Spurs vs. Warriors Previews

[duncan228]

Saturday: Warriors (5-14) at Spurs (10-8) (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Saturday_Warriors_5-14_at_Spurs_10-8.html)
Express-News

Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: KMYS
Radio: WOAI-AM 1200, KCOR-AM 1350

STARTING LINEUPS
POS - SPURS - WARRIORS

PG - 9 Tony Parker (6-2, 8th yr) - 6 Jamal Crawford (6-5, 9th yr)
Crawford, then a Knick, scored 28 in previous visit to AT&T this year.

SG - 20 Manu Ginobili (6-6, 7th yr) - 1 Stephen Jackson (6-8, 9th yr)
Ginobili had season-high 21 points in season-high 30 minutes vs. Denver.

SF - 4 Michael Finley (6-7, 14th yr) - 50 Corey Maggette (6-6, 10th yr)
Had summer gone differently, Maggette would be in silver and black.

PF - 21 Tim Duncan (6-11, 12th yr) - 32 Brandan Wright (6-10, 2nd yr)
With Al Harrington gone, Wright enjoying a breakout year.

C - 15 Matt Bonner (6-10, 5th yr) - 5 Andris Biedrins (6-11, 5th yr)
Bonner scoring 9.3 points, shooting 56.2 percent since Nov. 12 DNP.

SPURS RESERVES

12 Bruce Bowen, F, 6-7, 13th yr
8 Roger Mason Jr., G, 6-5, 5th yr
3 George Hill, G, 6-2, 1st yr
7 Fabricio Oberto, C/F, 6-10, 4th yr
40 Kurt Thomas, C/F, 6-9, 14th yr
5 Ime Udoka, G/F, 6-5, 5th yr
11 Jacque Vaughn, G, 6-1, 12th yr

WARRIORS RESERVES

7 Kelenna Azubuike, G, 6-5, 3rd yr
18 Marco Belinelli, G, 6-5, 2nd yr
31 Bob Kurz, F, 6-9, 1st yr
22 Anthony Morrow, G, 6-5, 1st yr
4 Anthony Randolph, F, 6-10, 1st yr
21 Ronny Turiaf, F, 6-10, 4th yr
23 C.J. Watson, G, 6-2, 2nd yr

COACHES

Spurs: Gregg Popovich
Warriors: Don Nelson

INJURIES

Spurs: Udoka (flu) is day-to-day.

Warriors: Monta Ellis (suspended list) is out.

PROJECTED INACTIVE PLAYERS

Spurs: Ian Mahinmi.

Warriors: Ellis, DeMarcus Nelson, Richard Hendrix.

NOTABLE

Spurs have won 20 straight against the Warriors in San Antonio, a streak dating to Feb. 14, 1997. ... Warriors scoring 106 points per game, second-most in league. They are allowing 110.3, worst in the league.

- Jeff McDonald

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs are allowing 87.92 ppg since (and including) the Knicks game. That's 2 ppg better than Boston, and their point differential during that stretch is good for fourth in the league, second in the west. Given the fact that they haven't played a single game during that stretch with a complete roster as well as the struggles the team has had playing offense together I'd have to say that it's looking pretty good for this squad, even if Mahinmi doesn't ever contribute, which is highly doubtful.

[duncan228]

Spurs Team Report (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AiDudPX8eFFpwkl4V4ieHmaM0bYF?slug=teamre ports-2008-nba-sas&prov=sportsxchange&type=team_report)

San Antonio Spurs
10-8, 4th Southwest

Getting Inside

Coach Gregg Popovich is not one to get carried away with success. And he’s also not one to let sloppiness go unchallenged.

When the Spurs put up a dud in the second half of Tuesday’s home loss to Detroit, the coach wasn’t about to let it slip by.

“We played very poorly, very unwisely,” Popovich said. “We have too many people playing poorly at this point.

“The most disturbing thing is that we were very soft. I think Detroit intimidated us. It was really sad to watch in that respect. I thought we totally folded to their aggressive play.”

