Game Blog: Spurs vs Magic 3-17-2010

[boutons_deux]

"ya gotta luv" the Spurs' self-confidence, swagger, "we're winners" attitude.

[DubMcDub]

This is why people don't like you.

I will remember that and file it away in my self-improvement folder.

[L.I.T]

yeah since he's 5-10 against dwight and scores 22PPG against dwight with 12 rebounds.......................................... ................................................

:bang:bang:bang:bang

Yup, the Spurs since Howard came along have struggled with the Magic. And the times I've watched, TD has looked lousy against Howard.

...Remember the dunk.

[Chieflion]

Ian draws the foul and goes to the line on his first touch.

[DPG21920]

At least RJ had a good game against a good team. Malik struggled, but was still better than Mason.

[qiuyizeng]

And yeah, the Duncan hating is totally classless. You guys who hate on Tim should check your fuckin heads.

"Tim is having a bad game" is very different to "Tim Duncan is pathetic! What a piece of shit". Learn the difference.
sigh! i can bet duncan is great vs golden,but shit with boston or lakers ,you know why!

[DubMcDub]

Cmon Stan, just say what we're all thinking. "The Spurs suck and we're just beating a team we're supposed to beat".

This. And I'd extend the same thing to any NBA player who's been even half as good in his career as Tim Duncan.

[Ice009]

LOL I never knew you could do a reverse over the head jump shot. Ian.

[DPG21920]

Ian active early. Good time for him to get some minutes.

[FeZZy]

ian haha yay 46 points :lmao

[Dr. Gonzo]

ian draws the foul and goes to the line on his first touch.

future all-star!

[Chieflion]

Ian scores inside.

[itzsoweezee]

lol at mahinmi shitting on popobitch every time he gets a chance to play.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

lol at mahinmi shitting on popobitch every time he gets a chance to play.

he lost control but got bailed out with a foul...and that was a wide open layup

[Brazil]

LOL I never knew you could do a reverse over the head jump shot. Ian.

:rollin

[Chieflion]

future all-star!

No one said he will be an all-star. Stop overreacting like the little bitch you are.

[ohmwrecker]

lol at mahinmi shitting on popobitch every time he gets a chance to play.

That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?

[itzsoweezee]

future all-star!

no, just an nba quality big man. you know, the exact type of player that needs to be on the court for the spurs.

[alchemist]

yes Hill you sucked pop-o-hater cunt tonight.

[boutons_deux]

Looks like Spurs gonna go 3 straight qtrs not hitting 20 pts

[Sisk]

how is lewis still in the game?

[timtonymanu]

At least RJ had a good game against a good team. Malik struggled, but was still better than Mason.

That's what frustrating though.

Right now Manu and RJ are looking great. But Tim is struggling and Tony is out. Unfortunately, we'll never get to see all 4 playing well at the same time consistently.

[VBM]

Nice move Mahinmi

[FeZZy]

Ian = francisco elson

[Dr. Gonzo]

No one said he will be an all-star. Stop overreacting like the little bitch you are.

The way everyone overreacts when he scores a couple of buckets in garbage time?

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

at least we helped Lewis out of his shooting slump

[itzsoweezee]

he lost control but got bailed out with a foul...and that was a wide open layup

what's the excuse on that one, bitch?

[Chieflion]

Nice post move by Ian.

[VBM]

That's what frustrating though.

Right now Manu and RJ are looking great. But Tim is struggling and Tony is out. Unfortunately, we'll never get to see all 4 playing well at the same time consistently.

Same thing happened to the Rockets last year, and they took LA to 7.
:toast

[Allanon]

Damn, this is alot of garbaage time, looks like both teams are done for the night already.

[alchemist]

The way everyone overreacts when he scores a couple of buckets in garbage time?
couple buckets in garbage time = dominating Dwight :lol

[DubMcDub]

That's what frustrating though.

Right now Manu and RJ are looking great. But Tim is struggling and Tony is out. Unfortunately, we'll never get to see all 4 playing well at the same time consistently.

Manu will be fine (i.e., extremely good). RJ needs the ball in his hands a lot to be effective. As soon as TP comes back, expect a precipitous drop in RJ's production.

[Chieflion]

The way everyone overreacts when he scores a couple of buckets in garbage time?

If you really dislike him so much, just switch the game off and go to sleep, you know, since it is garbage time.

[FeZZy]

everyone is so grumpy now

[TD 21]

What the fuck is Lewis still doing in? The Spurs need to hard foul his ass and send a message. We know elite teams don't respect the Spurs to begin with, but to go so far as disrespecting them?

Another embarrassing effort on national TV. Save the excuses. If they lost a competitive game by, say, 8-12, that's one thing, but to get blown out and never really be in it? Same old shit.

[VBM]

Well...at least OKC lost...

[Dr. Gonzo]

If you really dislike him so much, just switch the game off and go to sleep, you know, since it is garbage time.

