Kori Ellis
04-26-2005, 12:28 AM
Spurs Notebook: Shooting won't make highlight reel
Web Posted: 04/26/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA042605.6D.spurs.notebook.213a9f683.html
After going more 10 minutes without a basket in Sunday's fourth quarter, the Spurs concluded, not surprisingly, they might want to improve their shot selection.
"I think we can do a better job of creating for others instead of taking contested shots," Bruce Bowen said. "That's something we spoke about before the series started: Make the shot easier for your teammates, or get the easiest shot for your team.
"Maybe that's you going all the way (to the basket). Or, maybe that's you breaking down the defense so you can kick it out to somebody for a wide-open shot."
The Spurs missed 17 of 21 shots in the final quarter. Eleven of the misses were from within 8 feet.
Denver wasn't much better, missing 13 of its 19 fourth-quarter attempts. For the game, the Spurs outshot the Nuggets 42percent to 41.5 percent.
"Neither one of us shot worth a darn," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
Waiting in the wings: The Spurs don't expect the cavalry to come riding in anytime soon.
Popovich said he doubts either Rasho Nesterovic or Devin Brown will play Wednesday.
Nesterovic likely will at least be available in case too many of the Spurs' other big men run into foul trouble.
Out of gas: Popovich thought Tim Duncan probably was a bit fatigued at the end of Sunday's game.
Duncan hadn't played 35 minutes since March 16. He missed all seven of his fourth-quarter shots, three of which were close to the basket.
"All that matters is they didn't go in," Popovich said.
Not-so-full house: The Spurs' home-court advantage might be less of one Wednesday. As of Monday morning, almost 2,000 tickets were still available for Game 2. The Spurs have never failed to sell out a playoff game in the SBC Center.
Denver sold out all three of its possible first-round games in 45 minutes Saturday.
Across enemy lines: Denver point guard Andre Miller played one season with Danny Ferry in Cleveland.
As it turns out, the Spurs might have reason to partially blame their assistant general manager for Miller's 31-point performance on Sunday.
"I learned a lot from Danny," Miller said. "I got a chance to watch him shoot. He always offered tips and things."
Najera to return: Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera, who was held out of Game 1 with a fracture in his right hand, should be ready to play Wednesday, Denver coach George Karl said.
Happy tourists: With two nights off between playoff games, some wondered if the Nuggets would rather be spending that downtime in a city better known for its nightlife.
But Denver guard Andre Miller said he enjoys San Antonio's laid-back style.
"I like San Antonio, and I think the guys like San Antonio. There's things we can do, whether it's go out to eat or go to the River Walk or something like that."
Web Posted: 04/26/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA042605.6D.spurs.notebook.213a9f683.html
After going more 10 minutes without a basket in Sunday's fourth quarter, the Spurs concluded, not surprisingly, they might want to improve their shot selection.
"I think we can do a better job of creating for others instead of taking contested shots," Bruce Bowen said. "That's something we spoke about before the series started: Make the shot easier for your teammates, or get the easiest shot for your team.
"Maybe that's you going all the way (to the basket). Or, maybe that's you breaking down the defense so you can kick it out to somebody for a wide-open shot."
The Spurs missed 17 of 21 shots in the final quarter. Eleven of the misses were from within 8 feet.
Denver wasn't much better, missing 13 of its 19 fourth-quarter attempts. For the game, the Spurs outshot the Nuggets 42percent to 41.5 percent.
"Neither one of us shot worth a darn," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
Waiting in the wings: The Spurs don't expect the cavalry to come riding in anytime soon.
Popovich said he doubts either Rasho Nesterovic or Devin Brown will play Wednesday.
Nesterovic likely will at least be available in case too many of the Spurs' other big men run into foul trouble.
Out of gas: Popovich thought Tim Duncan probably was a bit fatigued at the end of Sunday's game.
Duncan hadn't played 35 minutes since March 16. He missed all seven of his fourth-quarter shots, three of which were close to the basket.
"All that matters is they didn't go in," Popovich said.
Not-so-full house: The Spurs' home-court advantage might be less of one Wednesday. As of Monday morning, almost 2,000 tickets were still available for Game 2. The Spurs have never failed to sell out a playoff game in the SBC Center.
Denver sold out all three of its possible first-round games in 45 minutes Saturday.
Across enemy lines: Denver point guard Andre Miller played one season with Danny Ferry in Cleveland.
As it turns out, the Spurs might have reason to partially blame their assistant general manager for Miller's 31-point performance on Sunday.
"I learned a lot from Danny," Miller said. "I got a chance to watch him shoot. He always offered tips and things."
Najera to return: Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera, who was held out of Game 1 with a fracture in his right hand, should be ready to play Wednesday, Denver coach George Karl said.
Happy tourists: With two nights off between playoff games, some wondered if the Nuggets would rather be spending that downtime in a city better known for its nightlife.
But Denver guard Andre Miller said he enjoys San Antonio's laid-back style.
"I like San Antonio, and I think the guys like San Antonio. There's things we can do, whether it's go out to eat or go to the River Walk or something like that."