on a pretty good Pacer team too and how did that turn out? Once a nut - always a nut (see rodman, TO, PacMan, chad johnson, etc.)
Are you serious? :lolNo, I'm just responding to the unnecessary excuses made by Spurs fans for losing this game.Everyone who saw the game knows the Spurs were missing their other starters.I only care how they match up in the regular season and hopefully the playoffs.Also, Rodman played good overall for the Bulls didn't he?We're hoping Artest can do the same for the Rockets.