McDonald: Bonner Lifts Spurs Again [Archive]

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duncan228

02-10-2009, 11:50 PM

Edit: Updated version in post #16.

Bonner lifts Spurs again (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Bonner_lifts_Spurs_again.html)
Jeff McDonald

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Matt Bonner has little troubling remembering the last time he has felt this good shooting a basketball.

“Concord High School,” he said.

These days, Bonner — the Spurs' center and way-too-proud New Hampshire native — has been making big plays on even bigger stages than that.

Bonner threw in 22 points, Tim Duncan had 27 and the Spurs rolled the New Jersey Nets 108-93 on Tuesday night at Izod Arena.

The victory was the Spurs' 10th in their past 12 games, and it moved them to 3-1 on their rodeo road trip, which proceeds today to Toronto.

Bonner made 8 of 10 field goals — including 4 of 5 from 3-point range — and had 11 of his points during a span of 3:16 in the third quarter to help the Spurs (35-15) blow the game open.

It was the second-straight sizzling game for Bonner, just two days removed from scoring a season-high 23 points in the Spurs' Sunday afternoon win at Boston.

The 45 points Bonner totaled against the Celtics and Nets were the most he'd scored in any two-game stretch of his career.

Tony Parker added 20 points for the Spurs, and Duncan had nine rebounds, eight assists and four blocks to go with his scoring.

The Spurs survived a barrage from Vince Carter, who scored 25 points.

Manufan909

02-10-2009, 11:57 PM

I love when Bonner goes to the hole. It sure ain't pretty, but his paint FG% has to be off the charts for the last 3 games.

m33p0

02-11-2009, 12:03 AM

I love when Bonner goes to the hole. It sure ain't pretty, but his paint FG% has to be off the charts for the last 3 games.
yup. he's definitely a spur.

TDMVPDPOY

02-11-2009, 12:10 AM

if he was more aggressive and dare to take the shots, he be a fine player......

defense is still lacking, but if he can play defense like rasho.....then that is all we expected from him.

SequSpur

02-11-2009, 12:17 AM

I missed the game tonight, but I see Vince Carter dropped 25 and he sucks?

sure.... :rolleyes

bigfan

02-11-2009, 12:29 AM

The Big Red Bonerama! And VC is still a turd.

superbigtime

02-11-2009, 12:50 AM

The Red Terror! Or Opie as they called him on NBATV. Gary Payton said "Oh! I thought he was the other one (((Scalabrine))). You know, they all look alike!"

braeden0613

02-11-2009, 12:52 AM

boner lifts spurs again....nice title

Solid D

02-11-2009, 12:56 AM

Bonner's mom missed seeing his game in Boston but she got to see him tonight. His parents switched supporting Matt's brother tonight (per post-game interview).

timvp

02-11-2009, 01:07 AM

He hit some damn tough shots. He had a couple rainbows that were about a 9.5 on the difficulty level.

Hopefully he's this hot in the playoffs.

Ghazi

02-11-2009, 01:08 AM

Lol Boner!

Yorae

02-11-2009, 01:09 AM

Bonner evolution to Super Bonner in the process....

Thompson

02-11-2009, 01:24 AM

Bonner's mom missed seeing his game in Boston but she got to see him tonight. His parents switched supporting Matt's brother tonight (per post-game interview).

I think it'd be worth the Spurs' while to fly one or the other (or both of them -Bonner drops 40!) to every game after these last couple of performances.

Killakobe81

02-11-2009, 01:26 AM

I say no major moves you guys look REAL good right now at least as good as the Celts ...Lakers wil have a HUGE fight on their hands in the WCF

duncan228

02-11-2009, 01:45 AM

Updated.

Bonner's big time (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Bonner_lifts_Spurs_again.html)
Jeff McDonald

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Used to be, the story of the Red Rocket was the story of a class clown.

Matt Bonner rode the subway in Toronto. He was frugal with his money. He was funny and he was friendly, quick with a quip or a witty one-liner. He was a mascot, a tall tale, a folk hero known more across the NBA for his comical choice of transit options than his basketball ability.

