timvp
04-07-2005, 12:26 AM
Manu Ginobili
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/emanuel_ginobili.jpg A
Offense
This was one of Ginobili’s better shooting games in a while. He shot 5-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 from beyond the three-point line and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. The three days between games obviously helped Ginobili’s energy level, especially on the offensive end. He finished with 16 points in 21 minutes.
Defense
Ginobili destroyed Marko Jaric on both ends of the court. He held his former European teammate scoreless in 26 minutes of action.
Overall
The game Ginobili played Wednesday night against the Clippers is the type of game the Spurs need from him. He’s been beat up a lot and has suffered from fatigue, so the Spurs are contemplating resting him down the stretch of the season. The bottomline is the Spurs have to do whatever it takes to make sure Ginobili is fresh for the playoffs.
Bruce Bowen
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/bruce_bowen.jpg A-
Offense
After only hitting four of his last 16 shots over the previous two games, Bowen broke out of his mini-slump against the Clippers. He shot 4-for-8 from the field, while connecting on half of his four three-point attempts. He did a great job of getting out on the break and finishing.
Defense
It was another day at the office for Bowen defensively. He was all over Corey Maggette from the moment the ball was tipped. He never gave him any room at all to find any sort of a rhythm. Maggette finished 6-for-16 from the field, and had to hit some tough shots to even shoot that well.
Overall
With Duncan and Brown out of the lineup, Bowen has stepped up huge. He’s taken a bigger role in the leadership department and is playing well on both sides of the court.
Brent Barry
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brent_barry.jpg A-
Offense
It was pretty much a flawless offensive performance by Barry. He was 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, to go with four assists and one turnover in 24 minutes of action. When he is shooting like that, the Spurs are tough to beat. Even without Duncan.
Defense
His defense was pretty good for Brent Barry standards. He didn’t get beat off the dribble too much and went to the boards to pull down five rebounds.
Overall
This is how the Spurs need Barry to play. They need him to hit down shots, lead the fast breaks and get everyone involved. They need him to be the offseason acquisition that the whole league was expecting before the season.
Tony Massenuburg
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/tony_massenburg.jpg B+
Offense
Offensively, Massenburg played a physical ballgame. He roughed it up inside to finish with six points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field in 19 minutes of playing time. Too often this season he’s looked out of place and unsure of his spot in the offense. Wednesday night against the Clippers, he acted like he knew what he was doing.
Defense
Massenburg did a good job on defense and, like always, wasn’t afraid to lay the lumber. He picked up five fouls … all of which seemed to prove a point.
Overall
While Duncan has been sidelined with his ankle injury, Massenburg hasn’t fully stepped up to the plate. He’s played some ineffective minutes over the last couple weeks. Against the Clippers, he played how the Spurs need him to play.
Sean Marks
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/sean_marks.jpg B+
Offense
The one thing you have to love about Sean Mark’s offensive game is that he’s not bashful. Around the rim he’s always looking to dunk the basketball. On the perimeter he’s always looking for his shot.
Defense
Marks had a very good defensive outing against Los Angeles. In only 17 minutes of playing time, Marks had ten rebounds and two blocks. His defense has improved immensely as he’s been given an opportunity to learn the system.
Overall
Marks is making a case for himself on the Spurs’ playoff roster. He’s played exceedingly well as of late and is outplaying his competition at his position.
Glenn Robinson
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/glenn_robinson.jpg B+
Offense
Robinson is the type of shooter who could take a year off and come back and hit his first jumpshot. Actually, that’s exactly what he did Wednesday night at the SBC Center. He hit all three of his jumpers on his way to seven points in 13 minutes. Once a shooter, always a shooter.
Defense
Defense has never been the strong suit of the Spurs’ newest player. As a matter of fact, he might not have played defense in his NBA career to this point. Popovich will no doubt stress to him that he must put some effort on that side of the court.
Overall
It was a good showing for Robinson in his debut. The Spurs hope that he can add an offensive punch that can help caring them while Duncan is out.
Robert Horry
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/robert_horry.jpg B
Offense
Horry had a tough time shooting the ball Wednesday night. He hit only 2-of-7 shots from the field and 1-of-3 from downtown. The Clippers’ long and athletic bigmen gave him some trouble. However, Horry did a find job passing the ball as he finished with three assists.
Defense
Horry’s defense was solid. Though he only finished with three rebounds and didn’t have a block in his 23 minutes of play, he made it tough for the Clippers’ bigmen to get it going.
Overall
Big Shot Rob has really stepped up as the playoffs approach. Once Duncan returns to action, the Spurs will have a great power forward weapon off the bench.
Rasho Nesterovic
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/radoslav_nesterovic.jpg B
Offense
Nesterovic wasn’t effective offensively against the Clippers. He missed a variety of jumpers and chip shots inside. For the game, he finished 2-for-9. The good news is he went to the line … and hit both free throws. No news at this hour on the time and location of the parade to celebrate the accomplishment.