The Spurs were outscored 28-14 in the fourth quarter, spoiling the starting-lineup reunion of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

“We didn’t have the juice, the intensity that we needed to compete at an NBA level,” Roger Mason said. “I don’t think we played aggressive enough as a team.”

Spurs 108, Nuggets 91: The Spurs got the message. Rebounding from one of their poorest efforts this season, the Spurs got back on the winning track by routing Denver on the road Thursday night.

The three-headed monster of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for (64) points. They hardly were the only ones stepping up. Matt Bonner, in his second game as starting center, scored 14 and grabbed eight boards.

The Spurs seized control by outscoring Denver 31-15 in the second quarter. The lead ballooned above 20 in the second half, as the Spurs avenged a 10-point home loss to the Nuggets last month.

Notes, Quotes

• Newcomers such as George Hill and Roger Mason received a lot more playing time the first month of the season than expected because of the injuries to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

A reasonable conclusion drawn from that would be the Spurs’ bench is deeper because of it. Coach Gregg Popovich understands the theory, but doesn’t buy it completely.

“It’s overused and certainly an exaggeration, but it sounds great,” he said. “It’s eminently logical, but in reality it doesn’t always work that way. It will work for some guys, for some guys it won’t.”

Popovich added: “All in all, it’s overrated.”

• Coach Gregg Popovich is one of three former Indiana high school stars now head coaches who are being inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Popovich played at Merrillville High School before attending the Air Force Academy. The other two are Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles and University of New Mexico coach Steve Alford. They’ll be inducted March 25 in Indianapolis.

Quote To Note: “We’re just trying to right our ship right now; it doesn’t matter who we play. We’re trying to get ourselves right. To get a win here against a team that’s playing very good makes us feel we’re back on track.”—Tim Duncan, after routing the Nuggets on Thursday.

Roster Report

Rotation: Starters—Point guard Tony Parker, Shooting guard Roger Mason, Small forward Michael Finley, Power forward Tim Duncan, Center Matt Bonner. Bench—Forward Kurt Thomas, Guard Manu Ginobili, Forward Ime Udoka, Forward Bruce Bowen, Center Fabricio Oberto, Center Ian Mahinmi, Guard George Hill.

Player Notes:

• G Manu Ginobili isn’t going back to the bench. Even though he doesn’t quite believe coach Gregg Popovich on the matter, the Spurs aren’t going to stick Roger Mason or George Hill back in the starting lineup.

But the former Sixth Man of the Year wouldn’t mind a reserve role.

“I’m so used to being a backup,” Ginobili said, “sometimes I prefer it.”

• C Ian Mahinmi was recalled from the D-League, but the young big man isn’t likely to hit the court for a while. He missed the entire preseason with a sprained ankle.

“I don’t even think about working Ian into the lineup,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’ll be in street clothes. He’s only here to monitor his rehab.”

• C Matt Bonner earned a spot in the starting lineup with his recent surge off the bench. So how did he reward coach Gregg Popovich for the promotion? By missing 4-of-5 three-pointers in Tuesday’s loss.

“I had good looks, and I took them with confidence,” he said. “They were just in and out. I wasn’t alone. We needed one of us to get hot, and nobody could.”

Medical Watch:

• The Spurs are healthy.

[Reck]

This game should be ezzzay for the Spurs. Walk in the park.

[duncan228]

Warriors.com

WARRIORS (5-13) AT SPURS (10-8) (http://www.nba.com/warriors/gametime/preview_120608.html)

Saturday, December 6, 2008
5:30 p.m. - AT&T Center
TV: CSN | Radio: KNBR 680

The Warriors will continue on their three-game road trip when they face Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The second half of a back-to-back will mark the Warriors first match-up of the season with San Antonio. The game can be seen on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and heard on KNBR 680.