And it was fun, for a while. But at some point, Bonner knew he didn’t want to be the class clown forever.

“I don’t care if people take me seriously or not,” Bonner said Tuesday, after his second-consecutive game-turning outing in the Spurs’ 108-93 victory over New Jersey. “As long as I’m contributing to the team, and we’re winning.”

For Bonner, the second part of that sentence was always the rub. At least, until this season, when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich cast Bonner as his starting center and told him, in not so many words, “Go make or break your career.”

Lately, Bonner has been making most everything in sight.

Bonner had 22 points in his team’s smackdown of the Nets at Izod Center, a 13th consecutive victory over New Jersey that moved the Spurs to 3-1 at the halfway point of their rodeo trip.

Bonner hit 8 of 10 field goals, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, an extraordinary game obscured only by the one he had two days earlier, when he scored a season-high 23 points in the Spurs’ upset victory at Boston.

That game was played an hour away from his hometown in Concord, N.H., and featured two busloads of Bonner fans in attendance. The only member of Bonner’s entourage on hand in New Jersey was his wife, Nadia.

The results, however, were strangely similar.

“Matt Bonner made a ridiculous amount of shots,” Popovich said.

The 45 points Bonner totaled in Boston and New Jersey are the most he has scored in any two-game stretch of his career. He has made 18 of his last 27 field goals.

Bonner is quick to recall the last time he felt so cocksure with a basketball in his hand.

“Concord High School,” he said.

Bonner — who is shooting 3-pointers at a 50-percent clip — can only hope the high-school flashbacks continue tonight, when the Spurs’ road caravan pulls into Toronto for his second homecoming game of sorts.

On Tuesday, the Spurs got a ho-hum near-triple double from Tim Duncan — who had 27 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four blocks — and 20 points from Tony Parker.

When the game was in the balance, however, it was not one of the Spurs’ All-Stars who tilted it in their direction. It was Bonner.

The game was still close early in the third quarter. Vince Carter was being Vince Carter on his way to 25 points, scoring on double-clutch floaters and rock-back jumpers and carnival drives. The Nets (24-29) were within three less than two minutes into the frame.

During the next 3:16, Bonner pumped in 11 points, providing the bulk of a 13-2 run to put the Spurs in command for good. He made three 3-pointers during the stretch, one of them part of a five-point possession.

Fouled, clear-path style, on a fast break by Devin Harris, Bonner sank two foul shots, then followed with a corner 3-pointer. By then, the Spurs led 73-59.

Bonner’s teammates say they always saw this kind of ability in him, hidden beneath the sense of humor and Subway sandwich coupons.

“We aren’t surprised,” Manu Ginobili said. “We knew if he got the opportunity to let those shots fly, he would make them.”

Popovich wasn’t always so sure. He wrestled with Bonner’s role to start the season, even giving his minutes to the since-waived Anthony Tolliver.

It turns out, all Bonner needed was time. And a consistent dose of open looks. And a chance to be serious, for once.

Somewhere along the line, the class clown became an assassin.

“It’s funny,” Bonner said, though it really wasn’t. “Everybody keeps asking what I’m doing differently. I can’t really say. I’m just shooting the shots that are open.”

EricB

02-11-2009, 01:53 AM

I missed the game tonight, but I see Vince Carter dropped 25 and he sucks?

sure.... :rolleyes

and his team lost by 15.

Whats that tell you.

m33p0

02-11-2009, 01:59 AM

matt bonner just shooting the shots he's supposed to shoot and making the shots he's supposed to make. no biggie. :D

GSH

02-11-2009, 02:01 AM

He looks down and dribbles it stiff armed like hes in the special olympics.

It's just amazing that all these other teams just lay down and refuse to defend him, huh? I mean, to be that terrible at basketball and still get results, the other teams must be letting him score on purpose. Maybe they feel sorry for him?

Or maybe making nasty comments about another person being "retarded" is an incredibly fucking ignorant, insensitive thing to do.

