timvp
01-30-2009, 06:06 PM
The San Antonio Spurs went into Phoenix and did what they usually do against the Suns. Keeping the game close throughout, the Spurs executed better and played smarter down the stretch to pull out a win by a final score of 114-104.
The key basket for San Antonio came courtesy of Tony Parker. Following a three-point play by Grant Hill that cut Phoenix’s deficit to three points with 1:06 to go in the final stanza, Parker’s 22-footer from straightaway was the final nail the Spurs needed on the night. Manu Ginobili hammered that nail into the Suns’ coffin with five more free throws before the buzzer sounded.
The Suns undoubtedly looked forward to this game and the loss has to be demoralizing. However, there were a few bright spots for Phoenix. Steve Nash and Grant Hill played well, while Amare Stoudemire scored easily against the Spurs. Their two major weaknesses for the Suns remain defense, especially against dribble penetration, and clutch offensive execution.
As for the Spurs, this was a second very impressive win on the road. After dropping that game against the Lakers, the Spurs have responded well. Although their defense against the Suns certainly could have been better, overall it’s difficult to fault any aspect of their effort.
Tim Duncan
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
41 minutes, 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three turnovers
6-for-16 from the field, 8-for-12 from the line
Tim Duncan wasn’t spectacular but he was the foundation of what the Spurs did on the night. Defensively, he guarded Shaquille O’Neal well for a majority of the game. He also was active in the pick-and-roll defense and clogged the middle relatively well. On offense, he struggled a bit on his own shot but he made up for it by getting to the line a dozen times and passing the ball very well. Perhaps the most dominating aspect of his game was his rebounding on both ends. Many of his six offensive rebounds were momentum-changers and he pulled down a number of contested boards on the defensive glass.
-------------------------------
Manu Ginobili
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3380.jpg
32 minutes, 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals
6-for-13 from the field, 0-for-4 on three-pointers, 18-for-18 at the line
In scoring a season-high 30 points, Manu Ginobili was stubbornly relentlessness. His 18-for-18 showing at the line was arguably the most important stat in the game. Ginobili’s attacking of the basket was vintage and hopefully a preview of what is to come. Part of the reason why Ginobili was so effective on the offensive end was his patience. He waited for the perfect time to attack against the Suns’ vulnerable defense instead of forcing the action when he saw a glimpse of open space. The patience also allowed him to not turn the ball over in his 32 minutes. When Ginobili wasn't hitting free throws, he mixed in acrobatic scores and a number of crisp passes, including the assist on Parker’s 22-foot clincher. Defensively, he didn’t make many mistakes and especially helped out with his nine defensive boards. A good sign for Ginobili is that he was so effective on offense despite not connecting on a three-pointer. In fact, the 30 points he scored was a career-high in a game in which he was held without a three-point make.
-------------------------------
Tony Parker
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
34 minutes, 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals
12-for-21 from the field, 2-for-2 at the line
Tony Parker played a very smooth game and was instrumental in the victory. His ten points in the first ten minutes really set the tone for the Spurs and kept the Suns on their heels from the opening tip. In the pick-and-roll action, he was equally as deadly going all the way to the basket and shooting the midrange jumper. Defensively, Parker stayed within the game plan but his overall aggressiveness was low on that end – likely due to early foul trouble. On the whole, the Spurs have to be happy with the consistent and seemingly effortless performance they got from their point guard.
-------------------------------
Roger Mason, Jr.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3628.jpg
32 minutes, 12 points
3-for-9 from the field, 2-for-5 on three-pointers, 4-for-4 at the line
Roger Mason, Jr. had a game of spurts. The two three-pointers he hit came in a span of 35 seconds in the second quarter. He also started the game off poor defensively before picking it up on that end of the court in the second half. Consistency from quarter to quarter and game to game seems to be an issue with Mason right now but it’s to be expected, all things considered. The good news is that he seems to be progressing and Pop continues to show trust in him.
-------------------------------
Michael Finley
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
20 minutes, six points, three rebounds, two assists
2-for-5 from the field, 2-for-5 on three-pointers
Although Michael Finley didn’t have a particularly good game, he looked livelier than he’s been in the last couple of weeks. He had good arc on his shot, he was jumping better and he even drove the ball to the basket. However, Finley still struggled on defense – especially when he tried to move laterally. In January, Finley’s numbers are down across the board but being the streaky player that he is, he’ll probably start trending back the other way before too much longer.
