timvp
03-10-2009, 06:00 PM
Tim Duncan
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
29:40 minutes, 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks
40.0% from the field, 13-for-21 at the line
Grade: C-
Tim Duncan had a mostly underwhelming three-game stretch. His main problem is his lack of mobility since he has returned from the quadriceps tendonosis. On the defensive end, his ability to rotate and cover smaller players is basically non-existent at this point. Against the Mavericks, his lack of mobility on defense was one of the leading reasons why the Spurs lost. The good news is that he seems to slowly but surely be getting healthier. Against the Suns, Duncan was moving better and he had good stamina when running the court. The grade might be unfair because it's not Duncan's fault that he's hurt but there's no doubt that the Spurs need him to be more mobile than he is at the moment.
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Tony Parker
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
32:36 minutes, 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 3.0 turnovers
62.5% from the field, 1-for-4 on three-pointers, 15-of-16 at the line
Grade: A
Early in the season, Tony Parker appeared to be faster than ever. However, he noticeably slowed down after his ankle injury. But now he looks like he's back at 100% health and is using his blinding speed to help carry the team. Parker is not only getting to the rim and finishing at a good clip, his outside jumper is once again falling. He's balancing when he needs to take over and when he needs to pass, which is more difficult than ever now with Manu Ginobili sidelined and Tim Duncan hobbled. Hopefully Parker can stay healthy and strong into the playoffs.
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Roger Mason, Jr.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3628.jpg
31:05 minutes, 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
43.8% from the field, 38.9% on three-pointers, 10-for-11 at the line
Grade: B
Four games into the experiment of Roger Mason, Jr. being both the starting shooting guard and the backup point guard, the returns have been mostly positive. With the ball in his hands more often, he's able to get into a rhythm and stay more involved offensively. Defensively, Mason has been extremely inconsistent as of late. Sometimes he looks like he knows what he's doing, while at other times he's making basic mistakes or not giving enough effort. It'll be interesting to watch whether Mason continues to backup Parker at the point. If he does, he's going to have to figure out how to finish at the basket better. As it is, teams are starting to figure out he's not much of a threat in the paint.
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Michael Finley
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
29:00 minutes, 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
45.8% from the field, 4-for-11 on three-pointers, 2-for-4 at the line
Grade: B+
Michael Finley has played solid basketball as of late. He didn't perform too well against Dallas, however that has been the pattern since the 2006 playoffs so it wasn't a surprise. Finley's defense had regressed for a while when he was dealing with back spasms but in the last few weeks he's defending much better. As of late, he's also making a habit out of hitting momentum-changing three-pointers in the second half. For the season, his shooting percentages (44.2% from the field, 40.2% on three-pointers) are the best of his Spurs career.
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Matt Bonner
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
21:49 minutes, 6.7 points, 4.0 rebounds
40.9% from the field, 2-for-11 on three-pointers
Grade: C+
Has Matt Bonner been pressing since word hit that the Spurs were going to sign Drew Gooden? It's difficult to say for sure but there are some signs. He doesn't look as comfortable on the court when forced to make decisions and he's suddenly not as automatic when he's open on the perimeter. Rebounding continues to also be a problem. I thought his defense has been mostly good recently but he's simply not pulling down enough boards. Compared to last season, he's rebounding rate is down about 10%. The Spurs need Bonner to perform well to be a true championship contender, so let's hope he starts to hit the boards better and doesn't allow the addition of Gooden to shake his confidence.
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Bruce Bowen
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
22:48 minutes, 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds
3-for-10 from the field, 3-for-10 on three-pointers
Grade: C-
I simply haven't been too impressed with Bruce Bowen's defense over the last few weeks. He's had a few good moments but his overall effective hasn't been nearly as consistent as usual. While Pop has put him in some difficult position in which he's asked to cool off scorching opponents, Bowen's intensity hasn't been at his normally maniacal level. Offensively, Bowen has missed more than his share of open three-pointers in the last week.
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Kurt Thomas
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3012.jpg
19:55 minutes, 4.7 points, 6.7 rebounds
6-for-13 from the field
Grade: B+
Kurt Thomas continues to give the Spurs good minutes off the bench. He's rebounding very well, his defense has been stellar and his picks have been powerful. Considering how well he's played in recent weeks, it'd be a shame if Pop didn't carve out a niche for Thomas even if Gooden shines. Overall, Thomas looks completely at ease with the Spurs system. He's virtually making no mistakes on either side of the court.
-------------------------------
Ime Udoka
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3501.jpg
18:02 minutes, 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists
9-for-17 from the field, 4-for-8 on three-pointers
Grade: B+
Ime Udoka finally appears as if he's turning the corner. He played really well against the Wizards and followed it up with a mostly positive outing against the Suns. Udoka still doesn't have very good shot selection but he's starting to not be as much of a liability. Defensively, he's not pressuring as much, which is allowing him to stay in front of his man. He's had a disappointing season but Pop continues to actively seek out minutes for Udoka.
