Game Blog: Wizards @ Spurs - Dec. 26

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

bonner is soft POS

[Fireball]

T-Rex Bonner not getting that rebound

[CFH]

Manu tressssssssssssssssss!

[Spurologist]

mmmmmmmmmaaaaaannnnnuuuuuuuuu 33333333333333333

[CFH]

Neal AND 1!

[BlairForceDejuan]

Neal!

[Spurologist]

micro ball Hill/Neal/Bonner/Manu/Blair

[ShoogarBear]

Neal moves like a veteran.

[angelbelow]

This game is a prime example of why people who say "Were winning thats all that matters" are retarded. We look absolutely horrible. We obviously have a shit ton of work to do..

[Spurs Brazil]

Neal and one!!!!!!!!!!

[BlairForceDejuan]

Cmon big dog

[CFH]

FINALLY Blair

[Spurologist]

:lmao

Blair 3 rebounds in one possession ala Moses

[Sisk]

blair padding stats.. this isn't the rookie v. sophomore game dejuan.. :lol

[suitedkings]

beasty

[angelbelow]

Energy is picking up after back to back energizing plays from Neal and Blair.

[ShoogarBear]

Blair padding his stats. I think he had one rebound before that.

[Fireball]

that was the Dejuan Blair of last season

[CFH]

Spurs up by 16 at the end of the 3rd, just how it should be

[angelbelow]

bonner is soft POS

I was proud of the way Bonner played in the 1st half. He was hitting open shots and crashing the boards hard. Even had a nice drive to the basketball. Since then hes gotten softer..

[Dex]

Parker 13 assists? :wow

But I thought Tony couldn't pass? :stirpot:

[Capt Bringdown]

:lmao

Blair 3 rebounds in one possession ala Moses

About time. He was having a terrible night on the boards prior to this play.

[Fireball]

ok, this one is over ... bring on the Lakers

[Spurs Brazil]

TP wit 13asts
Manu hitting those 3s after 2 days of rest
Great to see Hill back
Blair playing well

[Osnofa]

wow, a good quarter closeout.:wow

[Dex]

If they're able to keep this up, Splitter may actually break a sweat.

[Fireball]

i was proud of the way bonner played in the 1st half. He was hitting open shots and crashing the boards hard. Even had a nice drive to the basketball. Since then hes gotten softer..

+19

[ShoogarBear]

lol Manu

[BlairForceDejuan]

that would have been ridiculous if Manu made that lmao

[Hooks]

Put in splitter you stubborn ass baboso!

[VivaPopovich]

Get it dejuan get it oh hell yeah!!!

None of that cheap matt bonner copout, we're going to win the championship crashing the boards like that!

[Spurologist]

:rollin manu attempted a blind over the back layup????

[ShoogarBear]

ok, this one is over ... bring on the Lakers

I'd like to see them play a stretch of decent ball first.

[CFH]

Rebound GOTDAMMIT!

[timtonymanu]

I just noticed that we faced the suns, magic, and wizards. maybe the NBA approved that trade hoping that we would lose all 3 since they're all new look.

[Capt Bringdown]

If they're able to keep this up, Splitter may actually break a sweat.
Spurs seem to be incapable of a blowout lately.

[Spurs Brazil]

small ball with Blair, I hate it

[dbestpro]

Surprise, surprise the Bonner Blair tandum does not work.

[Fireball]

I'd like to see them play a stretch of decent ball first.

the Lakers are really playing shit basketball right now ... bring 'em on

[Spurologist]

Micro-er ball

RJ/Blair/Neal/Hill/Manu

[CFH]

Manu tressssssssssssssss!

[Libri]

Manu 3!

[Spurs Brazil]

This small ball with Blair as a big will kill us

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Manu for 3333333333

[dbestpro]

This is just dumb. There is nothing to be accomplished with this small of a lineup. It will not match up against any team in the playoffs. Pop is still trying to figure out a way to beat last year's Suns.

[ShoogarBear]

How many times this year have the Spurs hit a three, and then subsequently leave somebody wide open for a three on the other end?

[CFH]

This small ball with Blair as a big will kill us

Yup, Wizards getting second and third opporunities

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Damn Gary

[BlairForceDejuan]

why must we shoot nothing but 3 pointers?

They don't even look for any other shots, just 3's.

[CFH]

Neal!

