duncan228
11-30-2008, 10:59 PM
Spurs monthly planner: December 2008 (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_monthly_planner_December_2008.html)
By Jeff McDonald
Save the date
Dec. 17 at New Orleans. The Spurs return to the Big Easy for the first time since their thrilling Game 7 victory in last season’s Western Conference semifinals. Many of the same faces remain on both sides of this budding rivalry. Here’s hoping Super Hugo remains flame retardant.
Set the TiVo
Dec. 6 vs. Golden State. Yes, the Warriors are horrible, but they’re the fun kind of horrible. Plus, this will mark Corey Maggette’s first visit to the Alamo City since the trip he was scheduled to take during free agency was scrapped. Look for a big game from guard Roger Mason Jr., the Spurs’ Grade A Plan B.
Catch a movie instead
Dec. 14 vs. Oklahoma City. P.J. Carlesimo is gone, and the Team Formerly Known as the SuperSonics is floundering. Unless your idea of a fun Friday night is to watch former Texas star Kevin Durant jack up about 30 field-goal attempts, take a pass on this one and rent “Step Brothers” on DVD or high-definition Blu-ray.
Spur(s) of the month
It’s true Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker already are back from their ankle ailments. But they aren’t yet back-back. Look for December to be the month the Spurs hit full strength, as their two erstwhile injured All-Star guards each become capable of putting in a full night’s work.
Foe focus, take 2
Allen Iverson, Detroit (Tuesday). Iverson, then a member of the Denver Nuggets, filled this space in last month’s planner. Less than 24 hours later, he was traded to Detroit. So we’ll try it again. The former league MVP makes his one and only trip to the AT&T Center this week. No foolin’ this time, unless he gets traded again between now and Tuesday.
O, Christmas ... Cactus?
The only the way the Spurs can hope to enjoy a white Christmas this year is to cue up the 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye musical classic of the same name. This year, the Spurs get to spend Christmas in the desert, with a Dec. 25 showdown in Phoenix. After the gifts are all open, the stockings are unstuffed and the in-laws have all gone home, gather around the Christmas tree (or Hanukkah bush or Festivus pole) and watch Parker get his fondest Christmas wish — a matchup with the defensively challenged Steve Nash.
The crystal ball
The month opens ruggedly, with four games in 10 days against teams that made the playoffs last season, but then softens. With Ginobili and Parker back in the fold, but some growing pains to come, call it 10-5.
By Jeff McDonald
Save the date
Dec. 17 at New Orleans. The Spurs return to the Big Easy for the first time since their thrilling Game 7 victory in last season’s Western Conference semifinals. Many of the same faces remain on both sides of this budding rivalry. Here’s hoping Super Hugo remains flame retardant.
Set the TiVo
Dec. 6 vs. Golden State. Yes, the Warriors are horrible, but they’re the fun kind of horrible. Plus, this will mark Corey Maggette’s first visit to the Alamo City since the trip he was scheduled to take during free agency was scrapped. Look for a big game from guard Roger Mason Jr., the Spurs’ Grade A Plan B.
Catch a movie instead
Dec. 14 vs. Oklahoma City. P.J. Carlesimo is gone, and the Team Formerly Known as the SuperSonics is floundering. Unless your idea of a fun Friday night is to watch former Texas star Kevin Durant jack up about 30 field-goal attempts, take a pass on this one and rent “Step Brothers” on DVD or high-definition Blu-ray.
Spur(s) of the month
It’s true Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker already are back from their ankle ailments. But they aren’t yet back-back. Look for December to be the month the Spurs hit full strength, as their two erstwhile injured All-Star guards each become capable of putting in a full night’s work.
Foe focus, take 2
Allen Iverson, Detroit (Tuesday). Iverson, then a member of the Denver Nuggets, filled this space in last month’s planner. Less than 24 hours later, he was traded to Detroit. So we’ll try it again. The former league MVP makes his one and only trip to the AT&T Center this week. No foolin’ this time, unless he gets traded again between now and Tuesday.
O, Christmas ... Cactus?
The only the way the Spurs can hope to enjoy a white Christmas this year is to cue up the 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye musical classic of the same name. This year, the Spurs get to spend Christmas in the desert, with a Dec. 25 showdown in Phoenix. After the gifts are all open, the stockings are unstuffed and the in-laws have all gone home, gather around the Christmas tree (or Hanukkah bush or Festivus pole) and watch Parker get his fondest Christmas wish — a matchup with the defensively challenged Steve Nash.
The crystal ball
The month opens ruggedly, with four games in 10 days against teams that made the playoffs last season, but then softens. With Ginobili and Parker back in the fold, but some growing pains to come, call it 10-5.