I don't dislike him, I can give 2 shits about a guy that's barely D-League material. I just find it humorous that so many on these boards have anointed him a savior.

[Ice009]

Last 20 games: 19 points, 4 boards, 3 assists, 50%+ FG, 50%+ 3s and like ~80%FT at around 33 minutes a game.

Thanks.

Not high ppg, but that doesn't mean anything. Those percentages are great and it does look like he's been dominating. Harlem was right about that going off of those numbers.

50% plus on threes is actually crazy. Has he taken many in those 20 games?

[DPG21920]

I would understand if the Spurs get no more nationally televised games.

[FeZZy]

fuck this shit dude

[Chieflion]

I don't dislike him, I can give 2 shits about a guy that's barely D-League material. I just find it humorous that so many on these boards have anointed him a savior.

Again, no one said that. We just wanted him to get a legit chance to do something, like the rest of these D-League call ups.

[Sisk]

damn this is embarrassing, they can't miss and we can't hit

[ElNono]

LOL Centerpiece...

[Dr. Gonzo]

Again, no one said that. We just wanted him to get a legit chance to do something, like the rest of these D-League call ups.

And he has equal chance as anyone else on the team. He just needs to impress his coach in practice and he will earn some playing time.

[DPG21920]

I don't dislike him, I can give 2 shits about a guy that's barely D-League material. I just find it humorous that so many on these boards have anointed him a savior.

Barely DL material :lol. He dominated the DL.

[FeZZy]

anthony johnson can suck a hairy dick

[Chieflion]

Bogans get burned by anybody, even Anthony Johnson.

[Sisk]

good move mahinmi

[DPG21920]

Ian pwning Gortat. 8 points.

[itzsoweezee]

lol

[DPG21920]

Ian good, smart defense.

[Chieflion]

And he has equal chance as anyone else on the team. He just needs to impress his coach in practice and he will earn some playing time.

Garrett Temple checked in before Ian. How many days has he been with the team to impress Pop so much?

[weebo]

Mason belongs in the d league

[ElNono]

Pop postgame: "We didn't make shots. They did. We lost".

[Dr. Gonzo]

Garrett Temple checked in before Ian. How many days has he been with the team to impress Pop so much?

That should show you exactly what Ian has.

[spurspokesman]

That's what frustrating though.

Right now Manu and RJ are looking great. But Tim is struggling and Tony is out. Unfortunately, we'll never get to see all 4 playing well at the same time consistently.
What a mess

[itzsoweezee]

lol @ Dr. Gonzo.

[weebo]

Garrett Temple checked in before Ian. How many days has he been with the team to impress Pop so much?

Pop just wanting to get a look at the guy

[Ice009]

The Centerpiece at it again.


Pop has royally screwed us over this season.

What he has done is given Bogans and those guys court time, but I just can't believe he doesn't realize those guys are OK when you play crap teams, but they will never cut it against the best teams in the league. Against the best teams in the league they will put us at a huge disadvantage. Games like tonight just keep showing us over and over again how outmatched these guys are against the best in the league.

[Sisk]

Pop postgame: "We didn't make shots. They did. We lost".

:lol

[FeZZy]

everyone tonight should be in the d league except manu and rj

[timtonymanu]

Pop postgame: "We didn't make shots. They did. We lost".

Pop: I thought the defense picked up in the second half. I am proud of them except the loss.

[weebo]

Mason actually belongs in the WNBA

those chics have big balls than mason

[Chieflion]

Pop just wanting to get a look at the guy

I am not sure whether the fans wanted to look at Temple sucking.

[austN Spur]

mahinmi has made some decent moves

[Sisk]

I did see it correctly that CJAX wasn't active tonight, right? any reason?

[TD 21]

I have no idea why Pop put Hill back in and kept Jefferson in so long. There was no run coming, Hill is already playing over 40 minutes a game (currently, not on the season) and he and Jefferson will be needed for a ton of minutes in up coming games since outside of Ginobili they're the only semblance of consistent scoring this team is getting recently.

Blair is clearly in Pop's doghouse and rightfully so. The Spurs need him during these stretch of games, but if he doesn't get his act together soon, I'd play Mahinmi over him for a couple of games.

Duncan, it's looking more and more like a repeat of last season. He flat out can't score and his shooting percentage and overall efficiency are plummeting by the game.

Pull out all the excuses you want, but I don't see this as a one off. This team is going to get pummeled a lot during this up coming stretch and may even fall into the eighth seed.

[FeZZy]

fuck shit up ian

[timtonymanu]

I did see it correctly that CJAX wasn't active tonight, right? any reason?

to give temple a look. not counting tp the spurs have 13 players. so i guess jackson got the night off for temple.

[Dr. Gonzo]

The Centerpiece at it again.


Pop has royally screwed us over this season.

What he has done is given Bogans and those guys court time, but I just can't believe he doesn't realize those guys are OK when you play crap teams, but they will never cut it against the best teams in the league. Against the best teams in the league they will put us at a huge disadvantage. Games like tonight just keep showing us over and over again how outmatched these guys are against the best in the league.

