duncan228
03-18-2009, 12:09 AM
Popovich opts to sit, rest Duncan (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Popovich_opts_to_sit_rest_Duncan.html)
Mike Monroe
Acknowledging some concern about Tim Duncan's play since the Spurs All-Star missed three games with a sore right knee, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich forced his two-time Most Valuable Player to skip Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at AT&T Center.
“He doesn't love it,” Popovich said about an hour before tipoff of the Spurs' 93-86 victory, “but I just think it's important for him to be fresh and healthy for the end of the season. I think one way to do it is to limit the number of back-to-backs you play in down the stretch. That's what I'm doing.”
Kurt Thomas started in Duncan's power forward slot and turned in a solid game, getting 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs only have two sets of back-to-back games remaining this season, March 24-25 (vs. Golden State, at home, and in Atlanta) and April 7-8 (in Oklahoma City and at home, vs. Portland). Popovich did not commit to holding Duncan out of one game in those sets, saying he would weigh each of them as it approached.
Asked if he was concerned that Duncan's inconsistent play since returning from his three games out with tendonosis indicated ongoing knee problems, Popovich said, “it's gone through my head.
“From time to time, Timmy's knees will bother him and it will affect his play to some degree. For the most part, he's had to deal with that more than people would know, and done a great job with always being there for us. I'm just forcing him to sit.”
Amazed admiration: Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale, forced by team owner Glen Taylor to take over on the bench after he fired Randy Wittman 19 games into the season, said he can't imagine coaching 1,000 games in the NBA, a milestone Popovich reached in Monday's game at Oklahoma City.
“I can't imagine coaching 100,” McHale said.
“I think Pop is one of the best coaches in our league, and has been for a long, long time. Same thing with Jerry (Sloan). Those guys get a lot out of their teams. Their guys perform for them.
“They've found the blend of what you've got to find in our league: The players have got to know you care about them, but every once in a while you've got to do things that are going to help them that they don't think help them.
“They're like your children. Sometimes when you do things that are going to help them, they just don't seem to think that's helping them, but you're there to help them get better. That's your job.”
5K Run Saturday: The Spurs have joined forces with Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) to host the fifth annual Speak Out for Kids 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday at AT&T Center.
Former Spurs star Sean Elliott will be one of the celebrity hosts for the event, which raises funds and awareness to benefit abused and neglected children in the San Antonio community.
The 5K run/walk is to begin at 7 a.m., followed by a one-mile run/walk, to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is $30. Race-day registration is $35.
For more information, visit Spurs.com, or call 210-444-5652.
Mike Monroe
Acknowledging some concern about Tim Duncan's play since the Spurs All-Star missed three games with a sore right knee, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich forced his two-time Most Valuable Player to skip Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at AT&T Center.
“He doesn't love it,” Popovich said about an hour before tipoff of the Spurs' 93-86 victory, “but I just think it's important for him to be fresh and healthy for the end of the season. I think one way to do it is to limit the number of back-to-backs you play in down the stretch. That's what I'm doing.”
Kurt Thomas started in Duncan's power forward slot and turned in a solid game, getting 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs only have two sets of back-to-back games remaining this season, March 24-25 (vs. Golden State, at home, and in Atlanta) and April 7-8 (in Oklahoma City and at home, vs. Portland). Popovich did not commit to holding Duncan out of one game in those sets, saying he would weigh each of them as it approached.
Asked if he was concerned that Duncan's inconsistent play since returning from his three games out with tendonosis indicated ongoing knee problems, Popovich said, “it's gone through my head.
“From time to time, Timmy's knees will bother him and it will affect his play to some degree. For the most part, he's had to deal with that more than people would know, and done a great job with always being there for us. I'm just forcing him to sit.”
Amazed admiration: Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale, forced by team owner Glen Taylor to take over on the bench after he fired Randy Wittman 19 games into the season, said he can't imagine coaching 1,000 games in the NBA, a milestone Popovich reached in Monday's game at Oklahoma City.
“I can't imagine coaching 100,” McHale said.
“I think Pop is one of the best coaches in our league, and has been for a long, long time. Same thing with Jerry (Sloan). Those guys get a lot out of their teams. Their guys perform for them.
“They've found the blend of what you've got to find in our league: The players have got to know you care about them, but every once in a while you've got to do things that are going to help them that they don't think help them.
“They're like your children. Sometimes when you do things that are going to help them, they just don't seem to think that's helping them, but you're there to help them get better. That's your job.”
5K Run Saturday: The Spurs have joined forces with Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) to host the fifth annual Speak Out for Kids 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday at AT&T Center.
Former Spurs star Sean Elliott will be one of the celebrity hosts for the event, which raises funds and awareness to benefit abused and neglected children in the San Antonio community.
The 5K run/walk is to begin at 7 a.m., followed by a one-mile run/walk, to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is $30. Race-day registration is $35.
For more information, visit Spurs.com, or call 210-444-5652.