duncan228
10-15-2009, 10:22 PM
Spurs' last three preseason games all about preparation (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_last_three_preseason_games_all_about_prepara tion.html)
Mike Monroe
After using the first four preseason games to evaluate the Spurs' newcomers, coach Gregg Popovich will turn his focus on getting the team ready for the regular season, beginning tonight with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After tonight at the AT&T Center, the Spurs have two more preseason games: Tuesday, against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Austin; and Oct. 24, against the Indiana Pacers, at Indiana University's Assembly Hall.
“In the beginning, it goes from evaluation, of both talent and conditioning, towards execution by the end of the preseason,” Popovich said. “By then, the evaluation is done, and you know who's going to be in your rotation, for the most part. You've got to get people ready to play the first game, conditioningwise.”
Popovich has used his veterans sparingly so far. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Michael Finley have been held out of two games. Manu Ginobili, Matt Bonner, Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff have sat out one apiece.
Ginobili, coming off a stress fracture in his right leg, is eager to play more in the final three games, as much to get his rhythm back as to get in better shape.
“I probably am doing a little better than the first two games, but I still have a long way to go, both offensively and defensively,” Ginobili said after logging 18 minutes and 44 seconds in Wednesday's game against the Clippers.
Tight race: The final preseason games likely will determine whether the Spurs keep a 14th and 15th player on the roster, and which players will earn those potential spots. Malik Hairston and Marcus Williams appear locked in a tight battle for a potential perimeter spot, and both played well in Wednesday's game.
Except for two turnovers, one of them so embarrassing he apologized to DeJuan Blair for blowing a great pass, Williams was satisfied with what he has shown the coaches.
“Other than that one play,” Williams said, “I think I made open shots. The biggest thing for me, honestly, is just being able to settle down defensively, be that guy for them, and be able to hit open shots.
“Open shots come in the flow of this offense. When you play with players of this caliber, open shots are everywhere, because other teams have to worry about Richard (Jefferson), Manu, Tony and Tim. Christmas gifts just fall into your lap.”
Hairston was in the starting lineup Wednesday, happy for the chance to mesh his game with veteran starters.
“It put me in a different situation, playing with some different guys,” he said.
Mike Monroe
After using the first four preseason games to evaluate the Spurs' newcomers, coach Gregg Popovich will turn his focus on getting the team ready for the regular season, beginning tonight with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After tonight at the AT&T Center, the Spurs have two more preseason games: Tuesday, against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Austin; and Oct. 24, against the Indiana Pacers, at Indiana University's Assembly Hall.
“In the beginning, it goes from evaluation, of both talent and conditioning, towards execution by the end of the preseason,” Popovich said. “By then, the evaluation is done, and you know who's going to be in your rotation, for the most part. You've got to get people ready to play the first game, conditioningwise.”
Popovich has used his veterans sparingly so far. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Michael Finley have been held out of two games. Manu Ginobili, Matt Bonner, Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff have sat out one apiece.
Ginobili, coming off a stress fracture in his right leg, is eager to play more in the final three games, as much to get his rhythm back as to get in better shape.
“I probably am doing a little better than the first two games, but I still have a long way to go, both offensively and defensively,” Ginobili said after logging 18 minutes and 44 seconds in Wednesday's game against the Clippers.
Tight race: The final preseason games likely will determine whether the Spurs keep a 14th and 15th player on the roster, and which players will earn those potential spots. Malik Hairston and Marcus Williams appear locked in a tight battle for a potential perimeter spot, and both played well in Wednesday's game.
Except for two turnovers, one of them so embarrassing he apologized to DeJuan Blair for blowing a great pass, Williams was satisfied with what he has shown the coaches.
“Other than that one play,” Williams said, “I think I made open shots. The biggest thing for me, honestly, is just being able to settle down defensively, be that guy for them, and be able to hit open shots.
“Open shots come in the flow of this offense. When you play with players of this caliber, open shots are everywhere, because other teams have to worry about Richard (Jefferson), Manu, Tony and Tim. Christmas gifts just fall into your lap.”
Hairston was in the starting lineup Wednesday, happy for the chance to mesh his game with veteran starters.
“It put me in a different situation, playing with some different guys,” he said.