duncan228
02-09-2009, 11:36 PM
Parker braces for fellow All-Star Harris (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Parker_braces_for_fellow_All-Star_Harris.html)
Jeff McDonald
NEW YORK There aren't many point guards in the NBA who can keep up with the Spurs' Tony Parker in a foot race.
Tonight in New Jersey, he will meet one of them.
The Nets' Devin Harris has played his way onto the Eastern Conference All-Star team this season, mostly by virtue of his blazing speed and relentless attacking style.
At 21.8 points per game, Harris ranks as the top-scoring point guard in the NBA. Parker, who is also an All-Star this season, ranks third at 20.4 points per game.
Parker considers Harris to be one of the quickest players he will face this season top five, definitely, Parker said. As such, Parker remains a fan of the trade last season that shipped Harris from Dallas to New Jersey and out of Parker's hair.
Harris went for 27 points in the teams' previous meeting, a 94-91 Spurs victory in January at the AT&T Center.
I've got enough challenges in the West, Parker said. I don't mind a couple good guards going to the East.
Shooting stars: Team San Antonio will send the same trio to defend its Haier Shooting Stars title at this year's All-Star Weekend. Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Silver Stars player Becky Hammon, who won the event last season, will team up again in Phoenix.
The competition involves players attempting shots from all over the court, ending with attempts from half court.
The Spurs have a mini-dynasty going in the shooting stars event, having won two of the past three years. A team comprised of Parker, Steve Kerr and the WNBA's Kendra Wecker claimed the title in 2006.
Carter expects to play: Nets guard Vince Carter doesn't expect the elbow injury that sidelined him for Sunday's game against Orlando to keep him out of tonight's game.
Carter, New Jersey's second-leading scorer at 20.8 points per game, sat out a 101-84 loss at the Magic with a hyperextended right elbow. He told the Newark Star-Ledger he expects to return against the Spurs.
Sticking together: Spurs rookie guard George Hill says he has been pulling for another member of the 2008 NBA Draft class.
New Jersey center Brook Lopez, the 7-footer out of Stanford selected 10th overall, has emerged as arguably the best rookie big man in the league. Lopez, who is averaging 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds, leads the Nets in double-doubles this season with 12. He also has logged eight games of at least 20 points, setting a franchise rookie record for centers.
I'm happy for any rookie who plays good, Hill said. Our rookie class is a family, and that's how it should be.
Jeff McDonald
NEW YORK There aren't many point guards in the NBA who can keep up with the Spurs' Tony Parker in a foot race.
Tonight in New Jersey, he will meet one of them.
The Nets' Devin Harris has played his way onto the Eastern Conference All-Star team this season, mostly by virtue of his blazing speed and relentless attacking style.
At 21.8 points per game, Harris ranks as the top-scoring point guard in the NBA. Parker, who is also an All-Star this season, ranks third at 20.4 points per game.
Parker considers Harris to be one of the quickest players he will face this season top five, definitely, Parker said. As such, Parker remains a fan of the trade last season that shipped Harris from Dallas to New Jersey and out of Parker's hair.
Harris went for 27 points in the teams' previous meeting, a 94-91 Spurs victory in January at the AT&T Center.
I've got enough challenges in the West, Parker said. I don't mind a couple good guards going to the East.
Shooting stars: Team San Antonio will send the same trio to defend its Haier Shooting Stars title at this year's All-Star Weekend. Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Silver Stars player Becky Hammon, who won the event last season, will team up again in Phoenix.
The competition involves players attempting shots from all over the court, ending with attempts from half court.
The Spurs have a mini-dynasty going in the shooting stars event, having won two of the past three years. A team comprised of Parker, Steve Kerr and the WNBA's Kendra Wecker claimed the title in 2006.
Carter expects to play: Nets guard Vince Carter doesn't expect the elbow injury that sidelined him for Sunday's game against Orlando to keep him out of tonight's game.
Carter, New Jersey's second-leading scorer at 20.8 points per game, sat out a 101-84 loss at the Magic with a hyperextended right elbow. He told the Newark Star-Ledger he expects to return against the Spurs.
Sticking together: Spurs rookie guard George Hill says he has been pulling for another member of the 2008 NBA Draft class.
New Jersey center Brook Lopez, the 7-footer out of Stanford selected 10th overall, has emerged as arguably the best rookie big man in the league. Lopez, who is averaging 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds, leads the Nets in double-doubles this season with 12. He also has logged eight games of at least 20 points, setting a franchise rookie record for centers.
I'm happy for any rookie who plays good, Hill said. Our rookie class is a family, and that's how it should be.