Experiment2100
04-11-2005, 01:25 AM
Spurs notebook: Duncan won't suit up against Trail Blazers
Web Posted: 04/11/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
OAKLAND, Calif. — Tim Duncan moved another day closer to returning to the court, but not close enough for him to play Tuesday against Portland.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Duncan, who hasn't played since spraining his right ankle on March 20, won't be in uniform for the Spurs' next game.
Duncan had a good workout Sunday afternoon at the University of San Francisco, Popovich said.
"He's starting to get more confident on lateral movement," Popovich said. "It's still tough to change direction quickly. He had to gather himself. But all in all, he's getting close to being able to play minutes in a game."
Roster moves: The Spurs activated forward Linton Johnson III to make room for Rasho Nesterovic on the injured list.
Nesterovic will undergo an MRI on his left ankle today or Tuesday. He is expected to be sidelined at least until the start of the playoffs.
Nesterovic sprained his ankle late in Saturday's third quarter. He missed six games earlier this season after spraining the same ankle.
Nice assist: Robert Horry gave Tony Parker credit for helping him block Mikki Moore's shot in the final seconds of Saturday's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
After Horry hit a 3-pointer with 22.2 seconds left to give the Spurs a 125-124 lead, Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston drove into the lane and found Moore. Moore had a point-blank look at the basket, but Horry blocked him at the height of his jump.
"Tony distracted him enough that he was worried about him and he didn't see me," Horry said. "He was trying to get up quick and put it up on the glass and I was able to get there."
Horry also didn't hesitate when he shot his 3-pointer.
"With me, I can feel if I can get my feet set," Horry said. "It was perfect position to get my feet set and get it off."
Looking good: Golden State entered Sunday having won 11 of its past 12 games, including eight in a row — its longest winning streak in 11 years.
Baron Davis has had a lot to do with the Warriors' renaissance. The team acquired him from the New Orleans Hornets on Feb. 24 for Dale Davis and Speedy Claxton.
Golden State also traded veterans Clifford Robinson and Eduardo Najera in separate deals.
"I just think the strong presence of some of our older guys maybe in a way stifled some of the younger guys, who deferred to the older guys in terms of leadership," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "Now it's a younger group. They're feeling more comfortable with what their roles are out there.
"The fact you're winning also takes some of that pressure away and puts some fun into it."
Since Davis' arrival, Montgomery has seen more selfless play from the Warriors.
"You can see passes being made you wouldn't have seen being made a month ago," Montgomery said. "Guys aren't as concerned about their own shots. Once one guy does it, other guys start doing it."
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA041105.4D.BKNspurs.duncan.1c6d1e021.html
There goes my Vbookie money.
Web Posted: 04/11/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
OAKLAND, Calif. — Tim Duncan moved another day closer to returning to the court, but not close enough for him to play Tuesday against Portland.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Duncan, who hasn't played since spraining his right ankle on March 20, won't be in uniform for the Spurs' next game.
Duncan had a good workout Sunday afternoon at the University of San Francisco, Popovich said.
"He's starting to get more confident on lateral movement," Popovich said. "It's still tough to change direction quickly. He had to gather himself. But all in all, he's getting close to being able to play minutes in a game."
Roster moves: The Spurs activated forward Linton Johnson III to make room for Rasho Nesterovic on the injured list.
Nesterovic will undergo an MRI on his left ankle today or Tuesday. He is expected to be sidelined at least until the start of the playoffs.
Nesterovic sprained his ankle late in Saturday's third quarter. He missed six games earlier this season after spraining the same ankle.
Nice assist: Robert Horry gave Tony Parker credit for helping him block Mikki Moore's shot in the final seconds of Saturday's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
After Horry hit a 3-pointer with 22.2 seconds left to give the Spurs a 125-124 lead, Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston drove into the lane and found Moore. Moore had a point-blank look at the basket, but Horry blocked him at the height of his jump.
"Tony distracted him enough that he was worried about him and he didn't see me," Horry said. "He was trying to get up quick and put it up on the glass and I was able to get there."
Horry also didn't hesitate when he shot his 3-pointer.
"With me, I can feel if I can get my feet set," Horry said. "It was perfect position to get my feet set and get it off."
Looking good: Golden State entered Sunday having won 11 of its past 12 games, including eight in a row — its longest winning streak in 11 years.
Baron Davis has had a lot to do with the Warriors' renaissance. The team acquired him from the New Orleans Hornets on Feb. 24 for Dale Davis and Speedy Claxton.
Golden State also traded veterans Clifford Robinson and Eduardo Najera in separate deals.
"I just think the strong presence of some of our older guys maybe in a way stifled some of the younger guys, who deferred to the older guys in terms of leadership," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "Now it's a younger group. They're feeling more comfortable with what their roles are out there.
"The fact you're winning also takes some of that pressure away and puts some fun into it."
Since Davis' arrival, Montgomery has seen more selfless play from the Warriors.
"You can see passes being made you wouldn't have seen being made a month ago," Montgomery said. "Guys aren't as concerned about their own shots. Once one guy does it, other guys start doing it."
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA041105.4D.BKNspurs.duncan.1c6d1e021.html
There goes my Vbookie money.