Maybe it just proves that they don't have the level of talent the best teams in the league have. I love how this board overrates this team. Outside of the big 3 the talent level drops significantly. Sure they have nice young pieces in Hill and Blair but outside of that this team is just not that good. It doesn't matter who Pop plays.

[Ice009]

Garrett Temple checked in before Ian. How many days has he been with the team to impress Pop so much?

Gonzo is a CLOWN. I would even bother reading anything he says.

I don't even know if he means anything he says or he is just playing on everyone here to get them pissed off.

[FeZZy]

they switched the verizon commercial to basketball how gay

[Dr. Gonzo]

Gonzo is a CLOWN. I would even bother reading anything he says.

I don't even know if he means anything he says or he is just playing on everyone here to get them pissed off.

I'm offended by the name calling.

[Sisk]

to give temple a look. not counting tp the spurs have 13 players. so i guess jackson got the night off for temple.

yeah this is probably the case.. i'll take cjax

[Chieflion]

Gonzo is a CLOWN. I would even bother reading anything he says.

I don't even know if he means anything he says or he is just playing on everyone here to get them pissed off.

Lets not give him so much credit. A clown is more entertaining than he is.

[weebo]

I have no idea why Pop put Hill back in and kept Jefferson in so long. There was no run coming, Hill is already playing over 40 minutes a game (currently, not on the season) and he and Jefferson will be needed for a ton of minutes in up coming games since outside of Ginobili they're the only semblance of consistent scoring this team is getting recently.

Blair is clearly in Pop's doghouse and rightfully so. The Spurs need him during these stretch of games, but if he doesn't get his act together soon, I'd play Mahinmi over him for a couple of games.

Duncan, it's looking more and more like a repeat of last season. He flat out can't score and his shooting percentage and overall efficiency are plummeting by the game.

Pull out all the excuses you want, but I don't see this as a one off. This team is going to get pummeled a lot during this up coming stretch and may even fall into the eighth seed.

Blair plays best with Manu. Since Manu was inserted as a starter, no one was effected more than Blair. Blair should start alongside Duncan because McD sucks something awful.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Lets not give him so much credit. A clown is more entertaining than he is.

You are just pissed because I have more basketball knowledge than you do.

[DPG21920]

Ian > Gortat. Ian has had some quality minutes this game.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

He's right though, at least about this team not being a contender but a lot of people still deluding themselves that it is.

[FeZZy]

well at least mason finally hit something

[austN Spur]

mason heating up

[Dr. Gonzo]

He's right though, at least about this team not being a contender but a lot of people still deluding themselves that it is.

:tu

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Anyone know why Kidd isn't playing in the Mavs game? Did he injure himself, or is it just that he's a bad matchup on Pargo?

[DPG21920]

Damn, great move by Malik. Too bad we look like the Pistons right now.

[Ice009]

You are just pissed because I have more basketball knowledge than you do.

Where is this basketball knowledge of yours?

All I see you say is that a certain player has to show Pop more in practice to get court time.


how the fuck would you know what anyone is showing in practice? You're just guessing that Malik, Ian and those guys have shown nothing in practice. If that is basketball knowledge then yeah you are the smartest guy here.

[Dr. Gonzo]

A majority of these people don't want to admit that the Spurs just aren't contenders anymore because that would mean they would have to jump ship and become Cavs fans.

[FeZZy]

mason just fucked reddick he stick his dick out towards him

[DPG21920]

Anyone know why Kidd isn't playing in the Mavs game? Did he injure himself, or is it just that he's a bad matchup on Pargo?

Just resting him in a blowout.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

:tu

Don't get ahead of yourself - that's about the only thing you are right about! :lmao

[timtonymanu]

He's right though, at least about this team not being a contender but a lot of people still deluding themselves that it is.

I agree. People need to give up the contender talk. When TP fractured his hand, that just clinched it. Plus the losses to Lebron and Kobe-less teams. Swept by Utah, Portland, and Chicago. IMO, people are just pulling stats out of their asses now because they just can't accept the Spurs' fate. I have no expectations other than a first round exit.

[FeZZy]

garbage time sucks

[DubMcDub]

Anyone know why Kidd isn't playing in the Mavs game? Did he injure himself, or is it just that he's a bad matchup on Pargo?

Just resting. He was in just now and hit a 35-foot three at the 3rd Q buzzer.

*edit* But it didn't count. Nevermind.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Where is this basketball knowledge of yours?

All I see you say is that a certain player has to show Pop more in practice to get court time.


how the fuck would you know what anyone is showing in practice?

My real name is Chip Engelland.

[FeZZy]

fuck temple sucks

[VBM]

Fell for an anthony johnson pump-fake...lololol

[austN Spur]

fags

[Dr. Gonzo]

I agree. People need to give up the contender talk. When TP fractured his hand, that just clinched it. Plus the losses to Lebron and Kobe-less teams. Swept by Utah, Portland, and Chicago. IMO, people are just pulling stats out of their asses now because they just can't accept the Spurs' fate. I have no expectations other than a first round exit.

