Game Blog: Spurs @ Jazz - Nov. 19

[Pauleta14]

1st and the 4th quarters combine, the Jazz only scored 28pts... impressive!

[DesignatedT]

I wonder what Pop's weak excuse for not playing Splitter will be this time. He's already the 2nd best big defender the Spurs have and a real 7' footer! FUCKING A!!!!!!!!!!!

were winning games. we are 10-1. Splitter will play when they think he's ready to play. It definitely could be more of a conditioning thing since he did miss all of training camp and pre-season. No reason to fix something that isn't broke. I'll take 10-1.

[siraulo23]

Great job holding the jazz to 14 points in the 4th quarter

[ducks]

Spurs win without the 3G, 5 - 20

that is impressive for spurs

[timtonymanu]

Stat of the night: Jazz only scored 82 points.

[Obstructed_View]

10-1. 9 in a row.

It feels good to look at the schedule and at every game and know that the Spurs have a chance instead of the last two seasons where big games were marked a loss.

The Spurs couldn't take care of business in a lot of winnable games which made them have to hustle for playoff position at the end of the season. This is better.

[it's me]

splitter will play tomorrow
back to back game

Idiot is alive ..... it's been a long time.

[austN Spur]

Didn't the Spurs win like 15 in a row or something prior to that?

thats what i was thinking also

and awesome Tim Duncan is atop the all-time scoring list for the spurs. I've watched 18797 of those pts go in.:lol

[DesignatedT]

Stat of the night: Jazz only scored 82 points.

very good stat.

[Chieflion]

Parker outplayed Williams even with the bad start from himself (0 points in the 1st quarter for Parker). This was a statement game for him.

[Manufan909]

were winning games. we are 10-1. Splitter will play when they think he's ready to play. It definitely could be more of a conditioning thing since he did miss all of training camp and pre-season. No reason to fix something that isn't broke. I'll take 10-1.

You do realize he was playing 10+ minutes until the Thunder game, and conveniently since Bonner's been back he has been ignored for 2 games straight. When he needed more playing time than anyone else, since he missed so much bball to start and he came from Europe.

[DesignatedT]

You do realize he was playing 10+ minutes until the Thunder game, and conveniently since Bonner's been back he has been ignored for 2 games straight. When he needed more playing time than anyone else, since he missed so much bball to start and he came from Europe.


Lol we are 10-1. whatever we are doing is working. It's a long season.

[rayray2k8]

Hope the spurs can put the Cavs away early tomorrow.. Got a few tough games coming up.

[jestersmash]

Stat of the night: spurs scored more points than the jazz through 4 quarters.

[Spurs Brazil]

The good thing is defense is getting better game after game

[Obstructed_View]

were winning games. we are 10-1. Splitter will play when they think he's ready to play. It definitely could be more of a conditioning thing since he did miss all of training camp and pre-season. No reason to fix something that isn't broke. I'll take 10-1.

Splitter contributed to many of those wins. I'd like to have a) some defense, b) a seven foot big who can defend, c) Splitter getting minutes so he can get his wind back and get the officials used to him, and d) Bonner NOT having the second or third most minutes of the bigs.

[Obstructed_View]

Lol we are 10-1. whatever we are doing is working. It's a long season.

You realize you said that already and it was refuted, right?

[EricB]

Lol we are 10-1. whatever we are doing is working. It's a long season.

But it's not the right kind of 10-1 come on...

[Manufan909]

Lol we are 10-1. whatever we are doing is working. It's a long season.

Lol are you not annoyed about this at all? Did you miss every game Splitter got serious PT in? His potential is incredible, and we haven't seen anything yet.

[ducks]

booner sucked tonight
last game booner was so much better

Booner with a f tonight

[Johnny RIngo]

Wow, I'm surprised at how easy that was. Loving the amount of depth on this team. Really looking forward to Splitter being integrated more along with Anderson's return.

[LeCrab]

kind of worried about the cavs game they put up 101 on the hornets....

[rayray2k8]

Splitter contributed to many of those wins. I'd like to have a) some defense, b) a seven foot big who can defend, c) Splitter getting minutes so he can get his wind back and get the officials used to him, and d) Bonner NOT having the second or third most minutes of the bigs.

How many minutes did Blowjob get? 20 minutes??? It looked like it was 4 on 5 out there when he was on the floor.
I'm shocked that the spurs managed to win this game.