[Spurs Brazil]

Blair is very average at defense boards

[angelbelow]

Does Pop really expect us to play good defense here? Blair at center with small ball..

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

neal has a better in between game than RJ :dizzy

[Spurs Brazil]

I hope a real big is back after the timeout

[Capt Bringdown]

This is just dumb. There is nothing to be accomplished with this small of a lineup. It will not match up against any team in the playoffs. Pop is still trying to figure out a way to beat last year's Suns.

Exactly. Call it what it is: Very poor coaching.
Pop trying to prove a point...what is the fing point?

[Spurologist]

This small ball with Blair as a big will kill us

without McGee and Blatche, it'll probably work tonight.....still not a fan

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu triples are money when he has fresh legs

[Fireball]

Exactly. Call it what it is: Very poor coaching.
Pop trying to prove a point...what is the fing point?

he again proves that he does not care about regular season games :whine

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

:lol Blair

[BlairForceDejuan]

lol blair getting blocked by wall

[Spurs Brazil]

:lol Sean

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

I hope a real big is back after the timeout

does bonner work for you?:lol

[jag]

Blair blocked by John Wall

[Spurs Brazil]

Sit Blair, please

[CFH]

I wish Blair would just grab the damn ball instead of tipping it around

[Capt Bringdown]

Bonner blows the rebound right at the cup.

[BlairForceDejuan]

TP is too sick with the spin move this season :bowdown

[CFH]

Nice spin move by TP

[Spurologist]

tp spin layup!

[BlairForceDejuan]

Neal pump faking like a VET!

[CFH]

Neal jumper

[ShoogarBear]

Wiz announcers reminiscing about 1979 when the Spurs blew a 3-1 lead to the Bullets in the ECF. :flipoff

[spurs1990]

See that move by Neal. That's what every NBA player needs to incorporate in their game. Pump fake the long shot, then step in and just shoot a wide open 15 footer.

[Spurs Brazil]

smart play Neal

[angelbelow]

neal has a better in between game than RJ :dizzy

lol...

[CFH]

That commercial :lol

[jag]

Gary Neal is such a G

[janetcn12]

TP signature spin move...great game TP

[loveforthegame]

One thing I like about Neal is he'll take a few steps in and take some jumpers when his 3 point shot isn't falling.

[Osnofa]

Blair ->
<- Splitter

PLEASE!

[CFH]

Tiago time!

[Spurologist]

Splitter

[angelbelow]

That was too obvious Splitter lol.

[Spurologist]

"Tego Splitter"

:lol

[Osnofa]

Thanks Pop. Better late than never :lol

[CFH]

3 turnovers in a row...

[Spurs Brazil]

rookie call

[ShoogarBear]

That was a great baseline pass by Neal.

[BlairForceDejuan]

why would you rush that Splitter

[jag]

I hate when tiago takes those ugly, soft ass floaters.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Dear god they should shoot more threes

[spurs1990]

Splittler looks sooooo unathletic.

[Cessation]

wow splitter looks rediculous flopping around and fumbling balls

[timtonymanu]

i hope this drought doesnt happen against the Lakers.

[loveforthegame]

Not the best display for Splitter.

[Libri]

why would you rush that Splitter

Since he doesn't play much, he's too eager.

[Spurs Brazil]

We're missing a lot of open triples in the 4th

[Johnny RIngo]

Splittler looks sooooo unathletic.

Also fumbles the ball too much

[spurspokesman]

Splitter

[Capt Bringdown]

Just a terrible 4th quarter: 9 points.

[jag]

wow splitter looks rediculous flopping around and fumbling balls

He's been on the bench all game and then you throw him into a hustle game.

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago sucks in garbage time, it looks like he wants to do too much

[CFH]

Manu steal and dunk

[BlairForceDejuan]

lmao, manu comes in for two seconds and dominates before exiting

[Spurologist]

Splitter needs a serious weight room regimen....he's like a pinata inside

[Cessation]

lol manu

[spurspokesman]

This looks like the special olympics this last quarter. Sheesh

[timtonymanu]

Pop: Manu, you got more points than Tony now.
Manu: Alright, sit me down.

[spurs1990]

Well then the Spurs need to designate a game where they let Splittler play as many minutes as he can, just to see what this dude can do. It can be against some shitty team at home or away.