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George Hill
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/4488.jpg
15:42 minutes, 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assist, 1.0 steals
5-for-11 from the field, 1-for-1 on three-pointers, 3-for-4 at the line
Grade: B
Since being replaced in the rotation, George Hill seems to have used it as sort of wake-up call. Instead of sulking, he has picked up his defensive intensity. Over the last few months, he wasn't always bringing it on D. In the last four games, he's been the best defender on the team. Offensively, Hill hasn't figured out what to do or where to go when playing shooting guard. He's an explosive enough athlete that he shouldn't simply hide in the corners.
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Malik Hairston
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/rivals/full.48185/a1523cd118938faf9ccbf0d319b2c625/malik-hairston.jpg
12:20 minutes, 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 block
4-for-6 shooting
Grade: B
For a while it appeared as if Pop was testing out Malik Hairston to see if he was ready for consistent minutes. In fact, he was the first person off the bench for a stretch of games. However, after a few defensive mistakes, Pop has gone elsewhere. Hairston is a good one-on-one defender and a surprisingly good shotblocker, but his instincts when it comes to rotating out the perimeter aren't very good at this point. That said, he will improve in that aspect and his overall skillset and athleticism make him a player the Spurs should definitely keep around.
-------------------------------
Fabricio Oberto
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3988.jpg
10:19 minutes, 4.0 points, 3.0 rebound
4-for-6 from the field
Grade: B+
As it is, Fabricio Oberto isn't getting many minutes in close games. When Gooden is ready, it's hard to imagine Oberto having much of a role at all. His best hope is that Pop uses him as the designated passing bigman who can help de-stagnate the offense. Although I think Oberto is looking the best he has all season in the last two or three weeks, it's likely too little, too late.
-------------------------------
Gregg Popovich
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/sports/popovich_gregg030428.jpg
Grade: C+
Although Pop definitely deserves credit for keeping the team afloat with two of the Big Three on bum wheels, his rotations as of late have been even more frenetic than usual. I can't help but think that this team would be playing even better if Pop would settle on something resembling a rotation. Then again, Pop loves mixing and matching to see different combinations in action. While it's not actively helping the Spurs win at the moment, it's information he may be able to utilize once the playoffs roll around. -------------------------------
P.S.
(a new version of game thoughts debuts tonight)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
29:40 minutes, 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks
40.0% from the field, 13-for-21 at the line
Grade: C-
Tim Duncan had a mostly underwhelming three-game stretch. His main problem is his lack of mobility since he has returned from the quadriceps tendonosis. On the defensive end, his ability to rotate and cover smaller players is basically non-existent at this point. Against the Mavericks, his lack of mobility on defense was one of the leading reasons why the Spurs lost. The good news is that he seems to slowly but surely be getting healthier. Against the Suns, Duncan was moving better and he had good stamina when running the court. The grade might be unfair because it's not Duncan's fault that he's hurt but there's no doubt that the Spurs need him to be more mobile than he is at the moment.
-------------------------------
Tony Parker
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
32:36 minutes, 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 3.0 turnovers
62.5% from the field, 1-for-4 on three-pointers, 15-of-16 at the line
Grade: A
Early in the season, Tony Parker appeared to be faster than ever. However, he noticeably slowed down after his ankle injury. But now he looks like he's back at 100% health and is using his blinding speed to help carry the team. Parker is not only getting to the rim and finishing at a good clip, his outside jumper is once again falling. He's balancing when he needs to take over and when he needs to pass, which is more difficult than ever now with Manu Ginobili sidelined and Tim Duncan hobbled. Hopefully Parker can stay healthy and strong into the playoffs.
-------------------------------
Roger Mason, Jr.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3628.jpg
31:05 minutes, 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
43.8% from the field, 38.9% on three-pointers, 10-for-11 at the line
Grade: B
Four games into the experiment of Roger Mason, Jr. being both the starting shooting guard and the backup point guard, the returns have been mostly positive. With the ball in his hands more often, he's able to get into a rhythm and stay more involved offensively. Defensively, Mason has been extremely inconsistent as of late. Sometimes he looks like he knows what he's doing, while at other times he's making basic mistakes or not giving enough effort. It'll be interesting to watch whether Mason continues to backup Parker at the point. If he does, he's going to have to figure out how to finish at the basket better. As it is, teams are starting to figure out he's not much of a threat in the paint.
-------------------------------
Michael Finley
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
29:00 minutes, 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
45.8% from the field, 4-for-11 on three-pointers, 2-for-4 at the line
Grade: B+
Michael Finley has played solid basketball as of late. He didn't perform too well against Dallas, however that has been the pattern since the 2006 playoffs so it wasn't a surprise. Finley's defense had regressed for a while when he was dealing with back spasms but in the last few weeks he's defending much better. As of late, he's also making a habit out of hitting momentum-changing three-pointers in the second half. For the season, his shooting percentages (44.2% from the field, 40.2% on three-pointers) are the best of his Spurs career.