[Manufan909]

Splitter contributed to many of those wins. I'd like to have a) some defense, b) a seven foot big who can defend, c) Splitter getting minutes so he can get his wind back and get the officials used to him, and d) Bonner NOT having the second or third most minutes of the bigs.

At least someone I respect gets it.

[MinuteByMinuteSports]

great win

[Yorae]

Deron played terrible. You saw parker and him talking? Maybe they discussed sexting and deron just felt very bad about it? Is he married? lulz...

[Obstructed_View]

Wow, I'm surprised at how easy that was. Loving the amount of depth on this team. Really looking forward to Splitter being integrated more along with Anderson's return.

I keep hearing people raving about the Spurs' depth. They only played nine guys tonight and the starters were the only ones who played well.

[Pauleta14]

Parker outplayed Williams even with the bad start from himself (0 points in the 1st quarter for Parker). This was a statement game for him.

+1

Actualy I liked his involvment in the 1st! He didn't shoot well (and wasn't trying too much), but was very active! (3st, 2rbs, 2ast) so I wasn't even worriied of a possible bad game from him.
+ We must not ALWAYS rely on his scoring...

[ChumpDumper]

You realize you said that already and it was refuted, right?What the Spurs are doing isn't working?

[DesignatedT]

Of course I want Splitter to play, everyone wants Splitter to play... The best part about the situation though is that we are winning without him. He will get on the court especially with the minutes Duncan and Dice have been playing so far this season, Pop definitely wants to manage those 2 guys minutes throughout the long haul. I'm sure they are trying to figure out how to integrate him in.

[Pauleta14]

Stat of the night: spurs scored more points than the jazz through 4 quarters.

not the 3rd... 26-28

[Trill Clinton]

Matt First they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again Bonner had an off night. Kirelenko did a good job at defending him.

[angelbelow]

were winning games. we are 10-1. Splitter will play when they think he's ready to play. It definitely could be more of a conditioning thing since he did miss all of training camp and pre-season. No reason to fix something that isn't broke. I'll take 10-1.

We were winning games when Splitter was playing 10-16 minutes a night too, its not about fixing whats not broken. If Splitter is healthy, he should have played a few minutes tonight. I doubt it would hurt our team and if it did Pop can sub him out.

The important thing is to get splitter acclimated because were obviously going to need his size, defensive abilities to name a few.

The win is great, but if we can fit a few minutes in there for Splitter to get acclimated and in shape faster there really is no draw back. To me that's a win-win situation, especially because Bonner had an off night. Winning now is nice (esp what happened with us last year) but the bigger picture shouldn't be ignored.

Again, if hes healthy, I'm sure we'll see Splitter play tomorrow.. it is a b2b.

[SourCandy]

poor bench players went to the side line just to get teased and never play :(
why do they do that...send bench players out to play for 30sec.

[Obstructed_View]

How many minutes did Blowjob get? 20 minutes??? It looked like it was 4 on 5 out there when he was on the floor.
I'm shocked that the spurs managed to win this game.

Well I like Bonner, and I think he can contribute to a winning team. I don't think he can contribute as the first big off the bench or playing big minutes as a rotation guy on the front line though. Pop obviously disagrees. If what he's seen over the last three years isn't enough to convince him, then I guess we just have to be prepared to live with it.

[Russ]

The good thing is defense is getting better game after game

Yep. :)

[ducks]

+1

Actualy I liked his involvment in the 1st! He didn't shoot well (and wasn't trying too much), but was very active! (3st, 2rbs, 2ast) so I wasn't even worriied of a possible bad game from him.
+ We must not ALWAYS rely on his scoring...

he had 2 steal in the first quarter also

[Pauleta14]

Lol we are 10-1. whatever we are doing is working. It's a long season.

+1 :lol

That's exactly my state of mind!

I have so many questions I don't care the answers right now (Splitter, Bonner, Hill...)...:lol

[siraulo23]

Bonner was shooting the ball well, but he's not gonna keep shooting 80% from three
The good thing is when bonner missed an open three badly in the 4th quarter, pop recognised that he's off and went back to blair/mcdyess

[ducks]

splitter is going to be needed against the lakers

[angelbelow]

Of course I want Splitter to play, everyone wants Splitter to play... The best part about the situation though is that we are winning without him. He will get on the court especially with the minutes Duncan and Dice have been playing so far this season, Pop definitely wants to manage those 2 guys minutes throughout the long haul. I'm sure they are trying to figure out how to integrate him in.