[Cessation]

He's been on the bench all game and then you throw him into a hustle game.

What is a hustle game?

[janetcn12]

Another win...but the next game will be a difficult task for our Spurs...

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

If Pop is not going to develop Splitter by giving him PT, can we really contend with Blair and Bonner?

[timtonymanu]

Alright now it's time to see if the Spurs belong with the big boys.

[Cessation]

Yes, Splitter needs to hit the weight room, pronto.

[jag]

What is a hustle game?

Garbage time scrubs hustling their asses off running around frantically and playing ugly ball.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great games from Tony and Manu and nice to see Hill back, other than that not good stuff

[spurs1990]

I think we can contend assuming we hit a barage of 3-pointers in 4 out of 7 playoff games.

[Osnofa]

ok, easy win. We didn't play great but I'll take it.

Now we have to trash the Lakers!

[mystargtr34]

:lol at Pop over coaching Splitter... DeJuan Blair hasnt made a defensive rotation in his life yet he starts every game.

[siraulo23]

a win is a win, but that wasnt pretty

[Fireball]

ok, easy win. We didn't play great but I'll take it.

Now we have to trash the Lakers!

+1

See you all Tuesday :toast

[Capt Bringdown]

Blair: 4 for 11, 8 pts, 4 rebounds in 22:24.
Duncan 2 for 9, 5 pts, 9 rebounds in 25:20.

Considering who were playing, just terrible.

[Pauleta14]

I think we can contend assuming we hit a barage of 3-pointers in 4 out of 7 playoff games.

+1

It's scary true...

[Ripper]

Im worried about Tiago, he looked really ugly out there. :(


Pop: Manu, you got more points than Tony now.
Manu: Alright, sit me down.

:lol

[DMC]

ok, easy win. We didn't play great but I'll take it.

Now we have to trash the Lakers!
Absolutely.

This is why I responded earlier, in another thread, that expecting the Spurs to come off Christmas break and put this team away mid 3rd quarter is unrealistic. I was responding to a comment that the poster wouldn't consider it a win unless the Spurs were up big by the mid 3rd quarter. A win is a win. Margins are great, but it's not always in the cards.

[Capt Bringdown]

If Pop is not going to develop Splitter by giving him PT, can we really contend with Blair and Bonner?

But didn't you see, Splitter missed a couple of shots in garbage time.
Obviously he is unfit to play.

For Pop, Blair misses don't count.
Splitter must play perfectly under Pop.

[Bukefal]

tp gonna get 20/20 tonight :smokin

almost :)


Great performance by TP though. :flag:

[DMC]

I swear I saw Manu tell Tony on the bench "Take some lessons" after that two possession outing.

[janetcn12]

Another win but a uphill battle in the next games. Kudos to TP with 14 assits and Manu. Need to work on the defense though...

[DMC]

I am trying to decide who I like better putting the ball on the floor, Matt Bonner or Blair. Blair had some hustle moves tonight, but that guy looks so lost when he gets the ball down low. It's like he's never expecting it and the Spurs force it to him. Hey, welcome to the starting center role in the NBA.

Any bets on how long he stays at that spot?

[Capt Bringdown]

Any bets on how long he stays at that spot?

Who does Pop trust enough to replace him?
No one, so we'll likely continue to have the worst starting center in the league.

[Spurs Brazil]

Sooner or later Dice will start

[mystargtr34]

:lol at people over reacting to Tiago sucking on offense in garbage time of a blowout win... hes shown what he do when he gets playing time with Manu and Tony on that end of the court.

Besides, he made more rotations and contested more shots in those 3 minutes of garbage time than DeJuan Blair and Matt Bonner did all game.

[DMC]

Who does Pop trust enough to replace him?
No one, so we'll likely continue to have the worst starting center in the league.
I think Tiago will eventually see that role. He's a better defender, and that's all Blair is providing and not much of that. Blair cheats too much off his man, and cannot get back quick enough. I saw that multiple times tonight.

Blair off the bench would be a better option. Hard to get Tiago in though if he's only getting a couple minutes a game.

Is Tiago likely to be traded or does his contract forbid it? I am not much on contracts. Pop has traded some decent international players in the past, not sure what his plans are for Splitter but he doesn't seem to care much for the guy.

