Kori Ellis
05-27-2005, 12:35 AM
Series notebook: Massenburg, Wilks 'invisible' reserves
Web Posted: 05/27/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA052705.4D.BKNspurs.notebook.2b33fbf05.html
Tony Massenburg has yet to play in the Western Conference finals, and Mike Wilks isn't even on the Spurs' playoff roster.
But that doesn't mean the two reserves don't have an important job during the series.
Massenburg has impersonated Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire during the Spurs' workouts. Wilks has doubled as point guard Steve Nash.
Together, they have tried to recreate the Suns' dangerous pick-and-roll combo.
"Tony Massenburg plays a good Amare as far as strength-wise," Robert Horry said. "Tony jumps good, but not as well as Amare. Mike Wilks is as fast as Steve but not as crafty. It's hard to simulate that."
So who's better? The original Stoudemire and Nash? Or the Spurs' version?
"I think they're as good as Steve and Stoudemire," Tony Parker said, smiling.
Back to work: After a one-day break, the Spurs gathered at their practice facility Thursday for a light practice.
Coach Gregg Popovich said Tim Duncan's left ankle was "fine." The team hopes to restore some of its health and energy before the fast-paced series resumes Saturday.
Parker gives thumbs up to commercial: 'Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria has a new NBA commercial airing during the playoffs. During the brief spot, she is sleeping with the league's championship trophy while wearing Parker's No.9 jersey.
Asked if he had seen the commercial, Parker, who is dating Longoria, nodded.
"It was good," he said, smiling.
Brown interviews with Cavs: Former Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown, now assistant head coach of the Indiana Pacers, has interviewed with the Cleveland Cavaliers for their vacant head coaching position and picked up a powerful endorsement.
Popovich said Brown is going to be "a heck of a catch" for any team smart enough to make him its head coach.
Good starts: After wining only two opening tips in the 11 games that comprised the Spurs' first two playoff series, center Nazr Mohammed won both opening tips in Phoenix.
"It's basically how the referee throws it up," Mohammed said. "And then you've just got to time it. I'm not a great flat-footed jumper so much. I'm more of a one-step jumper."
Lineup factors: Whether Joe Johnson is able to play in Game3 won't determine how the Spurs approach the game, according to Popovich.
"I think adjustments are overrated," Popovich said, when asked how the Spurs would adjust to Johnson's presence. "Guys are going to play well, or they're not.
"He's been one of their best players all year. They'd love to have him back. We'd love to have Devin Brown back. It adds to your depth. It adds to your confidence.
Sure, (Suns coach) Mike (D'Antoni) would love to have (Johnson) back. He's a heck of an addition."
No lectures necessary: As one of the few Phoenix players with significant postseason experience, Nash is expected to pass his share of playoff wisdom along to his fellow Suns.
But with Phoenix in a 2-0 deficit heading to the SBC Center for Game 3, he said he doesn't feel the need to say much.
"In some situations, guys might need reminders and some experience," Nash said.
"But in this situation, I think everyone realizes what's got to happen."
Web Posted: 05/27/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA052705.4D.BKNspurs.notebook.2b33fbf05.html
Tony Massenburg has yet to play in the Western Conference finals, and Mike Wilks isn't even on the Spurs' playoff roster.
But that doesn't mean the two reserves don't have an important job during the series.
Massenburg has impersonated Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire during the Spurs' workouts. Wilks has doubled as point guard Steve Nash.
Together, they have tried to recreate the Suns' dangerous pick-and-roll combo.
"Tony Massenburg plays a good Amare as far as strength-wise," Robert Horry said. "Tony jumps good, but not as well as Amare. Mike Wilks is as fast as Steve but not as crafty. It's hard to simulate that."
So who's better? The original Stoudemire and Nash? Or the Spurs' version?
"I think they're as good as Steve and Stoudemire," Tony Parker said, smiling.
Back to work: After a one-day break, the Spurs gathered at their practice facility Thursday for a light practice.
Coach Gregg Popovich said Tim Duncan's left ankle was "fine." The team hopes to restore some of its health and energy before the fast-paced series resumes Saturday.
Parker gives thumbs up to commercial: 'Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria has a new NBA commercial airing during the playoffs. During the brief spot, she is sleeping with the league's championship trophy while wearing Parker's No.9 jersey.
Asked if he had seen the commercial, Parker, who is dating Longoria, nodded.
"It was good," he said, smiling.
Brown interviews with Cavs: Former Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown, now assistant head coach of the Indiana Pacers, has interviewed with the Cleveland Cavaliers for their vacant head coaching position and picked up a powerful endorsement.
Popovich said Brown is going to be "a heck of a catch" for any team smart enough to make him its head coach.
Good starts: After wining only two opening tips in the 11 games that comprised the Spurs' first two playoff series, center Nazr Mohammed won both opening tips in Phoenix.
"It's basically how the referee throws it up," Mohammed said. "And then you've just got to time it. I'm not a great flat-footed jumper so much. I'm more of a one-step jumper."
Lineup factors: Whether Joe Johnson is able to play in Game3 won't determine how the Spurs approach the game, according to Popovich.
"I think adjustments are overrated," Popovich said, when asked how the Spurs would adjust to Johnson's presence. "Guys are going to play well, or they're not.
"He's been one of their best players all year. They'd love to have him back. We'd love to have Devin Brown back. It adds to your depth. It adds to your confidence.
Sure, (Suns coach) Mike (D'Antoni) would love to have (Johnson) back. He's a heck of an addition."
No lectures necessary: As one of the few Phoenix players with significant postseason experience, Nash is expected to pass his share of playoff wisdom along to his fellow Suns.
But with Phoenix in a 2-0 deficit heading to the SBC Center for Game 3, he said he doesn't feel the need to say much.
"In some situations, guys might need reminders and some experience," Nash said.
"But in this situation, I think everyone realizes what's got to happen."