-------------------------------
Matt Bonner
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
26 minutes, three points, three rebounds
1-for-3 from the field, 1-for-1 on three-pointers
Matt Bonner found it difficult to be much of a help against the Suns. On defense, he practically begged Stoudemire to take the perimeter jumper rather have him drive it into the lane. The problem is Stoudemire is a very good outside shooter and he proved that once again. Bonner also didn’t help much on the boards on the defensive end. Offensively, the Suns paid extra attention to him and limited his attempts, although Bonner helped out by passing up a few shots.
-------------------------------
Kurt Thomas
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3012.jpg
21 minutes, six points, eight rebounds
3-for-5 from the field
If Kurt Thomas played the Suns every night, he could have a case to return to Phoenix in a few weeks for the All-Star game. His defense was dominant at times and he did a wonderful job against O’Neal. Thomas also contested shots and stepped out on the perimeter when it was needed. Offensively, he knocked down a few jumpers to spread the defense and he was a beast on the offensive boards. All in all, the Spurs couldn’t hope from much more out of Thomas.
-------------------------------
Bruce Bowen
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
19 minutes, nine points
1-for-3 from the field, 1-for-3 on three-pointers, 6-for-8 at the line
Bruce Bowen added another chapter to his Suns slaying legacy. With the game tied at 79 late in the third quarter, Suns coach Terry Porter opted to employ Hack-a-Bowen. After missing his first free throw, he subsequently connected on five straight to doom the strategy. Prior to this game, Bowen was 2-for-8 on the season at the line, so he ended up doubling his attempts and tripling his makes in this one contest. While Bowen’s destruction of Porter’s strategy was a humorous side note, it was Bowen’s defense that really stood out. The defense for the Spurs looked much better with Bowen in the game and the numbers back it. The Suns scored 90.8 points per 48 minutes when Bowen was on the court. When he was on the bench, the Suns scored 112.3 points per 48 minutes.
-------------------------------
George Hill
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/4488.jpg
14 minutes, two points, two rebounds
1-for-1 from the field
Though his play was far from flawless, George Hill gave good effort and provided a lot of energy. Defensively, he applied pressure on the ball and helped out on the boards. On offense, he wasn’t as successful but he didn’t back down and a good job of kept the team in rhythm. Hill’s best moments came at the end of the first half when he helped the team weather Parker’s foul trouble.
-------------------------------
Gregg Popovich
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/sports/popovich_gregg030428.jpg
Pop had a standard rotation but his gameplan shined. He drew up plays that had the Suns rotating on defense while at the same time trying to stop penetration from Parker and Ginobili. The amount of movement in the sets really helped the Spurs to have one of the better offensive showings of the season. On defense, not much was working but Pop smartly went to Bowen and Thomas when he needed stops.
-------------------------------
Offense
The 114 points scored by the Spurs were the most they’ve put on the board since scoring 133 against Dallas on Dec. 9. Why did the Spurs score so well? Getting to the line 44 times, a season-high, obviously helped. For the night, the Spurs shot 46.1% from the floor and turned the ball over only six times. It was a rare game in which the Spurs shot poorly from three-point land (6-of-19), didn’t get many assists (16) and still had a very successful offensive outing. If the Spurs ever wonder why getting to the line is important, they should pop in a tape of this game.
Defense
Defensively, the Spurs again weren’t very good. They followed the same pattern as the Jazz game – three ugly defensive quarters and then a strong fourth period. Overall, the Suns shot 49.4% from the field, handed out 22 assists and only turned the ball over seven times. It should be noted that all seven of the turnovers were committed in the second half by the Suns when the Spurs began picking up their defensive pressure. Perhaps the only consistent thing San Antonio did on the defensive end was to keep Phoenix off the three-point line (4-of-7). The 45-37 advantage on the glass was also a bright spot for the Spurs.