-------------------------------
Matt Bonner
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
21:49 minutes, 6.7 points, 4.0 rebounds
40.9% from the field, 2-for-11 on three-pointers
Grade: C+
Has Matt Bonner been pressing since word hit that the Spurs were going to sign Drew Gooden? It's difficult to say for sure but there are some signs. He doesn't look as comfortable on the court when forced to make decisions and he's suddenly not as automatic when he's open on the perimeter. Rebounding continues to also be a problem. I thought his defense has been mostly good recently but he's simply not pulling down enough boards. Compared to last season, he's rebounding rate is down about 10%. The Spurs need Bonner to perform well to be a true championship contender, so let's hope he starts to hit the boards better and doesn't allow the addition of Gooden to shake his confidence.
-------------------------------
Bruce Bowen
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
22:48 minutes, 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds
3-for-10 from the field, 3-for-10 on three-pointers
Grade: C-
I simply haven't been too impressed with Bruce Bowen's defense over the last few weeks. He's had a few good moments but his overall effective hasn't been nearly as consistent as usual. While Pop has put him in some difficult position in which he's asked to cool off scorching opponents, Bowen's intensity hasn't been at his normally maniacal level. Offensively, Bowen has missed more than his share of open three-pointers in the last week.
-------------------------------
Kurt Thomas
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3012.jpg
19:55 minutes, 4.7 points, 6.7 rebounds
6-for-13 from the field
Grade: B+
Kurt Thomas continues to give the Spurs good minutes off the bench. He's rebounding very well, his defense has been stellar and his picks have been powerful. Considering how well he's played in recent weeks, it'd be a shame if Pop didn't carve out a niche for Thomas even if Gooden shines. Overall, Thomas looks completely at ease with the Spurs system. He's virtually making no mistakes on either side of the court.
-------------------------------
Ime Udoka
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3501.jpg
18:02 minutes, 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists
9-for-17 from the field, 4-for-8 on three-pointers
Grade: B+
Ime Udoka finally appears as if he's turning the corner. He played really well against the Wizards and followed it up with a mostly positive outing against the Suns. Udoka still doesn't have very good shot selection but he's starting to not be as much of a liability. Defensively, he's not pressuring as much, which is allowing him to stay in front of his man. He's had a disappointing season but Pop continues to actively seek out minutes for Udoka.
-------------------------------
George Hill
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/4488.jpg
15:42 minutes, 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assist, 1.0 steals
5-for-11 from the field, 1-for-1 on three-pointers, 3-for-4 at the line
Grade: B
Since being replaced in the rotation, George Hill seems to have used it as sort of wake-up call. Instead of sulking, he has picked up his defensive intensity. Over the last few months, he wasn't always bringing it on D. In the last four games, he's been the best defender on the team. Offensively, Hill hasn't figured out what to do or where to go when playing shooting guard. He's an explosive enough athlete that he shouldn't simply hide in the corners.
-------------------------------
Malik Hairston
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/rivals/full.48185/a1523cd118938faf9ccbf0d319b2c625/malik-hairston.jpg
12:20 minutes, 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 block
4-for-6 shooting
Grade: B
For a while it appeared as if Pop was testing out Malik Hairston to see if he was ready for consistent minutes. In fact, he was the first person off the bench for a stretch of games. However, after a few defensive mistakes, Pop has gone elsewhere. Hairston is a good one-on-one defender and a surprisingly good shotblocker, but his instincts when it comes to rotating out the perimeter aren't very good at this point. That said, he will improve in that aspect and his overall skillset and athleticism make him a player the Spurs should definitely keep around.
-------------------------------
Fabricio Oberto
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3988.jpg
10:19 minutes, 4.0 points, 3.0 rebound
4-for-6 from the field
Grade: B+
As it is, Fabricio Oberto isn't getting many minutes in close games. When Gooden is ready, it's hard to imagine Oberto having much of a role at all. His best hope is that Pop uses him as the designated passing bigman who can help de-stagnate the offense. Although I think Oberto is looking the best he has all season in the last two or three weeks, it's likely too little, too late.
-------------------------------
Gregg Popovich
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/sports/popovich_gregg030428.jpg
Grade: C+
Although Pop definitely deserves credit for keeping the team afloat with two of the Big Three on bum wheels, his rotations as of late have been even more frenetic than usual. I can't help but think that this team would be playing even better if Pop would settle on something resembling a rotation. Then again, Pop loves mixing and matching to see different combinations in action. While it's not actively helping the Spurs win at the moment, it's information he may be able to utilize once the playoffs roll around. -------------------------------
P.S.
(a new version of game thoughts debuts tonight)