Golden State will be looking to get back on track after dropping each of its last eight games. The team began its current road trip with a 131-112 loss at Houston on Friday. The Warriors shot 54.8% from the field during the contest, but it was not enough to defeat a Rockets team that made 36-40 free throws over the course of the game.

The Warriors defeated the Spurs in two out of their three match-ups last season, and they will look to build upon that success this year. However, they will be facing a San Antonio team that has won seven of its past 10 contests. The Spurs are just starting to hit their stride after the return to the lineup of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, both of whom had missed significant time due to injury this season.

Golden State will combat the trio of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili with their own high-scoring trio of Stephen Jackson, Jamal Crawford and Corey Maggette. The three Warriors each scored at least 22 points against Houston and will look to do more of the same on Saturday.

Following Saturday's contest, the Warriors will wrap up their three-game road trip in Oklahoma City. Golden State will next return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks in a contest featuring another 2-for-1 Holiday Ticket Offer on December 10.

[SpursFan0728]

look like Warriors had a heck of a game tonight vs. Rockets.

Good for us =)

[duncan228]

Golden State (5-14) at San Antonio (10-8) Preview (http://sport.asiayouthmedia.com/nba/preview?gid=2008120624&prov=ap)
Game info: 8:30 pm EST Sat Dec 6, 2008 TV: CSBA
By Jeff Mezydlo

Despite a recent slip, the San Antonio Spurs have been playing much better at home recently.

That’s not likely to change Saturday night.

The Spurs try for a 21st straight home victory over the reeling Golden State Warriors, who will also try to avoid a ninth consecutive loss overall.

With Manu Ginobili injured to start the season, San Antonio (10-8) lost its first three games at the AT&T Center. The Spurs have played better there since, and are 5-5 at home heading into this contest.

Even with a healthy Ginobili and Tony Parker in the lineup together again, the Spurs lost 98-77 at home to Detroit on Tuesday. They then took to the road Thursday and defeated Denver 108-91.

“We’re just trying to right our ship right now; it doesn’t matter who we play,” said forward Tim Duncan, averaging 20.9 points and a team-leading 10.3 rebounds. “We’re trying to get ourselves right.”

If the Spurs are trying to right their ship, Golden State’s continues to take on water.

The Warriors own the league’s longest active losing streak, and are trying to avoid dropping nine straight for the first time since March 27-April 11, 2006. While the Warriors took two of three games overall from the Spurs in 2007-08, they haven’t won in San Antonio since a 108-94 victory on Feb. 14, 1997 - during the season prior to Duncan’s arrival in the NBA.

Ending that drought won’t be easy for Golden State (5-14), which lost 131-112 at Houston on Friday while allowing 130 points or more for the third straight game. Traditionally one of the NBA’s weaker defensive teams, Golden State is again at the bottom of the league giving up 111.4 points per contest.

That won’t bode well against the Spurs, who shot 50.0 percent from the field against Denver. Parker scored 22 points, while Duncan and Ginobili each added 21 as San Antonio avoided a third consecutive loss overall.

“I think as a team we played some of our best basketball,” said Duncan, who is averaging 25.7 points and 13.3 rebounds in his last three games versus Golden State. “We were a lot more consistent defensively. To get a win against a team that’s playing very good makes us feel we’re back on track.”

Parker is averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 assists in four games since missing nine in a row with an ankle injury. In his last two games versus the Warriors, he has totaled 57 points while shooting 61.5 percent (24-for-39) and recording 15 assists.

Golden State shot 54.2 percent Friday at Houston, but was outscored 43-28 in the fourth quarter by the Rockets.

Corey Maggette had 23 points and 10 rebounds, while former Spur Stephen Jackson scored 26 before being ejected with 1:35 left. Golden State coach Don Nelson was also ejected earlier in the second half as frustration continued to mount for the Warriors.

Jackson, a member of San Antonio’s 2002-03 NBA championship team, is averaging a team-high 20.9 points per game. He bounced back Friday after scoring a season-low eight points in 49 minutes of an overtime loss to Miami on Monday.