Drive to Five
The difficult games keep coming as the Spurs take on the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night in their final game at home before the Rodeo Road Trip. Although it will be tough contest, a win would give the Spurs a good amount of momentum before they embark on their annual journey.
Believe.
The key basket for San Antonio came courtesy of Tony Parker. Following a three-point play by Grant Hill that cut Phoenix’s deficit to three points with 1:06 to go in the final stanza, Parker’s 22-footer from straightaway was the final nail the Spurs needed on the night. Manu Ginobili hammered that nail into the Suns’ coffin with five more free throws before the buzzer sounded.
The Suns undoubtedly looked forward to this game and the loss has to be demoralizing. However, there were a few bright spots for Phoenix. Steve Nash and Grant Hill played well, while Amare Stoudemire scored easily against the Spurs. Their two major weaknesses for the Suns remain defense, especially against dribble penetration, and clutch offensive execution.
As for the Spurs, this was a second very impressive win on the road. After dropping that game against the Lakers, the Spurs have responded well. Although their defense against the Suns certainly could have been better, overall it’s difficult to fault any aspect of their effort.
Tim Duncan
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
41 minutes, 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three turnovers
6-for-16 from the field, 8-for-12 from the line
Tim Duncan wasn’t spectacular but he was the foundation of what the Spurs did on the night. Defensively, he guarded Shaquille O’Neal well for a majority of the game. He also was active in the pick-and-roll defense and clogged the middle relatively well. On offense, he struggled a bit on his own shot but he made up for it by getting to the line a dozen times and passing the ball very well. Perhaps the most dominating aspect of his game was his rebounding on both ends. Many of his six offensive rebounds were momentum-changers and he pulled down a number of contested boards on the defensive glass.
-------------------------------
Manu Ginobili
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3380.jpg
32 minutes, 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals
6-for-13 from the field, 0-for-4 on three-pointers, 18-for-18 at the line
In scoring a season-high 30 points, Manu Ginobili was stubbornly relentlessness. His 18-for-18 showing at the line was arguably the most important stat in the game. Ginobili’s attacking of the basket was vintage and hopefully a preview of what is to come. Part of the reason why Ginobili was so effective on the offensive end was his patience. He waited for the perfect time to attack against the Suns’ vulnerable defense instead of forcing the action when he saw a glimpse of open space. The patience also allowed him to not turn the ball over in his 32 minutes. When Ginobili wasn't hitting free throws, he mixed in acrobatic scores and a number of crisp passes, including the assist on Parker’s 22-foot clincher. Defensively, he didn’t make many mistakes and especially helped out with his nine defensive boards. A good sign for Ginobili is that he was so effective on offense despite not connecting on a three-pointer. In fact, the 30 points he scored was a career-high in a game in which he was held without a three-point make.
-------------------------------
Tony Parker
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
34 minutes, 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals
12-for-21 from the field, 2-for-2 at the line
Tony Parker played a very smooth game and was instrumental in the victory. His ten points in the first ten minutes really set the tone for the Spurs and kept the Suns on their heels from the opening tip. In the pick-and-roll action, he was equally as deadly going all the way to the basket and shooting the midrange jumper. Defensively, Parker stayed within the game plan but his overall aggressiveness was low on that end – likely due to early foul trouble. On the whole, the Spurs have to be happy with the consistent and seemingly effortless performance they got from their point guard.
-------------------------------
Roger Mason, Jr.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3628.jpg
32 minutes, 12 points
3-for-9 from the field, 2-for-5 on three-pointers, 4-for-4 at the line
Roger Mason, Jr. had a game of spurts. The two three-pointers he hit came in a span of 35 seconds in the second quarter. He also started the game off poor defensively before picking it up on that end of the court in the second half. Consistency from quarter to quarter and game to game seems to be an issue with Mason right now but it’s to be expected, all things considered. The good news is that he seems to be progressing and Pop continues to show trust in him.
-------------------------------
Michael Finley
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
20 minutes, six points, three rebounds, two assists
2-for-5 from the field, 2-for-5 on three-pointers
Although Michael Finley didn’t have a particularly good game, he looked livelier than he’s been in the last couple of weeks. He had good arc on his shot, he was jumping better and he even drove the ball to the basket. However, Finley still struggled on defense – especially when he tried to move laterally. In January, Finley’s numbers are down across the board but being the streaky player that he is, he’ll probably start trending back the other way before too much longer.