What the fuck. The best part of the situation is that were winning without him?

[DesignatedT]

But it's not the right kind of 10-1 come on...

the right kind of 10-1? wtf does that even mean...

[TJastal]

Now Pop will play Bonner even more tomorrow so he can gain his "confidence" back.

:lmao :lol :rollin

(Pop thinking to himself in bed tonight): Poor Matty I better give him some extra minutes tomorrow. Tiago's not ready yet, his conditioning is bad since he missed preseason. And anyway, we can't win regular season games without Matty's 3pt shooting.

I can already tell it will always be some excuse why Bonnner needs minutes and Splitter sits with his thumb up his ass on the bench.

Of course, when the time comes when the spurs REALLY need him against the lakers (when Bonner is getting lit up like a christmas tree) he won't be anywhere near ready to contribute.

[Manufan909]

What the fuck. The best part of the situation is that were winning without him?

He has Popologist under his name, what do you expect?

[jestersmash]

not the 3rd... 26-28

It was trying to make a joke, and I meant overall after 4 quarters (i.e. the entire game) finished :lol

[DesignatedT]

What the fuck. The best part of the situation is that were winning without him?

Yes..... for 1, there is absolutely no rush or sense of urgency to throw him in there when we are winning games and 2. it puts absolutely no pressure on Splitter to have to come in and be some sort of "savior" It is by far the best situation he could be in.

[Nathan89]

splitter is going to be needed against the lakers

That why someone needs to beat the shit out of Pop until he puts Splitter in.

[ChumpDumper]

lol spurfans bitching about being 10-1

[Trill Clinton]

Damn we have the best coach in the league running the ship. If Splitter isn't getting minutes right now I'm sure it's for a good reason. Calm down, there are still 71 more games to play. Besides, game nights aren't the only time he has the opportunity to "get in shape" or " get acclimated to the system".

[Pauleta14]

Matt First they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again Bonner had an off night. Kirelenko did a good job at defending him.

I'm ok with him having an off game, but it looked like he was thinking about his record each time he had an open shot a looked tentative because of that!
The only reason he is playing (despite his D) is that he shoots the 3 without a thought when he is open...

[DesignatedT]

We were winning games when Splitter was playing 10-16 minutes a night too, its not about fixing whats not broken. If Splitter is healthy, he should have played a few minutes tonight. I doubt it would hurt our team and if it did Pop can sub him out.

The important thing is to get splitter acclimated because were obviously going to need his size, defensive abilities to name a few.

The win is great, but if we can fit a few minutes in there for Splitter to get acclimated and in shape faster there really is no draw back. To me that's a win-win situation, especially because Bonner had an off night. Winning now is nice (esp what happened with us last year) but the bigger picture shouldn't be ignored.

Again, if hes healthy, I'm sure we'll see Splitter play tomorrow.. it is a b2b.

I am not against Splitter playing, I want Splitter to play just as much as any other Spurs fan and the way Bonner shot the ball tonight, I definitely wish Splitter was in there instead. Saying that, I am not going to freak the fuck out when we are sitting at 10-1. Splitter is in a good spot right now once he gets fully healthy or gets his legs bad 100% or whatever they want him to do.

[maddnezz]

lol spurfans bitching about being 10-1This!:lol

[Pauleta14]

he had 2 steal in the first quarter also

Actualy 3! that's what I wrote (lookk again!) :toast

[Pauleta14]

It was trying to make a joke, and I meant overall after 4 quarters (i.e. the entire game) finished :lol

:toast

[rayray2k8]

What the fuck. The best part of the situation is that were winning without him?

I get what he's saying and it's nice to have the hot start, but it hurt Splitter when he missed a good chunk of the preseason and the first 2 weeks of the NBA season.
It'll take time for him to learn the system and hopefully he does get to see minutes in the future, but lets face it. Unless Bonner gets falls off the face of the earth, Splitter will hardly see minutes..

I say we do a chipin and see if we can hire ourselves a gunmen. :lol

[Kool Bob Love]

lol spurfans bitching about being 10-1

You have got to be kidding me.:lol:rollin:rollin

[Yorae]

I think pop trolls spurstalk and sits tiago just to piss us all off...