MI21

02-11-2009, 02:11 AM

“It’s funny,” Bonner said, though it really wasn’t. “Everybody keeps asking what I’m doing differently. I can’t really say. I’m just shooting the shots that are open.”

Nothing to see here. Matt's just shooting some shots. Making the shots he's supposed to make. Nothing to see here. [/SpursDynasty]

EricB

02-11-2009, 02:22 AM

He's good but his team sucks.

That he doesn't make his teammates better.

Which means he sucks as a teammate.

EricB

02-11-2009, 02:24 AM

It's just amazing that all these other teams just lay down and refuse to defend him, huh? I mean, to be that terrible at basketball and still get results, the other teams must be letting him score on purpose. Maybe they feel sorry for him?

Or maybe making nasty comments about another person being "retarded" is an incredibly fucking ignorant, insensitive thing to do.

I get the feeling this guy's basketball knowledge could fill a thimble.

duncan228

02-11-2009, 02:42 AM

On the Way to School, Lopez Meets Duncan (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/sports/basketball/11nets.html?_r=1&ref=sports)
By Jonathan Abrams

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — He was guilty. There was no lingering doubt for Brook Lopez, the officials or the crowd at Izod Center.

Lopez raised his hand in the air, the same one that was caught holding Tim Duncan in the post. For the Nets, there will occasionally be games like Tuesday night’s 108-93 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, contests that toe the line between a test and tutelage.

For Lopez, a rookie center from Stanford who has steadily ascended this season, there will be the occasional speed bump. The previous two games have been a trying, if not educational, stretch for Lopez, who totaled 18 points but had only 4 rebounds. Lopez faced Duncan, a player whose moves Lopez had mimicked while learning the game, only two days after playing against the imposing Dwight Howard.

The stoic Duncan had a typical and efficient game with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, and the Spurs (35-15) delivered a typical performance, earning their 13th consecutive victory.

Howard and Duncan may guard each other to start Sunday’s All-Star Game. Lopez will participate in the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge.

After the game, Lopez exhaled heavily before addressing his second career matchup against Duncan.

“He still scored,” Lopez said. “But obviously, that third quarter showed what a great facilitator he is. He does a great job of being patient. He pretty much picked us apart. Boom, boom, boom.”

Spurs forward Matt Bonner also made some noise with three 3-pointers in the third quarter, when he had 13 points and San Antonio outscored the Nets, 28-18. Bonner finished with 22.

Bonner, who scored 23 points in a win against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, made 8 of 10 shots against the Nets.

“He opened the game up,” Nets Coach Lawrence Frank said.

The Nets enter the All-Star break with a 24-29 record, having alternately exceeded expectations and underwhelmed opponents.

Their last three games were a microcosm of the first half of their season. They blew out a steady Denver Nuggets team, but the afterglow of that victory quickly burned out after double-digit losses to two of the league’s stalwarts, the Orlando Magic and the Spurs.

In the matchup of two of the league’s quickest point guards, Tony Parker had 20 points and 4 assists, and Devin Harris ended with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

They became familiar with one another when Harris began his career with the Western Conference’s Dallas Mavericks. They will also make the trek this week to Phoenix to represent their teams at the All-Star Game.

“They’re both very, very competitive,” Frank said, referring to Harris and Parker. “They’re similar in their games. Both have great quickness. Different personnel around each guy, but both are tremendous.”

With a sleeve over his strained right elbow, which caused him to miss Sunday’s game, Vince Carter had a shaky start, missing four of his first five shots.

He appeared partly dismayed and partly agitated. The official Dick Bavetta assessed him with a technical foul for bickering with 5 minutes 53 seconds left in the second quarter.

From there, Carter resurfaced and scored 11 points in the final 3:18 of the half, taking advantage of being guarded by the smaller Manu Ginóbili and the even smaller Parker. Two of Carter’s baskets came on driving layups while he shifted in the air and drew fouls.

After scoring the first two baskets of the second half, Carter managed to tack on only 4 more points. Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich had inserted the defensive specialist Bruce Bowen. Suddenly, the lanes were closed and when they were open, Duncan loomed near the rim. Carter ended with 25 points, 6 rebounds and optimism heading into the break.