Maggette is averaging 28.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in his last three games.

Notes:

Warriors:

G-F Kelenna Azubuike returned to play Friday night after sitting out Monday's game in Miami. He played five minutes but did not score. Azubuike was injured on November 29 game at New York. "He sprained both ankles on the same play," coach Don Nelson said. "I don't know how." ... G Jamal Crawford has fit in well with Golden State since arriving from the Knicks. "I like him," Nelson said. "He's perfect for our system." Nelson is anxious to see Crawford and G Monta Ellis - who is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered this preseason - play together in the backcourt. Nelson said that it will probably be another month before Ellis starts shooting. ... The Warriors are in the middle of a tough schedule stretch. They played five in a row on the East Coast and lost all five. They returned home to face Miami and got beat, 130-129, in overtime. They go to San Antonio and Oklahoma City next before finally playing Miwaukee at home Wednesday.

Spurs:

F Ime Udoka missed Thursday's game against Denver due to flu-like symptoms. He is expected to return for Saturday's game against Golden State. ... The Spurs held Denver to 44 percent (35-of-79) shooting from the field during Thursday's win. They improved to 7-1 when holding opponents to less than 45 percent shooting. ... With Thursday's win against Denver, San Antonio snapped a two-game losing streak at the Pepsi Center.

Team Stat Leaders

Points

Stephen Jackson GS 20.9
Tony Parker SA 23.0

Rebounds

Andris Biedrins GS 12.1
Tim Duncan SA 10.3

Assists
Stephen Jackson GS 6.6
Tony Parker SA 6.2

Team Comparison
Team Record Standings PF PA Road/Home Streak L10

Golden State 5-14 3rd Pacific / 11th West 106.3 111.4 Road 2-9 Lost 8 2-8

San Antonio 10-8 4th Southwest / 8th West 93.5 92.7 Home 5-5 Won 1 7-3

[milkyway21]

Medical Watch:

• The Spurs are healthy.

3 games in a week live here.

WIN this one Spurs!

:bling :bling :bling :bling #21 :flag :bling

[TDMVPDPOY]

for us to win, did what the rockets did, dump it in low to the big men? and gtfo.... :D

duncan will pwned tonite.

jax? hope he doesnt have a good game or else.....

[m33p0]

Medical Watch:

• Ian Mahinmi out with an ankle injury.

[gingerwave]

This game should be ezzzay for the Spurs. Walk in the park.

Let's hope you are right. But it should be!!:sleep

[SpurSupremacist]

Bowen needs to start this game for sure. Nobody else is capable of guarding Crawford.

[duncan228]

Jeff McDonald: Udoka, Thomas back to work (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/12/jeff_mcdonald_u_2.html)

Spurs forwards Ime Udoka and Kurt Thomas, who missed Thursday night's resounding victory at Denver for different reasons, were back at practice this morning, for the team's shootaround in preparation for the game against Golden State.

Udoka skipped the trip to frigid Colorado while battling the flu. Thomas stayed behind to witness the birth of a new baby daughter. He still had the hospital band around his left wrist at today's workout.

[duncan228]

Gameday: Spurs vs. Warriors (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2008/12/gameday_spurs_vs_warriors.html)

If Friday night was any indication, Tim Duncan could have a big offensive game when the Spurs take on the Golden State Warriors tonight at the AT&T Center. Then again, a lot of people might be scoring a lot of points.

Houston's Yao Ming scored 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets beat the Warriors 131-112 on Friday in Houston.

The Warriors, who have lost eight games in a row, have allowed more than 100 points in all but two games this season. Former Spur Stephen Jackson averages 20.6 points for the Warriors.

The Spurs have won eight of their last 11 games and are coming off a strong offensive showing in Thursday's 108-91 road victory over the Denver Nuggets that saw Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili score at least 21 points each.