They weren't contenders before TP hurt his hand. In reality, they are better off trading him in the offseason.

[FeZZy]

how many points did manu and rj have?

[ohmwrecker]

Blair plays best with Manu. Since Manu was inserted as a starter, no one was effected more than Blair. Blair should start alongside Duncan because McD sucks something awful.

I agree that Blair would be better off starting. I do not agree that McDyess sucks.

[DPG21920]

Ian pwning people.

[FeZZy]

the magic are faggets holding arms and shit

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Just resting him in a blowout.

Okay, cool, thanks.

At this point in the season, with the Spurs a looming first round out, I'm more interested in my fantasy teams. My DL I team badly needs Kidd not to be injured. ;)

The other thing I'm really enjoying is watching the Bucks and my man Bogut, who is now one of the best 5 centres in the league, particularly defensively.

[timtonymanu]

They weren't contenders before TP hurt his hand. In reality, they are better off trading him in the offseason.

i agree. they were never contenders but TP's injured hand ended every hope at least for SPAM.

[FeZZy]

Ian pwning people.
a put back?

[DPG21920]

RJ with 20 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK on 75% FG and perfect FT.

[Dr. Gonzo]

a put back?

Typical overrating Ian fan.

[FeZZy]

RJ with 20 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK on 75% FG and perfect FT.

thanks dpg

[Blackjack]

That's 2 and-1's for Anthony Johnson.

That's Beetlejuice ...

Beetlejuice (you know what happens on the third :hat)

[Chieflion]

Okay, cool, thanks.

At this point in the season, with the Spurs a looming first round out, I'm more interested in my fantasy teams. My DL I team badly needs Kidd not to be injured. ;)

The other thing I'm really enjoying is watching the Bucks and my man Bogut, who is now one of the best 5 centres in the league, particularly defensively.

Bogut is the 2nd best center in the league. :toast

[Ice009]

My real name is Chip Engelland.

no, your name is DICK.

[DPG21920]

a put back?

Or 10 points, 2 rebounds and a block.

[Dr. Gonzo]

no, your name is DICK.

lmao

you mad?

[DubMcDub]

Okay, cool, thanks.

At this point in the season, with the Spurs a looming first round out, I'm more interested in my fantasy teams. My DL I team badly needs Kidd not to be injured. ;)


Mavs have 3 games in 4 nights, so his minutes may be limited this week. Just FYI.

[FeZZy]

no, your name is DICK.
no that's richard jefferson

[Brazil]

this gonzo dude is annoying

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I agree. People need to give up the contender talk. When TP fractured his hand, that just clinched it. Plus the losses to Lebron and Kobe-less teams. Swept by Utah, Portland, and Chicago. IMO, people are just pulling stats out of their asses now because they just can't accept the Spurs' fate. I have no expectations other than a first round exit.

About time! Shit, man, I realised this six weeks months ago! :lol


My real name is Chip Engelland.

No, it's not. I've met the guy and had a good chat with him, and he's a lot smarter than you! :lol

[DPG21920]

That's 2 and-1's for Anthony Johnson.

That's Beetlejuice ...

Beetlejuice (you know what happens on the third :hat)

:lol Wrong beetlejuice.

[timtonymanu]

Okay, cool, thanks.

At this point in the season, with the Spurs a looming first round out, I'm more interested in my fantasy teams. My DL I team badly needs Kidd not to be injured. ;)

The other thing I'm really enjoying is watching the Bucks and my man Bogut, who is now one of the best 5 centres in the league, particularly defensively.

Since the Spurs have really been a blow this year, I've been watching other teams like the Bucks and Bobcats. I never understood the Bogut is a bust crap because I always thought he had potential and he's finally breaking out. Good for him.

I'm happy for Theo and KT. They both went to teams that can make some noise in the playoffs.

[Chieflion]

Or 10 points, 2 rebounds and a block.

Dude, no one cares if he breaks Wilt's record of 100 points in a game, he still sucks.

[Ice009]

Okay, cool, thanks.

At this point in the season, with the Spurs a looming first round out, I'm more interested in my fantasy teams. My DL I team badly needs Kidd not to be injured. ;)

The other thing I'm really enjoying is watching the Bucks and my man Bogut, who is now one of the best 5 centres in the league, particularly defensively.

How well has Bogut been playing? I haven't watched a Bucks game since the first two months of the season. What are his numbers lately? What has he improved on the most? Defense?

[Dr. Gonzo]

Dude, no one cares if he breaks Wilt's record of 100 points in a game, he still sucks.

That's the truth.

[FeZZy]

Or 10 points, 2 rebounds and a block.
yeah it just sucks that he'll never get the playing time he deserves just saying you think he'd have those number going against howard?