-------------------------------
Matt Bonner
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
26 minutes, three points, three rebounds
1-for-3 from the field, 1-for-1 on three-pointers
Matt Bonner found it difficult to be much of a help against the Suns. On defense, he practically begged Stoudemire to take the perimeter jumper rather have him drive it into the lane. The problem is Stoudemire is a very good outside shooter and he proved that once again. Bonner also didn’t help much on the boards on the defensive end. Offensively, the Suns paid extra attention to him and limited his attempts, although Bonner helped out by passing up a few shots.
-------------------------------
Kurt Thomas
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3012.jpg
21 minutes, six points, eight rebounds
3-for-5 from the field
If Kurt Thomas played the Suns every night, he could have a case to return to Phoenix in a few weeks for the All-Star game. His defense was dominant at times and he did a wonderful job against O’Neal. Thomas also contested shots and stepped out on the perimeter when it was needed. Offensively, he knocked down a few jumpers to spread the defense and he was a beast on the offensive boards. All in all, the Spurs couldn’t hope from much more out of Thomas.
-------------------------------
Bruce Bowen
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
19 minutes, nine points
1-for-3 from the field, 1-for-3 on three-pointers, 6-for-8 at the line
Bruce Bowen added another chapter to his Suns slaying legacy. With the game tied at 79 late in the third quarter, Suns coach Terry Porter opted to employ Hack-a-Bowen. After missing his first free throw, he subsequently connected on five straight to doom the strategy. Prior to this game, Bowen was 2-for-8 on the season at the line, so he ended up doubling his attempts and tripling his makes in this one contest. While Bowen’s destruction of Porter’s strategy was a humorous side note, it was Bowen’s defense that really stood out. The defense for the Spurs looked much better with Bowen in the game and the numbers back it. The Suns scored 90.8 points per 48 minutes when Bowen was on the court. When he was on the bench, the Suns scored 112.3 points per 48 minutes.
-------------------------------
George Hill
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/4488.jpg
14 minutes, two points, two rebounds
1-for-1 from the field
Though his play was far from flawless, George Hill gave good effort and provided a lot of energy. Defensively, he applied pressure on the ball and helped out on the boards. On offense, he wasn’t as successful but he didn’t back down and a good job of kept the team in rhythm. Hill’s best moments came at the end of the first half when he helped the team weather Parker’s foul trouble.
-------------------------------
Gregg Popovich
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/sports/popovich_gregg030428.jpg
Pop had a standard rotation but his gameplan shined. He drew up plays that had the Suns rotating on defense while at the same time trying to stop penetration from Parker and Ginobili. The amount of movement in the sets really helped the Spurs to have one of the better offensive showings of the season. On defense, not much was working but Pop smartly went to Bowen and Thomas when he needed stops.
-------------------------------
Offense
The 114 points scored by the Spurs were the most they’ve put on the board since scoring 133 against Dallas on Dec. 9. Why did the Spurs score so well? Getting to the line 44 times, a season-high, obviously helped. For the night, the Spurs shot 46.1% from the floor and turned the ball over only six times. It was a rare game in which the Spurs shot poorly from three-point land (6-of-19), didn’t get many assists (16) and still had a very successful offensive outing. If the Spurs ever wonder why getting to the line is important, they should pop in a tape of this game.
Defense
Defensively, the Spurs again weren’t very good. They followed the same pattern as the Jazz game – three ugly defensive quarters and then a strong fourth period. Overall, the Suns shot 49.4% from the field, handed out 22 assists and only turned the ball over seven times. It should be noted that all seven of the turnovers were committed in the second half by the Suns when the Spurs began picking up their defensive pressure. Perhaps the only consistent thing San Antonio did on the defensive end was to keep Phoenix off the three-point line (4-of-7). The 45-37 advantage on the glass was also a bright spot for the Spurs.
Drive to Five
The difficult games keep coming as the Spurs take on the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night in their final game at home before the Rodeo Road Trip. Although it will be tough contest, a win would give the Spurs a good amount of momentum before they embark on their annual journey.
Believe.