Here's what's up with the Warriors:

Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle
The last time the Rockets did something like this, just piling up points against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center, they set sail for the next month.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/
hotstories/6149977.html

Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle
The Warriors are a strange basketball team. The last two seasons, they were strange and wonderful. This season, they're just strange.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
f=/c/a/2008/12/04/SPCM14GU2B.DTL

Curtis Pashelka, San Jose Mercury News
But for all the doom and gloom, Golden State found one bright spot during its East Coast swing: the continuing development of point guard C.J. Watson.
http://www.mercurynews.com/
sportsheadlines/ci_11142553

- Joe Alexander, mySanAntonio.com

[xtremesteven33]

transition defense.


nuff said

[duncan228]

Spurs shoot for 21st straight win over Warriors in San Antonio (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/news.aspx?id=4196052)

(Sports Network) - The reeling Golden State Warriors continue a three-game road trip Saturday when they arrive in the Alamo City to face the San Antonio Spurs.

The AT&T Center has been a house of horrors for the Warriors over the years and San Antonio will be shooting for its 21st straight home victory over Golden State. The Warriors haven't tasted victory in San Antonio since a 108-94 triumph on February 14, 1997 - a year prior to Tim Duncan's arrival in San Antonio.

The Warriors lost the opener of their trek in Houston on Friday when Yao Ming scored a season-high 33 points to go with 14 rebounds and five assists, as the Rockets used a 43-point fourth quarter to pull away from Golden State, 131-112.

It was the third straight time the defensively-challenged Warriors have given up 130 or more points in a game.

Corey Maggette notched a double-double with 23 points and 10 boards but Golden State dropped its eighth straight game.

Stephen Jackson hit four three-pointers on his way to a team-high 26 points, while Jamal Crawford contributed 22 points on a lackluster 9-of-21 effort from the field.

The Warriors will finish their trip in Oklahoma City on December 8.

In their last outing, the Spurs' Tony Parker scored 22 points with eight assists and Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili added 21 apiece, as San Antonio pounded Denver, 108-91, on Thursday.

Matt Bonner added 14 points with eight rebounds and Duncan pulled down 12 rebounds with seven assists for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game skid.

San Antonio is 5-5 in the Alamo City this season while Golden State is a miserable 2-9 away from Oakland on the year.

[shelshor]

Referee Assignments
Sat. Dec. 6
Golden State @ San Antonio: G. Willard, J. Goble, L. Wood

[spurs50_]

I can't believe we have 5 guys averaging double figures, it used to be only the top three. Finley is at 9.7 and if the red rocket keeps starting i have no doubt he'll be joining this group. Go Spurs.

[duncan228]

Referee Assignments
Sat. Dec. 6
Golden State @ San Antonio: G. Willard, J. Goble, L. Wood

Thanks for always posting this info. :tu

[Trainwreck2100]

here comes the smallball

[InRareForm]

How many minutes do you think Bonner will get tonight? 25-30?

[DROB4EVER]

This game will be a blowout! Does anyone know if Ian is close to comming back? He got called up so I dont know if he was ready or if the spurs just wanted to keep a closer eye on him

[tomtom]

We're gonna need some strong interior defense to keep Maggette off the free throw line and Bowen to watch for Crawford cus he can light it up at the arc

[DPG21920]

bonner crushed the warroirs last year

[duncan228]

Does anyone know if Ian is close to comming back? He got called up so I dont know if he was ready or if the spurs just wanted to keep a closer eye on him

McDonald, December 2, before the Pistons game:


UPDATE: For what it's worth, Gregg Popovich said before tonight's game that he has "no plans" to play Mahinmi any time soon. He is back in San Antonio so the team can monitor his rehab, and might be returning to Austin shortly.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/12/jeff_mcdonald_m_21.html

[superbigtime]

I think if the Spurs maintain a decent not-too-slow pace we will beat them. If they slow it down too much, Biedrins could give Tim some trouble which may lead to fast break points for GSW. They have a terrible transition defense and that's why I want Tony to push the ball and penetrate. If we outscore them we will out-defend them at the same time.