[DesignatedT]

I don't believe that is the case. I think Splitter will get his shot to show what he can do and it's a safer easier bet to go with Bonner at the moment. Splitter needs time to get the system and get his body back to 100% and I know the (being on the court will help his progress) argument, but frankly there is a lot of things he needs to learn before even jumping out on that court which Pop and the Spurs are trying to teach him right now. Splitter will be on the court and if he proves himself than he will earn minutes, Pop has continued to show last season and this season that he isn't scared to play a rookie. Just give it time, its early in the season and the best part is were sitting at 10-1.

[angelbelow]

lol spurfans bitching about being 10-1

Who is actually bitching about the record?

[DesignatedT]

lol spurfans bitching about being 10-1

We would obviously be 11-0 if splitter played all year.

[DesignatedT]

Who is actually bitching about the record?

spurs fans bitching while being 10-1... that make it better?

[ChumpDumper]

spurs fans bitching while being 10-1... that make it better?One could probably make a poll if they would rather be 10-1 playing Bonner or 7-4 without.

[angelbelow]

I don't believe that is the case. I think Splitter will get his shot to show what he can do and it's a safer easier bet to go with Bonner at the moment. Splitter needs time to get the system and get his body back to 100% and I know the (being on the court will help his progress) argument, but frankly there is a lot of things he needs to learn before even jumping out on that court which Pop and the Spurs are trying to teach him right now. Splitter will be on the court and if he proves himself than he will earn minutes, Pop has continued to show last season and this season that he isn't scared to play a rookie. Just give it time, its early in the season and the best part is were sitting at 10-1.

You know, Pop is a pretty scary person. In the past year hes shown that hes willing to play Blair (rookie). The season before that he benched Hill during the playoffs. Pop also has the track record of playing Finley way too much, starting Bonner way too long. He's not always right but there's a good chance he wont change his mind either.

I think being patience about Splitter isnt the worse thing in the world but the reasons you listed I disagreed with. In the minutes hes played, hes shown to be our 2nd best defensive big, hes shown great mobility, a few flashes of his offensive moves etc. He really hasn't made many mistakes on the basketball court.

Tonight, Blair played well so we knew there was gonna be an odd man out - which is fine, but the big that struggled the most got the 3rd most minutes. I just think it would have been a win-win situation to get Splitter a few minutes.

[Manufan909]

Who is actually bitching about the record?

No one. It's a made up arguement that stuck.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Great win

Guessing Splitter will play tomorrow and Duncan will sit, maybe

[angelbelow]

One could probably make a poll if they would rather be 10-1 playing Bonner or 7-4 without.

Bonner didn't play all 11 games, neither did Splitter, that poll wouldnt make a lot of sense.

[DesignatedT]

One could probably make a poll if they would rather be 10-1 playing Bonner or 7-4 without.

lmao

[ducks]

One could probably make a poll if they would rather be 10-1 playing Bonner or 7-4 without.

one could if they would not be so fucking lazy to do so
to try to make his point

[ChumpDumper]

Bonner didn't play all 11 games, neither did Splitter, that poll wouldnt make a lot of sense.I went with the last three. Would you prefer them to be wins with Bonner's playing or losses without his playing?

I'm not saying they definitely would have lost without him; just asking whether you would have preferred losing those games if it meant not playing Bonner.

[DesignatedT]

You know, Pop is a pretty scary person. In the past year hes shown that hes willing to play Blair (rookie). The season before that he benched Hill during the playoffs. Pop also has the track record of playing Finley way too much, starting Bonner way too long. He's not always right but there's a good chance he wont change his mind either.

I think being patience about Splitter isnt the worse thing in the world but the reasons you listed I disagreed with. In the minutes hes played, hes shown to be our 2nd best defensive big, hes shown great mobility, a few flashes of his offensive moves etc. He really hasn't made many mistakes on the basketball court.

Tonight, Blair played well so we knew there was gonna be an odd man out - which is fine, but the big that struggled the most got the 3rd most minutes. I just think it would have been a win-win situation to get Splitter a few minutes.

At the end of the day Splitter definitely needs to see the floor, I am not disagreeing with that. At the moment, It seems Duncan and Dice are playing a few too many minutes anyway, there should be plenty of minutes to go around to get Splitter better acclimated and hopefully he can continue to impress and earn more minutes.