[Dr. Gonzo]

yeah it just sucks that he'll never get the playing time he deserves just saying you think he'd have those number going against howard?

He would've fouled out in 2 minutes against Howard.

[FeZZy]

5 pts haha wow

[DPG21920]

Nice, a smooth 3 from Malik!

[Chieflion]

How well has Bogut been playing? I haven't watched a Bucks game since the first two months of the season. What are his numbers lately? What has he improved on the most? Defense?

I think at least 2 blocks post ASG for each game, averaging about 3.5 blocks post ASG (More than Dwight), 17/11 a game.

[FeZZy]

ian outworked duncan in less minutes :lmao

[DPG21920]

yeah it just sucks that he'll never get the playing time he deserves just saying you think he'd have those number going against howard?

No, but they are still quality minutes he put in. He has potential to be a NBA player and he can help all around.

[alchemist]

ian outworked duncan in less minutes :lmao
sadly he seemed more mobile against Gortat than Duncan did. :depressed

[timtonymanu]

About time! Shit, man, I realised this six weeks months ago! :lol



I always believed like you did but just didnt want to admit it. I knew it was over once the Spurs lost to the Blazers without Roy.

[The Red Hood]

Interesting words by Sean, "Solid showing by the future front court Dejuan Blair and Ian Mahinmi."

[Blackjack]

Malik with a 3?

http://images.rockmnation.com/images/user/7/victory_vi.jpg

VICTORY!!!

[easy7]

I just got home, what the hell happened? Bogans and Mason played 48 mins? Damn, that was an ass whopping..

[Budkin]

Damn what an asskicking.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Bogut is the 2nd best center in the league. :toast

Very close to it. If I could grab any centre for the Spurs, it would be Bogut. Not only does he block shots, but he takes charges, plays very savvy man-on-man D, and controls the defensive boards much like Timmy. On O he has a sweet lefty hook (even though he's a righty), and plays the pnr very well. He's just a really smart balla. Love the guy! :D

I must admit, since I realised that we are dead in the water this year, I have been watching a lot of Bucks. BTW, they have learned to win close games over the last 2 months, and I think they're a first round upset waiting to happen. They are one or two pieces away from contending.


Mavs have 3 games in 4 nights, so his minutes may be limited this week. Just FYI.

Thanks for that, and a good week for it (my playoff opponent is way behind).

I need him to come on strong for the next two weeks though.

[ElNono]

Well, that was a waste of 2.5 hours... I don't think we got beat this bad all season long, even if we weren't playing our best basketball. Could be a turning point. We'll see how they show up next Friday. I especially want to see what Pop is going to do with the Mason/Malik situation.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Interesting words by Sean, "Solid showing by the future front court Dejuan Blair and Ian Mahinmi."

So he is pretty much saying the Spurs are a future lottery team.

[DPG21920]

Gortat is no slouch. Granted, he probably was less interested against Ian than Tim, but Ian was very effective against him. Plus he altered some shots.

[Chieflion]

Interesting words by Sean, "Solid showing by the future front court Dejuan Blair and Ian Mahinmi."

Wow, he still believes that. Ian sucks, he will never be anything more than a 12th man on the New Jersey Nets, even.

[Blackjack]

:lol Wrong beetlejuice.

No, on the third one he beats up his handler and assaults a hooker.:hat

[Ice009]

lmao

you mad?

Your great basketball knowledge is shining through tonight Mr Chip Dick ;).

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I always believed like you did but just didnt want to admit it. I knew it was over once the Spurs lost to the Blazers without Roy.

Fair enough. Yeah, that's about the time I realised the team wasn't going to get it together this year.

[easy7]

I am very disappointed at everyone here. Spurs lose by 20+ points and there are no doom, end of the world threads, what the hell is wrong with everyone? :lmao

[Blackjack]

Yikes . . .

Timmy's jersey could've literally read -21.

[TD 21]

It's clear Mahinmi deserves to have at least a couple of games in a row in the rotation. I don't care how awkward his movements sometimes look, how much he travels/fouls, or the fact that his damage is done in garbage time, the fact of the matter is the man produces damn near every time he's put into a game.

Time to find out if he can help this team because right now they're not getting consistent contributions out of any of their big men and it's looking more and more like Splitter isn't coming, so this organization might want to find out what they have in this guy before they go searching for another big this summer. Or maybe they'd prefer seeing him in a rotation and contributing on another team next season. They probably would. Then they could continue this charade of acting helpless when it comes to finding a young, legit big to plug into their starting lineup each year and continue on with 6-9 old men and 6-6 rookies "helping" Duncan in the paint.

[poop]

Ian started out raw and nervous like usual but eneded up showing some good stuff.

[duncan228]

Updated.

Magic smother Tim Duncan to beat Spurs 110-84 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010031719)
By Antonio Gonzalez

Tim Duncan sat stiff and stared aimlessly on the bench watching his San Antonio Spurs get blown away in the final minutes.

