Kori Ellis
03-25-2005, 03:41 AM
Spurs hope to get healthier at home
Web Posted: 03/25/2005 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA032505.1C.BKNspurs.hawks.adv.16f130d38.html
The Spurs returned to the comfort of their practice facility Thursday afternoon, reintroduced themselves to Tim Duncan and Devin Brown and held a spirited workout.
Somehow, they survived the day without losing not only another player but also any more ground to Phoenix.
Saddled with their first three-game losing streak and realizing the cavalry won't be riding in soon, coach Gregg Popovich said, simply, "We'll just move on."
Atlanta visits the SBC Center tonight, carrying the NBA's worst record and losses in 19 of its past 20 games, so the Spurs will start from the ground up. They began Thursday by trying to regain their focus, which they lost in New York, and their competitiveness, which they lost in Indianapolis.
Regaining Duncan, whom they lost in Detroit, will take at least another couple weeks.
"I saw a lot ... more understanding of our situation and what has to be done for us to win," Popovich said after practice. "No one is going to do it for us. Nobody cares, and nobody feels sorry for us."
That was evident Wednesday. Indiana, which was missing three starters, including Jermaine O'Neal, bullied the Spurs for much of the final three quarters. Two nights earlier in New York, the Spurs totaled only 28 second-half points.
Though the Spurs are 1-5 without Duncan, they've had an opportunity to win all but the past two games. Last season, they went 6-7 without him.
"It's not the first time we've played without him," Manu Ginobili said Wednesday. "That's what worries me.
"I want to make it clear: It's not a matter of losing the game; it's a matter of how you feel after the game. If you do everything and follow the plan and bust your (rear), you're going to feel better."
Ginobili, who participated in a third of Thursday's practice, is trying to regain his explosiveness and rhythm since straining his groin three weeks ago. He returned from his five-game absence by scoring 14 points in 16 minutes against Detroit but since has played with heavy legs.
"Admittedly, with Timmy out, Tony and Manu have to step up and play well for us," Popovich said, "and that hasn't been the case."
Parker has started well in each of the past three games but quickly faded. He scored eight points in the first quarter after Duncan was injured in Detroit and four in the second, but none after halftime. The following night in New York, he reeled off 12 of the Spurs' first 14 points in six minutes then didn't attempt another shot until the final possession of the half. He had only two points in the final two quarters and missed his last nine shots.
Parker also made the team's first two baskets against Indiana but went 2 for 11 after.
"It's a definite concern," Popovich said. "It's got nothing to do with Timmy's injury.
"It's something he has to really focus on himself. He doesn't come out with the same fire after the first quarter. He's got to face that and understand that before he can cure it."
Wednesday, much of the team had trouble sustaining energy.
"You look around the locker room, and we don't have anyone that is really outspoken," Robert Horry said. "We're looking to someone to push us."
Popovich primarily has assumed that responsibility, though Ginobili was especially candid with his comments Wednesday night.
"If everybody sees two or three guys busting their butts every night," Ginobili said, "they're going to start doing the same."
For now, the Spurs are more focused on themselves than tracking down Phoenix.
"If it happens, great; if not, we can win the championship without it," Ginobili said. "We have to really step up because if we keep doing the things we're doing now, we're not going anywhere."
Web Posted: 03/25/2005 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA032505.1C.BKNspurs.hawks.adv.16f130d38.html
The Spurs returned to the comfort of their practice facility Thursday afternoon, reintroduced themselves to Tim Duncan and Devin Brown and held a spirited workout.
Somehow, they survived the day without losing not only another player but also any more ground to Phoenix.
Saddled with their first three-game losing streak and realizing the cavalry won't be riding in soon, coach Gregg Popovich said, simply, "We'll just move on."
Atlanta visits the SBC Center tonight, carrying the NBA's worst record and losses in 19 of its past 20 games, so the Spurs will start from the ground up. They began Thursday by trying to regain their focus, which they lost in New York, and their competitiveness, which they lost in Indianapolis.
Regaining Duncan, whom they lost in Detroit, will take at least another couple weeks.
"I saw a lot ... more understanding of our situation and what has to be done for us to win," Popovich said after practice. "No one is going to do it for us. Nobody cares, and nobody feels sorry for us."
That was evident Wednesday. Indiana, which was missing three starters, including Jermaine O'Neal, bullied the Spurs for much of the final three quarters. Two nights earlier in New York, the Spurs totaled only 28 second-half points.
Though the Spurs are 1-5 without Duncan, they've had an opportunity to win all but the past two games. Last season, they went 6-7 without him.
"It's not the first time we've played without him," Manu Ginobili said Wednesday. "That's what worries me.
"I want to make it clear: It's not a matter of losing the game; it's a matter of how you feel after the game. If you do everything and follow the plan and bust your (rear), you're going to feel better."
Ginobili, who participated in a third of Thursday's practice, is trying to regain his explosiveness and rhythm since straining his groin three weeks ago. He returned from his five-game absence by scoring 14 points in 16 minutes against Detroit but since has played with heavy legs.
"Admittedly, with Timmy out, Tony and Manu have to step up and play well for us," Popovich said, "and that hasn't been the case."
Parker has started well in each of the past three games but quickly faded. He scored eight points in the first quarter after Duncan was injured in Detroit and four in the second, but none after halftime. The following night in New York, he reeled off 12 of the Spurs' first 14 points in six minutes then didn't attempt another shot until the final possession of the half. He had only two points in the final two quarters and missed his last nine shots.
Parker also made the team's first two baskets against Indiana but went 2 for 11 after.
"It's a definite concern," Popovich said. "It's got nothing to do with Timmy's injury.
"It's something he has to really focus on himself. He doesn't come out with the same fire after the first quarter. He's got to face that and understand that before he can cure it."
Wednesday, much of the team had trouble sustaining energy.
"You look around the locker room, and we don't have anyone that is really outspoken," Robert Horry said. "We're looking to someone to push us."
Popovich primarily has assumed that responsibility, though Ginobili was especially candid with his comments Wednesday night.
"If everybody sees two or three guys busting their butts every night," Ginobili said, "they're going to start doing the same."
For now, the Spurs are more focused on themselves than tracking down Phoenix.
"If it happens, great; if not, we can win the championship without it," Ginobili said. "We have to really step up because if we keep doing the things we're doing now, we're not going anywhere."