[ChumpDumper]

one could if they would not be so fucking lazy to do so
to try to make his pointIs that directed at me?

I don't like starting superfluous threads. There is plenty of bitching about Bonner as it is.

[angelbelow]

I went with the last three. Would you prefer them to be wins with Bonner's playing or losses without his playing?

I'm not saying they definitely would have lost without him; just asking whether you would have preferred losing those games if it meant not playing Bonner.

Are you expecting a black and white answer?

[ducks]

yes you are the one that said something about a poll

a poll would be different then a normal thread

[ChumpDumper]

Are you expecting a black and white answer?Sure. I'm simply asking which one would be preferred. There would only be two choices.


yes you are the one that said something about a poll

a poll would be different then a normal threadIt would be another thread largely devoted to bitching about Bonner.

[jestersmash]

DWill's post-up plays on Parker were far too easy, but it's (obviously) not entirely TP's fault. Nobody should expect a player of his size to adequately guard a post-up play against a player of DWill's size. Pop's going to have a field day tomorrow harping on help defense - a facet which I actually think the spurs have been excelling at for the past couple of games (save the two Williams-over-TP post-up breakdowns for this game).

[angelbelow]

At the end of the day Splitter definitely needs to see the floor, I am not disagreeing with that. At the moment, It seems Duncan and Dice are playing a few too many minutes anyway, there should be plenty of minutes to go around to get Splitter better acclimated and hopefully he can continue to impress and earn more minutes.

I think he'll see some minutes tomorrow. Maybe rest Dice for the game or something. Won't be shocked if they sit Time either. But I hope he continues to work hard too.

[angelbelow]

Sure. I'm simply asking which one would be preferred. There would only be two choices.

My black and white answer: I would pick being 10-1 with Bonner playing easily.

What I really think is that we know what Bonner brings to the table and IMO, its not good enough for the long haul. Especially because hes a 3pt specialist, he can be ice cold or red hot at any given moment in the season. When it comes to the playoffs, its unrealistic to expect Bonner to become a cold blooded killer. Theres nothing wrong with the nerves getting to him, thats just who he is, not everyone can be a Kobe, or a Horry. Therefore, I still think its ideal that we develop Splitter (not saying that we haven't) but obviously I would like to see the development happen sooner than later.

However, just because I want to see Splitter develop sooner than later, it doesn't mean I think Bonner is trash. My opinion of Bonner is that hes specific type of role player that should be milked in certain situations and in others he shouldn't see the floor. I feel the same way about Neal. While Neal has shown intensity and aggression on the defensive end I wouldn't want him to start guarding the elites 1s and 2s of the NBA on a regular basis.

[ChumpDumper]

My black and white answer: I would pick being 10-1 with Bonner playing easily.Great.

[GSH]

My black and white answer: I would pick being 10-1 with Bonner playing easily.

What I really think is that we know what Bonner brings to the table and IMO, its not good enough for the long haul.


Yeah, Pop is stupid. RC is stupid. Sean is stupid. Manu is stupid for passing to Bonner. They're all stupid. And you're a fucking genius. We get it.


So why aren't you a GM or a coach?

[angelbelow]

Yeah, Pop is stupid. RC is stupid. Sean is stupid. Manu is stupid for passing to Bonner. They're all stupid. And you're a fucking genius. We get it.


So why aren't you a GM or a coach?

Simple, because I dont like traveling that much.

[GSH]

Simple, because I dont like traveling that much.


You like to stay in one place and flip burgers, huh? You got a full set of Spurs Icee cups and you're an expert. Nice. You want fries with that?

[EricB]

Simple, because I dont like traveling that much.


:lmao

Now thats a great fucking answer

[EricB]

My black and white answer: I would pick being 10-1 with Bonner playing easily.

What I really think is that we know what Bonner brings to the table and IMO, its not good enough for the long haul. Especially because hes a 3pt specialist, he can be ice cold or red hot at any given moment in the season. When it comes to the playoffs, its unrealistic to expect Bonner to become a cold blooded killer. Theres nothing wrong with the nerves getting to him, thats just who he is, not everyone can be a Kobe, or a Horry. Therefore, I still think its ideal that we develop Splitter (not saying that we haven't) but obviously I would like to see the development happen sooner than later.

