duncan228
11-24-2009, 06:02 PM
We talkin' 'bout practice (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/11/we-talkin-bout.html#more)
By Jeff McDonald
Notes and quotes from this afternoon's Spurs practice, the first they've conducted in approximately 27 months ...
* Manu Ginobili (strained left groin) remains out for Wednesday's game against Golden State. He was on the court shooting before practice today, and spent a bit of time on the exercise bike. It remains to be seen if Ginobili will meet the original 7-to-10-day prognosis. That would put him back at least by Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
* The Spurs remain impressed with the play of their reserves. Their bench ranks second in the NBA in scoring (43 ppg) and first in rebounding (19.33 per game) and assists (9.54). What's more, the Spurs' reserves haven't missed a beat since Ginobili was incapacitated.
"No one can completely make up for what Manu brings to the team," said Matt Bonner, who pulled his weight with 23 points against Milwaukee. "At the same time, we all have to step it up and fill in the gaps."
* Line of the day came from Bonner, whose 23-point night earned him a spot on ESPN's "King Of The Night" ballot: "I'll go back to being a jester tomorrow."
* Tecnically, the Warriors lead the NBA in bench scoring (44.9 ppg) -- but not with the roster they'll bring to San Antonio. Beseiged by injuries -- the Warriors could have as many as six players out Wednesday -- Golden State is likely to suit up the minimum eight players. The Warriors are even down a coach, with Don Nelson remaining behind in the Bay Area with pneumonia.
Making matters worse, the eight upright Warriors will be playing the Spurs on the second night of a back to back.
"They've had injuries, they've had illness -- but they'll come in firing the pill," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "In this league, we all know if you take somebody for granted, you've got problems."
* The Spurs will leave Thanksgiving Day for their Friday game at Houston. That won't stop some players from trying to squeeze in a traditional Turkey Day meal.
"I lucked out this year," Bonner said. "My mom's in town, and we're cooking a 21-pound turkey."
Bonner said he is already looking forward to leftovers.
"There will be lots of sandwiches to eat for days to come," he said.
Spurs players without families in town have been invited to Roger Mason Jr.'s house for turkey and trimmings. Keith Bogans said he plans to accept that invitation, but first must determine if Mason himself is cooking the food.
"I would hope not," Bogans said. "If he's cooking, I'm not eating."
*********************
Hit the link for audio.
Audio: George Hill's comments at Tuesday's practice
Audio: Matt Bonner's comments at Tuesday's practice
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/11/we-talkin-bout.html#more
By Jeff McDonald
Notes and quotes from this afternoon's Spurs practice, the first they've conducted in approximately 27 months ...
* Manu Ginobili (strained left groin) remains out for Wednesday's game against Golden State. He was on the court shooting before practice today, and spent a bit of time on the exercise bike. It remains to be seen if Ginobili will meet the original 7-to-10-day prognosis. That would put him back at least by Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
* The Spurs remain impressed with the play of their reserves. Their bench ranks second in the NBA in scoring (43 ppg) and first in rebounding (19.33 per game) and assists (9.54). What's more, the Spurs' reserves haven't missed a beat since Ginobili was incapacitated.
"No one can completely make up for what Manu brings to the team," said Matt Bonner, who pulled his weight with 23 points against Milwaukee. "At the same time, we all have to step it up and fill in the gaps."
* Line of the day came from Bonner, whose 23-point night earned him a spot on ESPN's "King Of The Night" ballot: "I'll go back to being a jester tomorrow."
* Tecnically, the Warriors lead the NBA in bench scoring (44.9 ppg) -- but not with the roster they'll bring to San Antonio. Beseiged by injuries -- the Warriors could have as many as six players out Wednesday -- Golden State is likely to suit up the minimum eight players. The Warriors are even down a coach, with Don Nelson remaining behind in the Bay Area with pneumonia.
Making matters worse, the eight upright Warriors will be playing the Spurs on the second night of a back to back.
"They've had injuries, they've had illness -- but they'll come in firing the pill," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "In this league, we all know if you take somebody for granted, you've got problems."
* The Spurs will leave Thanksgiving Day for their Friday game at Houston. That won't stop some players from trying to squeeze in a traditional Turkey Day meal.
"I lucked out this year," Bonner said. "My mom's in town, and we're cooking a 21-pound turkey."
Bonner said he is already looking forward to leftovers.
"There will be lots of sandwiches to eat for days to come," he said.
Spurs players without families in town have been invited to Roger Mason Jr.'s house for turkey and trimmings. Keith Bogans said he plans to accept that invitation, but first must determine if Mason himself is cooking the food.
"I would hope not," Bogans said. "If he's cooking, I'm not eating."
*********************
Hit the link for audio.
Audio: George Hill's comments at Tuesday's practice
Audio: Matt Bonner's comments at Tuesday's practice
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/11/we-talkin-bout.html#more