“I really like where we are,” he said. “When our young guys start emerging and get more confident in their game, I think we’ll be right up there with some of the elite teams we play.”

REBOUNDS

The Spurs made 18 of 20 free throws. The Nets made 7 of 9. ... The Super Bowl’s most valuable player, Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, sat courtside.

GSH

02-11-2009, 02:52 AM

I get the feeling this guy's basketball knowledge could fill a thimble.

I know that they don't give style points in the NBA, and it doesn't make a shit what the guy looks like. Or what you think he looks like.

I know that he didn't suddenly start scoring off the dribble by accident. He's put in a hell of a lot of work to improve that part of his game. Fans are supposed to appreciate that kind of thing.

I know that he used to collect his first PF within about 60 seconds of entering the game. He is defending a lot better, and collecting fewer fouls than he used to. That doesn't happen by accident either.

I know that anybody can have a good night or two. But when a guy starts performing consistently, it isn't luck. We haven't seen Bonner in the playoffs yet (as a starter) but that game in Boston was pretty intense. He's becoming more consistent every week, and seems to be handling the pressure pretty well.

I know that people who make snyde references to the Special Olympics, and talk about people looking "retarded" are absolutely fucking ignorant. There are parents everywhere who are proud of their children competing in the Special Olympics. Some of them might even be reading these forums. And you know where you can shove your thimble.

Manufan909

02-11-2009, 03:24 AM

I know that they don't give style points in the NBA, and it doesn't make a shit what the guy looks like. Or what you think he looks like.

I know that he didn't suddenly start scoring off the dribble by accident. He's put in a hell of a lot of work to improve that part of his game. Fans are supposed to appreciate that kind of thing.

I know that he used to collect his first PF within about 60 seconds of entering the game. He is defending a lot better, and collecting fewer fouls than he used to. That doesn't happen by accident either.

I know that anybody can have a good night or two. But when a guy starts performing consistently, it isn't luck. We haven't seen Bonner in the playoffs yet (as a starter) but that game in Boston was pretty intense. He's becoming more consistent every week, and seems to be handling the pressure pretty well.

I know that people who make snyde references to the Special Olympics, and talk about people looking "retarded" are absolutely fucking ignorant. There are parents everywhere who are proud of their children competing in the Special Olympics. Some of them might even be reading these forums. And you know where you can shove your thimble.

+1

I will never understand the ridicule Bonner receives for driving to the hoop on ST. Sure he might look funny, but that what everyone here wants the Spurs to do. But without fail, someone will make fun of a Matt drive, even if he scores.:bang

Ice009

02-11-2009, 03:49 AM

+1

I will never understand the ridicule Bonner receives for driving to the hoop on ST. Sure he might look funny, but that what everyone here wants the Spurs to do. But without fail, someone will make fun of a Matt drive, even if he scores.:bang

I love anyone driving to the rack on the Spurs. Hardly anyone apart from Tony or Manu does. Keep it up Matt.

raspsa

02-11-2009, 09:45 AM

I know that they don't give style points in the NBA, and it doesn't make a shit what the guy looks like. Or what you think he looks like.

I know that he didn't suddenly start scoring off the dribble by accident. He's put in a hell of a lot of work to improve that part of his game. Fans are supposed to appreciate that kind of thing.

I know that he used to collect his first PF within about 60 seconds of entering the game. He is defending a lot better, and collecting fewer fouls than he used to. That doesn't happen by accident either.

I know that anybody can have a good night or two. But when a guy starts performing consistently, it isn't luck. We haven't seen Bonner in the playoffs yet (as a starter) but that game in Boston was pretty intense. He's becoming more consistent every week, and seems to be handling the pressure pretty well.

I know that people who make snyde references to the Special Olympics, and talk about people looking "retarded" are absolutely fucking ignorant. There are parents everywhere who are proud of their children competing in the Special Olympics. Some of them might even be reading these forums. And you know where you can shove your thimble.