His movement wasn’t much better on the court. The Orlando Magic made sure of that.

Vince Carter had 24 points and eight assists, and the Magic smothered Duncan to beat San Antonio 110-84 on Wednesday night.

“I liked our defense on him. I thought we did a good job,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “At the same time, he can make a lot of the shots he was taking. What you try to do is just not make things easy and then you live with the result.”

The result for the Magic couldn’t have been better.

Duncan had five points and was 1 for 10 from the field in the worst shooting percentage game of his career, a big reason the Spurs lost for only the second time in their last 10 games. Duncan’s previous low was a 1-for-8 night against Minnesota on April 20, 2005, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“Just a bad night,” Duncan said. “Mainly myself. It kind of starts with me.”

Rashard Lewis finished with 20 points, and J.J. Redick had 10 points to help the Magic win for the ninth time in 10 games. Orlando moved four games ahead of Atlanta and Boston for second in the Eastern Conference, but is still six games behind Cleveland.

“We want to win it. We’re not one of those teams that are happy just making the playoffs,” said Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, who played through a sinus infection. “We want to win it. We want to have a team that wants to win it. That’s what we’re building toward.”

A matchup of two of the NBA’s dominant big men fell flat.

Howard was hardly a part of the offense with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting, with two makes coming late with the Magic up big. Duncan made the first basket of the game for the Spurs—a short hook—and then went silent.

“It’s a very good feeling,” said Magic backup center Marcin Gortat, who had a big hand in locking up Duncan. “He’s a great player. If you stop a guy like that, you’re confidence is going up, and you feel good about it. It’s Tim Duncan. Everybody will have a bad game. He’s still a great player. We just played better.”

The difference was a deeper and more rested Orlando team.

The Magic held the Spurs scoreless for almost 6 minutes in the second quarter, shutting down San Antonio with almost entirely reserves. Not even Howard—the reigning Defensive Player of the Year—was needed.

Backups Gortat, Redick, Brandon Bass and Jason Williams teamed with Matt Barnes for most of the stretch to help Orlando score 14 straight points, part of a run that gave the Magic a 48-28 lead.

“We see the energy. The ball moves more, and the game looks really nice,” Gortat said of the second string.

The only downside during the stretch was Michael Pietrus sprained his left ankle trying to make a pass. He got twisted up and fell to the ground, grimacing in pain. Van Gundy said Pietrus will miss Thursday’s game at Miami but shouldn’t miss any more time.

Richard Jefferson had 20 points, and Manu Ginobili added 18 for San Antonio, which fell to 4-2 since point guard Tony Parker broke his right hand.

The Spurs briefly came back behind a pair of 3-pointers by Matt Bonner and another by Ginobli, slicing the deficit to 10 points at the half.

Then Carter opened the third quarter with a trio of hard-driving layups. Carter also added an alley-oop pass to Howard—for a hard slam over Jefferson— to highlight a 13-4 Magic run that put them ahead by 22 points and all but sealed the win, pushing Duncan to the bench early.

“It’s hard to play with Tim having an off night,” Ginobili said. “I totally, blindly trust him. Just one of those game.”

NOTES: Spurs C Greg Popovich said he had planned to sit Duncan in some of the second games of a back-to-back late in the season. But with his team beginning Wednesday seventh in the Western Conference, he’s had to change plans. “Because of our situation, it just doesn’t allow me to sit him as much,” Popovich said. … Barnes returned after missing Sunday’s game with a sprained left big toe.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I am very disappointed at everyone here. Spurs lose by 20+ points and there are no doom, end of the world threads, what the hell is wrong with everyone? :lmao

The sky fell long ago. :lol

[TD 21]

quote=duncan228;4165466]NOTES: Spurs C Greg Popovich said he had planned to sit Duncan in the second games of a back-to-back late in the season. But with his team beginning Wednesday seventh in the Western Conference, he’s had to change plans. “Because of our situation, it just doesn’t allow me to sit him as much,” Popovich said[/quote]

This coach continues to embarrass himself and give everyone all the more reason to not take what he says seriously. He just said within the past month that (to paraphrase) "it didn't matter what our situation is, to have a shot at doing anything in the playoffs we need Timmy healthy and as fresh as possible". Now all of a sudden that's changed.

With the way he's playing right now and a tough back-to-back with two athletic teams upcoming, he should sit him in a game. I'd like to see Mahinmi get a game where he get's 35 minutes and really, who cares what seed this team get's? Does it matter? They're not winning the championship, at best they'll win a round and honestly, I don't give a shit whether they get the Lakers or the Jazz or anybody at this point. Just get them their as fresh as possible and once there, run the top players into the ground in an attempt to pull off an upset.

[alchemist]

This coach continues to embarrass himself and give everyone all the more reason to not take what he says seriously. He just said within the past month that (to paraphrase) "it didn't matter what our situation is, to have a shot at doing anything in the playoffs we need Timmy healthy and as fresh as possible". Now all of a sudden that's changed.