Defense
Five rebounds and two blocks in 26 minutes is a pretty good outing defensively for the Spurs’ center. He bothered a lot of shots, but could have done a better job on the defensive glass.
Overall
With Duncan still out for a while more, the Spurs need Nesterovic to score some on the low block. He has good moves and a good touch, he just lacks confidence sometimes. On the upcoming three-game road trip, the Spurs need him brimming with confidence.
Beno Udrih
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/beno_udrih.jpg B-
Offense
Although Udrih missed seven of his ten shot attempts from the field, Popovich has to be happy with his effort. He is always pleading with his young Slovenian point guard to be more aggressive and to compete more. Udrih also did a good job of running the offense, handing out five assists in 21 minutes of play.
Defense
He did a pretty good job defensively, although recently he’s struggled on that end of the court. He’s getting beat off the dribble a lot and has been slow to rotate at times.
Overall
Udrih has been streaky so far this season -– as most rookie point guards are. The Spurs need him to be on a good streak heading into the playoffs.
Tony Parker
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/tony_parker.jpg C+
Offense
After five minutes of action, Parker already had seven points. By the end of the game, Parker only had 11 points. That’s pretty much how it’s been going for Parker over the last month. He starts out hot offensively and then cools as the game goes on. Against the Clippers, the Spurs really didn’t need too much scoring after the first quarter, but hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come.
Defense
Parker’s defense was average. Shaun Livingston and Rick Brunson got some good looks against him and he was caught out of position at times. However, he did a good job of playing pressing the Clippers’ ballhandlers fullcourt.
Overall
Only three assists in 26 minutes isn’t good enough for the Spurs’ starting point guard. His head also didn’t seem totally into the game. With the Spurs having a bunch of games coming up, they’ll need a better effort from Parker.
Nazr Mohammed
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/nazr_mohammed.jpg D-
Offense
The more Mohammed plays in the Spurs’ system, the worse his offense looks. Nowadays, he’s resorting to reverse layups that he either misses or gets blocked. At least the Spurs have realized he’s not a threat in the post.
Defense
Mohammed might be even more of a disappointment on defense. His rotations are horrid, he doesn’t alter shots too often and seems to only get defensive rebounds that come right to him.
Overall
The trade of Malik Rose for Mohammed isn’t looking too good for the Spurs right now. There’s no doubt that Rose would be helping the Spurs far more than Mohammed is, especially with Duncan out. Mohammed needs to turn it around quickly or else he could find himself off the playoff roster.
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/emanuel_ginobili.jpg A
Offense
This was one of Ginobili’s better shooting games in a while. He shot 5-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 from beyond the three-point line and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. The three days between games obviously helped Ginobili’s energy level, especially on the offensive end. He finished with 16 points in 21 minutes.
Defense
Ginobili destroyed Marko Jaric on both ends of the court. He held his former European teammate scoreless in 26 minutes of action.
Overall
The game Ginobili played Wednesday night against the Clippers is the type of game the Spurs need from him. He’s been beat up a lot and has suffered from fatigue, so the Spurs are contemplating resting him down the stretch of the season. The bottomline is the Spurs have to do whatever it takes to make sure Ginobili is fresh for the playoffs.
Bruce Bowen
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/bruce_bowen.jpg A-
Offense
After only hitting four of his last 16 shots over the previous two games, Bowen broke out of his mini-slump against the Clippers. He shot 4-for-8 from the field, while connecting on half of his four three-point attempts. He did a great job of getting out on the break and finishing.
Defense
It was another day at the office for Bowen defensively. He was all over Corey Maggette from the moment the ball was tipped. He never gave him any room at all to find any sort of a rhythm. Maggette finished 6-for-16 from the field, and had to hit some tough shots to even shoot that well.
Overall
With Duncan and Brown out of the lineup, Bowen has stepped up huge. He’s taken a bigger role in the leadership department and is playing well on both sides of the court.
Brent Barry
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brent_barry.jpg A-
Offense
It was pretty much a flawless offensive performance by Barry. He was 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, to go with four assists and one turnover in 24 minutes of action. When he is shooting like that, the Spurs are tough to beat. Even without Duncan.
Defense
His defense was pretty good for Brent Barry standards. He didn’t get beat off the dribble too much and went to the boards to pull down five rebounds.
Overall
This is how the Spurs need Barry to play. They need him to hit down shots, lead the fast breaks and get everyone involved. They need him to be the offseason acquisition that the whole league was expecting before the season.
Tony Massenuburg
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/tony_massenburg.jpg B+
Offense
Offensively, Massenburg played a physical ballgame. He roughed it up inside to finish with six points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field in 19 minutes of playing time. Too often this season he’s looked out of place and unsure of his spot in the offense. Wednesday night against the Clippers, he acted like he knew what he was doing.
Defense
Massenburg did a good job on defense and, like always, wasn’t afraid to lay the lumber. He picked up five fouls … all of which seemed to prove a point.