However, just because I want to see Splitter develop sooner than later, it doesn't mean I think Bonner is trash. My opinion of Bonner is that hes specific type of role player that should be milked in certain situations and in others he shouldn't see the floor. I feel the same way about Neal. While Neal has shown intensity and aggression on the defensive end I wouldn't want him to start guarding the elites 1s and 2s of the NBA on a regular basis.


I think the problem Pop is having is trying to find a balancing act between developing players and winning games. You can't argue with the results but you can question the way they are gone about and I agree. That said like I said in another thread, Bonner was playing good D and rebounded well for him and was still pulling his defender out to him on offense.

[angelbelow]

You like to stay in one place and flip burgers, huh? You got a full set of Spurs Icee cups and you're an expert. Nice. You want fries with that?

Lol you simpleton. Previously you entered this thread spewing blind hate at phantom posers claiming that they abandoned the spurs. At least now you're able to focus and actually quote someone other than yourself - although it still not clear what is making your asshole hurt so badly. If I were to guess you're either piss drunk, high off something illegal or just got brutally raped.

[GSH]

Lol you simpleton. Previously you entered this thread spewing blind hate at phantom posers claiming that they abandoned the spurs. At least now you're able to focus and actually quote someone other than yourself - although it still not clear what is making your asshole hurt so badly. If I were to guess you're either piss drunk, high off something illegal or just got brutally raped.


You know... as soon as you get upset, you immediately start talking about sexual assault and hurting backsides. You obviously have some unresolved issues. I'm sorry I upset you.

You really are very knowledgable, you know. You're a good person, too. And, doggone it, people like you.

[duncan228]

Sorry for the interruption, just a recap. :)


Notes on a scorecard: Spurs finding different way to win almost nightly (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/20/notes-on-a-scorecard-spurs-finding-different-way-to-win-almost-nightly/)
by Tim Griffin

...Outstanding game tonight from Tony Parker, who merely outplayed one of the league’s best point guards on his home court. Parker outscored Deron Williams, 24-23, but it was the other parts of his game that really underscored Parker’s effort. Both had four rebounds, but Parker beat him in assists, 7-5, and in steals, 4-0. And Parker was an efficient 11-for-17 from the field, compared to 7-for-19 for Williams. Parker was a plus-21, tied for the highest on the team. Williams was minus-10. It marked the fifth straight game that Parker has scored at least 20 points — with the last two coming when his life was under extreme (putting it mildly) public scrutiny.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/20/notes-on-a-scorecard-spurs-finding-different-way-to-win-almost-nightly/

*********************


Duncan gets his record, Spurs get revenge in Utah (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/20/duncan-gets-his-record-spurs-get-revenge-in-utah/)
by Jeff McDonald

...“We didn’t make a lot of shots and they didn’t either,” said Ginobili, as both teams shot less than 44 percent. “We kind of had to grind it out.”

...“I wasn’t thinking too much about (the record),” said Duncan, who also surpassed Robinson’s franchise record for games played, logging his 988th. “I think that was the best part about it.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/20/duncan-gets-his-record-spurs-get-revenge-in-utah/

[angelbelow]

You know... as soon as you get upset, you immediately start talking about sexual assault and hurting backsides. You obviously have some unresolved issues. I'm sorry I upset you.

You really are very knowledgable, you know. You're a good person, too. And, doggone it, people like you.

You are a million years away from offending me. I'm actually not sure how you interpreted my post as ME being angry, when the intention of my post was to question why you were so angry. Those things come to my mind because thats what you remind me of. Perhaps reading comprehensive is something you severely lack.

I think my discussion with other posters made you feel like I was forcing my opinion down your throat. And perhaps you got offended because you are unable to reject or ignore my opinion so you became angry.

[duncan228]

Some post-game quotes.


Duncan sets Spurs’ scoring mark in win over Jazz (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010111926)
By Lynn DeBruin

Tim Duncan had just made two free throws when he heard the word “congratulations” from a San Antonio teammate.

“It took me a second to catch on,” Duncan admitted Friday night after the Spurs’ 94-82 win over the Utah Jazz.

After scoring point No. 20,791 to set the Spurs’ career record, the star forward can be forgiven for the momentary mental lapse.

“I’m just happy for him,” Spurs coach George Popovich said of Duncan, who now has 20,797, seven more than David Robinson scored in 14 NBA seasons. “You know he is the driving force behind our championships and for him to have the record now with games played and points is appropriate.”