Bonner is working his ass off and deserves respect, specially from Spurs fans. People who make insensitive and glib remarks just show their ignorance and jealousy at his success. I can't understand why people can't be happy for what he's accomplished so far and instead must find ways to pull him down.. sad.

Manu-of-steel

02-11-2009, 09:52 AM

REBOUNDS

The Spurs made 18 of 20 free throws. The Nets made 7 of 9. ... The Super Bowl’s most valuable player, Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, sat courtside.
Im not into superbowl, but im sure this MVP from pittsburg is rooting for the spurs to win. Just look at his NAME.lol

hater

02-11-2009, 09:58 AM

damn!

Matt Bonner is Spursdynasty!!!!

BG_Spurs_Fan

02-11-2009, 10:09 AM

That updated version of the article was a surprisingly good read, well done McDonald.

dbestpro

02-11-2009, 10:40 AM

The Lakers do a good job of crowding Bonner at the 3 and he doesn't have the foot speed to compensate. I hate to say this but maybe the time to trade Bonner is now while his stock is at an all time high.

m33p0

02-11-2009, 10:41 AM

MoSpur

02-11-2009, 11:07 AM

Bonner's mid-range game is very good too. The dude has it all. I'm kidding.

Dex

02-11-2009, 11:08 AM

For some reason, I want a cheeseburger whenever I read one of this guy's articles.

Chomag

02-11-2009, 11:15 AM

I'll have to admit that I was one of those that had given up on Bonner being a contributer for the Spurs.

I'll have to say I'm pleased he has pr-oven me wrong and I have to give the Man mad props for that. Now I'm pulling for him to keep up his confidence and level of play all the way to the championship.

You can do it MAd Bonner!

m33p0

02-11-2009, 12:36 PM

he was doing it last year when Tim went down. but a couple of bad games shot down his confidence. he probably didn't expect the minutes he got last season. but this year, he has come back with a vengeance.

xellos88330

02-11-2009, 12:43 PM

I am happy for Matt Bonner. Whenever I see him actually drive the lane, I feel like he is going to turn it over, but he proves me wrong. Kinda makes me feel like watching Manu a little bit... its so wierd that it cant be possible, or can it?

lefty

02-11-2009, 12:57 PM

boner lifts spurs again....nice title

:lol

Ed Helicopter Jones

02-11-2009, 01:03 PM

I'm impressed by how well Bonner is improving his trade value.

SenorSpur

02-11-2009, 01:29 PM

Remember Bonner had a ton of wide open looks in that Jan game versus the Fakers. Yet he missed most of them - as did other open shooters. The deal is now Bonner is shooting and playing with so much more confidence. It's amusing now to watch opposing defenders rush at Bonner, in an effort to drive him off the 3-pt line. A ultimate sign of respect.

Brazil

02-11-2009, 01:40 PM

It's crazy to see how confidence can transform a player. He is a total new player, if he continues to play like that we don't need another big. I know it's a big IF but as of today even without moves on the squad, I would be with a good level of hope against any teams including the lakers in the PO.

The Truth #6

02-11-2009, 01:43 PM

Yes, Bonner is now having big games in big games, which is a good sign for the playoffs. It wasn't that long ago in the season that he would fold in big games. His progress this season has been steady and I think he's getting better at being in the tight moments of an important game. Again, a great sign for the playoffs.

If we play the Lakers, they love to pack the paint and make us shoot from outside. If Bonner can keep hitting shots in big games, and Parker's outside shot remains strong we will be a much better team than last year.

Question - does anyone know how common it is for a volume 3 point shooter like Bonner to average 50% for the season? I'm curious if this has been done anytime recently.

SenorSpur

02-11-2009, 01:44 PM

+1

I will never understand the ridicule Bonner receives for driving to the hoop on ST. Sure he might look funny, but that what everyone here wants the Spurs to do. But without fail, someone will make fun of a Matt drive, even if he scores.:bang

+2

Personally, I don't give a shit about style points, so long as it goes in. Still counts as 2 points. Now, it may make for comedic fodder on Sportscenter - but that's another story.

SenorSpur

02-11-2009, 02:11 PM