Overall
While Duncan has been sidelined with his ankle injury, Massenburg hasn’t fully stepped up to the plate. He’s played some ineffective minutes over the last couple weeks. Against the Clippers, he played how the Spurs need him to play.
Sean Marks
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/sean_marks.jpg B+
Offense
The one thing you have to love about Sean Mark’s offensive game is that he’s not bashful. Around the rim he’s always looking to dunk the basketball. On the perimeter he’s always looking for his shot.
Defense
Marks had a very good defensive outing against Los Angeles. In only 17 minutes of playing time, Marks had ten rebounds and two blocks. His defense has improved immensely as he’s been given an opportunity to learn the system.
Overall
Marks is making a case for himself on the Spurs’ playoff roster. He’s played exceedingly well as of late and is outplaying his competition at his position.
Glenn Robinson
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/glenn_robinson.jpg B+
Offense
Robinson is the type of shooter who could take a year off and come back and hit his first jumpshot. Actually, that’s exactly what he did Wednesday night at the SBC Center. He hit all three of his jumpers on his way to seven points in 13 minutes. Once a shooter, always a shooter.
Defense
Defense has never been the strong suit of the Spurs’ newest player. As a matter of fact, he might not have played defense in his NBA career to this point. Popovich will no doubt stress to him that he must put some effort on that side of the court.
Overall
It was a good showing for Robinson in his debut. The Spurs hope that he can add an offensive punch that can help caring them while Duncan is out.
Robert Horry
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/robert_horry.jpg B
Offense
Horry had a tough time shooting the ball Wednesday night. He hit only 2-of-7 shots from the field and 1-of-3 from downtown. The Clippers’ long and athletic bigmen gave him some trouble. However, Horry did a find job passing the ball as he finished with three assists.
Defense
Horry’s defense was solid. Though he only finished with three rebounds and didn’t have a block in his 23 minutes of play, he made it tough for the Clippers’ bigmen to get it going.
Overall
Big Shot Rob has really stepped up as the playoffs approach. Once Duncan returns to action, the Spurs will have a great power forward weapon off the bench.
Rasho Nesterovic
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/radoslav_nesterovic.jpg B
Offense
Nesterovic wasn’t effective offensively against the Clippers. He missed a variety of jumpers and chip shots inside. For the game, he finished 2-for-9. The good news is he went to the line … and hit both free throws. No news at this hour on the time and location of the parade to celebrate the accomplishment.
Defense
Five rebounds and two blocks in 26 minutes is a pretty good outing defensively for the Spurs’ center. He bothered a lot of shots, but could have done a better job on the defensive glass.
Overall
With Duncan still out for a while more, the Spurs need Nesterovic to score some on the low block. He has good moves and a good touch, he just lacks confidence sometimes. On the upcoming three-game road trip, the Spurs need him brimming with confidence.
Beno Udrih
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/beno_udrih.jpg B-
Offense
Although Udrih missed seven of his ten shot attempts from the field, Popovich has to be happy with his effort. He is always pleading with his young Slovenian point guard to be more aggressive and to compete more. Udrih also did a good job of running the offense, handing out five assists in 21 minutes of play.
Defense
He did a pretty good job defensively, although recently he’s struggled on that end of the court. He’s getting beat off the dribble a lot and has been slow to rotate at times.
Overall
Udrih has been streaky so far this season -– as most rookie point guards are. The Spurs need him to be on a good streak heading into the playoffs.
Tony Parker
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/tony_parker.jpg C+
Offense
After five minutes of action, Parker already had seven points. By the end of the game, Parker only had 11 points. That’s pretty much how it’s been going for Parker over the last month. He starts out hot offensively and then cools as the game goes on. Against the Clippers, the Spurs really didn’t need too much scoring after the first quarter, but hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come.
Defense
Parker’s defense was average. Shaun Livingston and Rick Brunson got some good looks against him and he was caught out of position at times. However, he did a good job of playing pressing the Clippers’ ballhandlers fullcourt.
Overall
Only three assists in 26 minutes isn’t good enough for the Spurs’ starting point guard. His head also didn’t seem totally into the game. With the Spurs having a bunch of games coming up, they’ll need a better effort from Parker.
Nazr Mohammed
http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/nazr_mohammed.jpg D-
Offense
The more Mohammed plays in the Spurs’ system, the worse his offense looks. Nowadays, he’s resorting to reverse layups that he either misses or gets blocked. At least the Spurs have realized he’s not a threat in the post.
Defense
Mohammed might be even more of a disappointment on defense. His rotations are horrid, he doesn’t alter shots too often and seems to only get defensive rebounds that come right to him.
Overall
The trade of Malik Rose for Mohammed isn’t looking too good for the Spurs right now. There’s no doubt that Rose would be helping the Spurs far more than Mohammed is, especially with Duncan out. Mohammed needs to turn it around quickly or else he could find himself off the playoff roster.