Duncan, who eclipsed the scoring mark with 5:28 left in the third quarter, also became the Spurs’ career leader in games played with 988—one more than Robinson.

What seemed most important in Duncan’s mind was that he broke the record in a Spurs victory, which improved them to 10-1 for the first time.

“It was a great win for us,” said Duncan, who added 14 rebounds and three blocked shots. “It was not particularly pretty, kind of ups and downs, but great defensively and great to get that milestone behind me.”

Duncan said it also gives him “bragging rights” over Robinson.

“I’m going to stick it to him a little bit,” Duncan added. “He started my career with me. It’s been a long career so far. It’s just great.”

While Duncan’s minutes and scoring average are down this year, he showed Friday he still has plenty left in the tank.

“We knew it was going to happen sooner or later,” Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. “We are just proud of him and I bet that he has many hundreds to go.”

Duncan and Tony Parker (24 points) were the difference down the stretch.

Utah, plagued by another slow start, rallied from a 15-point deficit to tie the game late in the third quarter. But unlike recent road wins against Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte, the Jazz (8-5) couldn’t pull off another double-digit comeback.

Parker and Duncan combined for 10 fourth-quarter points as San Antonio ended a five-game losing streak against the Jazz.

Parker’s dribble penetration was key in getting San Antonio rolling.

“We tried to make a few adjustments, but a guy like that, you can try to keep him out of the lane, but he’s always going to find a way to get there,” said Jazz forward Paul Millsap.

Parker, in his first road game since his actress wife Eva Longoria filed divorce papers to end their three-year Hollywood marriage, heard a smattering of boos whenever he scored, cheers when he missed and occasional shouts of “Eva!” as he brought the ball up the court. But as he has vowed, he wouldn’t let his personal affairs be a distraction on the court.

He left the arena without talking with reporters.

Phil Johnson, who was filling it for Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan while Sloan tended to a death in his family, blamed the loss on poor rebounding. The Spurs held a 46-31 advantage on the boards, including 16-6 on offensive rebounds.

“We had 14 turnovers, but that’s not the thing. Offensive rebounds killed us,” Johnson said. “That’s the ballgame.”

Jazz center Al Jefferson couldn’t measure up to Duncan on Friday night. He finished with six boards and 10 points.

“We didn’t have too much energy out there,” said Millsap, who scored 12 points and added seven rebounds. “The (Spurs) were going after it every play … we just didn’t fight.”

Deron Williams led Utah with 23 points but shot just 7 of 19. Andrei Kirilenko added 10 points but also struggled, shooting 3 of 10 and committing four turnovers.

The Spurs again had all five starters score in double figures. Ginobili added 15 points despite hitting just 1-of-7 3-pointers, while DeJuan Blair had 15 and Richard Jefferson 11.

Duncan said the fact that the Spurs are healthy is a big difference from last season.

“I think all of us feel really good right now,” Duncan said. “This is the best I’ve felt in a couple of years. Manu is playing great, Tony is playing awesome. Richard’s acclimated to what we’re doing and what we’ve asked him to do. And he’s been playing great. Everybody’s feeling good.”

Notes: Ginobili and Parker have each scored in double figures in the first 11 games this season…Utah center Mehmet Okur, who has not played a single game while recovering from a ruptured Achilles’, was one of four Jazz players listed on the All-Star ballot. Not listed: Millsap, who has been averaging 21.1 points and a team-leading 9.5 rebounds a game. … Sloan, who is expected to miss Saturday’s game in Portland, has missed only 17 games in 23 seasons (The Jazz are 9-8 in those games). … San Antonio’s Matt Bonner saw his string of 3-pointers end Friday in a big way as he was 0 for 3 from beyond the arc and 0 for 6 overall.

[DesignatedT]

George Popovich!!

[duncan228]

View from the other side.


Parker, Spurs burn Jazz (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/50714690-87/jazz-spurs-utah-team.html.csp)
By Brian T. Smith
The Salt Lake Tribune

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker faked left, darted right, then burned the Jazz again. As soon as his undefended shot attempt shook the net, Utah point guard Deron Williams’ face creased and his head dropped downward. But Williams did not appear frustrated or upset. Instead, it was simple resignation. Parker’s dribble penetration was destroying the Jazz — and Utah had no answer.

