duncan228
01-01-2009, 12:36 AM
Spurs monthly planner: January (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_monthly_planner_January.html)
Jeff McDonald
Express-News beat writer Jeff McDonald takes a look at the games, foes and faces to watch during the Spurs’ month to come:
Save the date
Jan. 14 vs. L.A. Lakers: The conference-leading Lakers, led by reigning MVP Kobe Bryant, come to town for the first time since besting the Spurs in last season’s Western Conference finals. If you aren’t excited for this one, you don’t have a pulse.
Set the TiVo
Jan. 5 at Miami: Remember when the Heat were so terrible they made the Dolphins look good? That was so last season. Behind a rejuvenated — and finally healthy Dwyane Wade — the Heat are now a tough team to beat. Oh, and the Dolphins are in the playoffs, too. What a difference a year makes in South Florida.
Catch a movie instead
Jan. 20 vs. Indiana: Over the past few seasons, Larry Bird has vowed to clean up the Pacers’ image, which had been tarnished by a series of off-the-court incidents. Now, the Pacers have a nice, terrible team. Blow this one off and go check out “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” instead.
Spur of the month
Tony Parker: Parker was the Spurs’ best player during their end-of-December surge, averaging better than 22 points in the final 10 games. If he keeps it up throughout January, he ought to be looking at an All-Star berth in February.
Foe focus
Dwight Howard, Orlando: Superman was just getting over a case of Krypton-itis when these teams met in December. If he’s at full strength by the time the Magic come to San Antonio on Jan. 11, the Spurs might want to take out extra insurance on their rims.
Rodeo practice
Looking at the way the Spurs finish the month, it’s fair to wonder who they ticked off at the NBA’s scheduling department. The Spurs prepare for their annual February rodeo road trip with a three-game trek to face the Lakers, Jazz and Suns before coming home to close January with a game against the always-dangerous Hornets.
The crystal ball
It’s going to take some doing, but it isn’t out of the question for the Spurs to finish a rugged January at 10-5. With that rodeo trip to come in February, they’d be wise to stockpile as many victories as possible now.
Jeff McDonald
Express-News beat writer Jeff McDonald takes a look at the games, foes and faces to watch during the Spurs’ month to come:
Save the date
Jan. 14 vs. L.A. Lakers: The conference-leading Lakers, led by reigning MVP Kobe Bryant, come to town for the first time since besting the Spurs in last season’s Western Conference finals. If you aren’t excited for this one, you don’t have a pulse.
Set the TiVo
Jan. 5 at Miami: Remember when the Heat were so terrible they made the Dolphins look good? That was so last season. Behind a rejuvenated — and finally healthy Dwyane Wade — the Heat are now a tough team to beat. Oh, and the Dolphins are in the playoffs, too. What a difference a year makes in South Florida.
Catch a movie instead
Jan. 20 vs. Indiana: Over the past few seasons, Larry Bird has vowed to clean up the Pacers’ image, which had been tarnished by a series of off-the-court incidents. Now, the Pacers have a nice, terrible team. Blow this one off and go check out “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” instead.
Spur of the month
Tony Parker: Parker was the Spurs’ best player during their end-of-December surge, averaging better than 22 points in the final 10 games. If he keeps it up throughout January, he ought to be looking at an All-Star berth in February.
Foe focus
Dwight Howard, Orlando: Superman was just getting over a case of Krypton-itis when these teams met in December. If he’s at full strength by the time the Magic come to San Antonio on Jan. 11, the Spurs might want to take out extra insurance on their rims.
Rodeo practice
Looking at the way the Spurs finish the month, it’s fair to wonder who they ticked off at the NBA’s scheduling department. The Spurs prepare for their annual February rodeo road trip with a three-game trek to face the Lakers, Jazz and Suns before coming home to close January with a game against the always-dangerous Hornets.
The crystal ball
It’s going to take some doing, but it isn’t out of the question for the Spurs to finish a rugged January at 10-5. With that rodeo trip to come in February, they’d be wise to stockpile as many victories as possible now.