With the way he's playing right now and a tough back-to-back with two athletic teams upcoming, he should sit him in a game. I'd like to see Mahinmi get a game where he get's 35 minutes and really, who cares what seed this team get's? Does it matter? They're not winning the championship, at best they'll win a round and honestly, I don't give a shit whether they get the Lakers or the Jazz or anybody at this point. Just get them their as fresh as possible and once there, run the top players into the ground in an attempt to pull off an upset.
he played 25 minutes today, that's a shit load. :lol

[Chomag]

I am very disappointed at everyone here. Spurs lose by 20+ points and there are no doom, end of the world threads, what the hell is wrong with everyone? :lmao

That bus has already come and gone. LOL

Maybe it might get those that are still believing spurs have a chance this year.

[easy7]

quote=duncan228;4165466]NOTES: Spurs C Greg Popovich said he had planned to sit Duncan in the second games of a back-to-back late in the season. But with his team beginning Wednesday seventh in the Western Conference, he’s had to change plans. “Because of our situation, it just doesn’t allow me to sit him as much,” Popovich said

So now there is a sense of urgency? Shit... This should have happened since day one. Don't wait to see if you will get payed before you call the cops and tell them you been raped. :lmao

[blkroadrunners]

My real name is Chip Engelland.


I actually met Chip Engelland at work right before AS break. Great guy - talked a lot about Blair's impact and the progression of Ian.

[jjktkk]

quote=duncan228;4165466]NOTES: Spurs C Greg Popovich said he had planned to sit Duncan in the second games of a back-to-back late in the season. But with his team beginning Wednesday seventh in the Western Conference, he’s had to change plans. “Because of our situation, it just doesn’t allow me to sit him as much,” Popovich said

This coach continues to embarrass himself and give everyone all the more reason to not take what he says seriously. He just said within the past month that (to paraphrase) "it didn't matter what our situation is, to have a shot at doing anything in the playoffs we need Timmy healthy and as fresh as possible". Now all of a sudden that's changed.

With the way he's playing right now and a tough back-to-back with two athletic teams upcoming, he should sit him in a game. I'd like to see Mahinmi get a game where he get's 35 minutes and really, who cares what seed this team get's? Does it matter? They're not winning the championship, at best they'll win a round and honestly, I don't give a shit whether they get the Lakers or the Jazz or anybody at this point. Just get them their as fresh as possible and once there, run the top players into the ground in an attempt to pull off an upset.[/QUOTE]

How did Pop embarrass himself? Besides the fact that Pop probably wouldn't cry in his wine glass if he did embarrass himself, did you really read into Pop's recent comments about Keeping Duncan healthy and as fresh as possible? My take on Pop's comments mean that Pop will monitor Duncan's minutes as much as possible. But forget about what playoff seed the Spurs can get, the Spurs can quite easily miss the playoffs. Due to how tight the Western playoff race, Pop no longer has the luxury to sit Duncan out a game.

[SenorSpur]

One problem I see, and maybe it's me, is that this team "knows" it doesn't perform well in the backend of the back-to-back games. It's almost like the expectation to win, and ultimately the effort, is not there. Almost like a built-in excuse for poor effort. I fully realize these games are harder on the older players, and from a physical standpoint, it does show. It's just the mental approach also seems subpar.

Tim's performance in these games has really been telling and with Parker injured, they simply cannot win just on the will of Manu. This team actually looked defeated in the 1st quarter, as they started out so poorly.

[DPG21920]

Good thing there are no back to backs in the playoffs. /optimism.

[ElNono]

Tim's performance in these games has really been telling and with Parker injured, they simply cannot win just on the will of Manu. This team actually looked defeated in the 1st quarter, as they started out so poorly.

What's the excuse for young guns like Hill, Mason and Blair?
I understand that we're short-handed and we can't afford a weak game by Tim, but the rest is inexcusable.

[8FOR!3]

What's the excuse for young guns like Hill, Mason and Blair?
I understand that we're short-handed and we can't afford a weak game by Tim, but the rest is inexcusable.

Just a tough game for them, Hill's consistent. Can't complain about him. I've never seen a player play a perfect season with no fallacies.

It's a shame it's past the trade deadline, I bet we could get Finley for Duncan...:lol

[ElNono]

Just a tough game for them, Hill's consistent.

Mason too.

[TD 21]

This coach continues to embarrass himself and give everyone all the more reason to not take what he says seriously. He just said within the past month that (to paraphrase) "it didn't matter what our situation is, to have a shot at doing anything in the playoffs we need Timmy healthy and as fresh as possible". Now all of a sudden that's changed.

With the way he's playing right now and a tough back-to-back with two athletic teams upcoming, he should sit him in a game. I'd like to see Mahinmi get a game where he get's 35 minutes and really, who cares what seed this team get's? Does it matter? They're not winning the championship, at best they'll win a round and honestly, I don't give a shit whether they get the Lakers or the Jazz or anybody at this point. Just get them their as fresh as possible and once there, run the top players into the ground in an attempt to pull off an upset.