The Spurs downed the Jazz 94-82 Friday night at EnergySolutions Arena before a crowd of 19,332. Once again, a speedy, crafty point guard led the charge. Parker finished with game highs in points (24 on 11-of-17 shooting) and assists (seven). He consistently set up four other San Antonio starters who all recorded double figures in scoring. And just like when Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Golden State’s Monta Ellis and Phoenix’s Steve Nash dismantled Utah during losses earlier this season, Parker easily had his way and ultimately decided the outcome.

“He did a great job of getting down the lane, whether it was for himself or setting up teammates,” Williams said. “That’s his game.”

The game worked.

But it was not that Williams failed to play NBA-caliber defense. It was simply that Parker’s dribble penetration forced a Utah team lacking energy, effort and toughness Friday night to help. And when the Jazz helped, San Antonio either buried shots from the perimeter or crashed the boards.

The Spurs’ starters combined to score 80 points, which was 85 percent of the team’s output. Meanwhile, San Antonio outrebounded Utah 46-31, including a 16-5 deficit on the offensive glass.

Jazz assistant coach Phil Johnson said the unsightly margins were the difference. Utah’s positioning was poor, while everything from blocking out to concentration plagued the team in the paint.

“It’s disappointing,” said Johnson, who filled in for head coach Jerry Sloan, who was attending a funeral.

Johnson added: “We’ve gone over it. We’ve watched film. We’ve talked about it. … It’s something we simply have to concentrate on.”

Williams scored 23 points to lead the Jazz (8-5), while four other Utah players hit double figures.

San Antonio (10-1) set a franchise record for the best start in team history, while Tim Duncan established a franchise NBA scoring record with his 20,701th career point during the third quarter. He also set a team record for games played (988).

“I am just happy for him,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “You know he is the driving force behind our championships. And for him to have the record now with games played and points is appropriate.”

While Parker punished Utah, Duncan and DeJuan Blair were equally damaging. The duo tag-teamed the Jazz, combining for 22 rebounds. And their aggressive approach left an instant mark in the minds of Utah big men Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.

Millsap said that the Jazz’s rebounding struggles are a combination of effort and positioning.

A downbeat Jefferson was more blunt.

“Whatever it was, we got to be better than we was tonight,” said Jefferson, who added that his team gave up early in the game and put its head down.

Utah trailed by 15 points late in the first quarter before pulling within 44-40 at halftime.

Back-to-back three-point plays by Williams and Millsap late in the third period narrowed the Spurs’ margin to 70-68 heading into the final quarter. But a 12-5 San Antonio run midway through the period put the Jazz away.

While their teammates focused on the aftermath, Utah veterans Raja Bell and Francisco Elson examined the big picture. The duo said there is a running theme in the Jazz’s slow starts, as well as the team’s defeats this season. Rather than drawing first blood, Utah is waiting to counter-punch. And while the Jazz clearly have the talent and strength to compete — evidenced by a recent gutsy 4-0 road trip — they cannot win if they do not fight.

“I think we’re plenty tough enough. But we have to play tough,” Bell said. “I mean, it’s not a question of whether guys on this team have heart or are tough. But it’s one thing to be tough and it’s another thing to play tough and play physical and impose yourself on someone.”

[Bruno]

Great and unexpected win. This team continues to surprise me.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

This win was unexpected. Everybody favored Utah. But Spurs came out and fought hard. If they can win tonight against Cleveland, a 10-game winning streak would be awesome.

[jimo2305]

i know im late with this but while watching the game last night.. i was saying.. this is what ive wanted tony parker to do his entire career.. take more jumpshots.. the limited amount of jumpers he usually takes makes him look like a bad shooter.. just like when he had that high scoring game against the t-wolves.. not all of them were layups and ft's.. he was takin' jumpers there too.. im not saying abstain away from being the lane-driving trick layup parker.. but i despise when he passes up wide open shots for a difficult layup or last second pass..

[duncan228]

San Antonio Spurs 94, Utah Jazz 82: Best. Start. Ever. (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Scott Sereday
48 Minutes of Hell

Finally, a scoreline that looks more Spur-like. Not that I don’t appreciate a good offensive kick.

Short recap for this game because it’s a back-to-back and I’ve got to get my rest for tonight. In fact, let’s do this bullet-style.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/san-antonio-spurs-94-utah-jazz-82#more-11290)