How did Pop embarrass himself? Besides the fact that Pop probably wouldn't cry in his wine glass if he did embarrass himself, did you really read into Pop's recent comments about Keeping Duncan healthy and as fresh as possible? My take on Pop's comments mean that Pop will monitor Duncan's minutes as much as possible. But forget about what playoff seed the Spurs can get, the Spurs can quite easily miss the playoffs. Due to how tight the Western playoff race, Pop no longer has the luxury to sit Duncan out a game.[/quote]

By always saying one thing and doing another and by always building up other teams and downplaying his own. What are you talking about? It would take a collapse of epic proportions to miss the playoffs. What this is is a desperate attempt to avoid the Lakers because the entire Spurs organization is scared of them and worships them; it's disgusting. Funny thing is, the Lakers treat the Spurs the exact opposite.

I'm not suggesting they purposely lose to get the eighth seed, but if they end up eighth, so be it. They're not going anywhere anyway and they put this team together with the goal to be to get to a series with the Lakers, so why not have it be in the 1st round? Before Duncan and Ginobili are inevitably worn out, which they would be if this team miraculously made the second round before running into the Lakers.

[VivaPopovich]

i missed the game

what happened? gortat didn't lockdown duncan 1on1 did he? without watching the highlights i'm assuming that dwight wasn't on timmy and van gundy was having his guys double and pester timmy all night

[Libri]

I just got home, what the hell happened? Bogans and Mason played 48 mins? Damn, that was an ass whopping..

I just finished watching the game, here are my humble observations. With the way the Spurs were playing defense in the first quarter, you could tell it was going to be a long night. First of all, the Spurs began the game by sagging off Orlando's 3-point shooters. The Magic were getting easy looks from behind the arc. Apart from this, the Spurs were confused on defensive and were slow to rotate. As a consequence, Barnes, Carter, Lewis, and Pietrus had wide open looks. One of Sean's keys to the game was to cover the 3 ball and the Spurs failed to do this. Furthermore, the Spurs did a terrible job guarding the top of the key pick and roll. For example, the Spurs would double team the man with the ball. Then, one of the Orlando players would slide down the middle, get a pass and have an easy look at the basket. Nobody rotated to guard that player. On other occasions the Magic successfully created a mismatch. Bogans found himself guarding Howard. If you compound this with the scoring droughts of the second and third quarters, it equals a blowout.

[Stringer_Bell]

I hate Pop's "throw the kitchen sink" line-ups and substitutions when 8-12 points out. That's the kind of bullshit he is supposed to be against, yet he gives up and starts throwing bologna on the wall to see if it'll stick. It's not fair to Manu or whatever other players decide to show up on any given night.

He is losing his mind and becoming indecisive and he has made detrimental decisions toward winning games. I still believe we can make it to 50 wins and get out of the 1st round, but let's have some pride and not give up or experiment when we can still scrap with what we've got instead of going into Van Gundy panic mode. He had all season to figure out what to do with rotations and see what this roster is capable of, but it's so inconsistent. It's a problem that starts with the coach. >.<

[GhosTown]

those chics have big balls than mason


Keep in mind, Mason doesn't want to play for Pop anymore.

I wouldn't expect him to be at the top of his game. It is kinda hard to do when you think the coach is an idiot and you would rather not even play for him.

[GhosTown]

Maybe it just proves that they don't have the level of talent the best teams in the league have. I love how this board overrates this team. Outside of the big 3 the talent level drops significantly. Sure they have nice young pieces in Hill and Blair but outside of that this team is just not that good. It doesn't matter who Pop plays.


Yeah it matters who he plays. Playing Bonner = Losing. Especially against elite teams. This guy is the laughing stock of the NBA. There is no player in the NBA that doesn't abuse Bonner.

No team would give Bonner minutes like Pop gives him. He is foolish to play Bonner ahead of anyone on the bench.

[Indazone]

Watch out...Rockets creeping up on you guys for that 8th playoff spot. LOL

[Sean Cagney]

Watch out...Rockets creeping up on you guys for that 8th playoff spot. LOL

We are not in the 8th playoff spot you idiot...... Rockets are not going to make the playoffs.

[Indazone]

We are not in the 8th playoff spot you idiot...... Rockets are not going to make the playoffs.

By the time the season ends, the Spurs and the Rockets will be slugging it out for 8th. Have you even looked at what the rest of your schedule looks like? LOL

[urunobili]

Indazone has really changed his posting habits... it seems that hanging in the NBA forum takes it's toll on some posters... :wakeup

[santymrc]

Indazone has really changed his posting habits... it seems that hanging in the NBA forum takes it's toll on some posters... :wakeup

He's a Rockets fan. He has to believe in his team... Besides, our scheadule is worthy of that comment.

[Indazone]

Could be getting tired of moronic trolls in the NBA forum too...hmmm.