[Capt Bringdown]

I think Tiago will eventually see that role. He's a better defender, and that's all Blair is providing and not much of that. Blair cheats too much off his man, and cannot get back quick enough. I saw that multiple times tonight.


I'm not seeing any indication that Pop will be making that move this season.
Splitter gets rewarded for a couple of double figure outings with garbage time minutes against the Wizards.

Blair is getting the nod from Pop, no matter how badly he's out of position, no matter how badly he gets beat.

[DesignatedT]

Splitter should see more time but not necessarily at the expense of Bonner. Bonner has consistently been our 2nd best big this season and has clearly out played both Blair and Dice. He is a big part of every win we have been getting and his defense isn't near as bad as some people on here make it out to be. Dice has really struggled as of late and Splitter should start to see some of his minutes plus Blairs.

[Sofaking]

While I could careless who starts, I just find it amusing that after every game, Splitter apologist will talk about his pros and Dejuan's cons :lol:lol


OOO Look at the nice rotation he made OOOO Blair is horrible lmao. Quit your profession(and bitching) and become a coach.

There is nothing that I have seen from Splitter that makes me say WOW. If the Spurs are gonna beat the Lakers, Celtics, Mavs, Heat and/or Orlando, it's gonna be because we shot the lights out. I'm sorry, Splitter is not the resolving piece. He's a poor rebounder and shot blocker. He makes good rotations, but what's gonna happen when teams like the lakers start throwing it downlow? He's too weak in the post. At least Blair has lower body strength and a big chest. He's gonna get out muscle. Matt Bonner, G Hill(Imo the key difference in a series against the elite), Neal and RJ will have to be on top of their games in order for us to win. I trust in Manu, TP, Tim and Pop

[Sofaking]

i'm not seeing any indication that pop will be making that move this season.
Splitter gets rewarded for a couple of double figure outings with garbage time minutes against the wizards.

Blair is getting the nod from pop, no matter how badly he's out of position, no matter how badly he gets beat.
qyb

[Cessation]

It appears Pop has given up on Splitter, maybe next year.

[DesignatedT]

It appears Pop has given up on Splitter, maybe next year.

lol I wouldn't quite say that yet. A lot of season to be played. We will need all 5 of our bigs to play well to win.

[DPG21920]

Another disappointing win :lol

I am very very worried about Tim.

[PBEEZY]

http://images1.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/4669042/I-play-Splitter-garbage-time-U-mad.jpg?imageSize=Large&generatorName=popspurs

[DMC]

While I could careless who starts, I just find it amusing that after every game, Splitter apologist will talk about his pros and Dejuan's cons :lol:lol

What's just as amusing, if not more so, is that some one with obviously no understanding of the game pops in to defend Blair, as if he's your boy. And "sofaking"? That name is probably the most overly abused name on the internet. Did you think it was cute?




OOO Look at the nice rotation he made OOOO Blair is horrible lmao. Quit your profession(and bitching) and become a coach.
How do you know I am not a coach already? That's right, like other things we are discussing here, you have nofaking idea.



There is nothing that I have seen from Splitter that makes me say WOW.
That's because you don't know what you are looking at. If you had a clue, you wouldn't even think it terms of "wow" but in "that's better than this". But since you haven't been wowed, that's it, wrap it up... Splitter is history. A guy on a game forum hasn't seen anything to impress him yet. Probably because Splitter hasn't been incorporated into the rotation, but that's meaningless.

If the Spurs are gonna beat the Lakers, Celtics, Mavs, Heat and/or Orlando, it's gonna be because we shot the lights out. Mike D, is that you?

I'm sorry, Splitter is not the resolving piece. He's a poor rebounder and shot blocker. And Dejuan is a monster... he's got what, 3 blocks all season?

He makes good rotations, but what's gonna happen when teams like the lakers start throwing it downlow?We aren't talking about Splitter vs Howard for SA, or Splitter vs KG. We are talking about Splitter vs Blair. What is Blair going to do when he gets the ball 4' from the basket against Bynum and Gasol? Travel... that's exactly what he's going to do, or get his shit blocked. You have to think in terms of material efficiency. The Spurs don't have endless big men. Blair was best off the bench last year, he blows goats as a starter. Tiago should get minutes to make him viable in the position. Right now he's not even accustomed to being on the floor during game time, much less starting.

He's too weak in the post. At least Blair has lower body strength and a big chest. That should work great for sitting on the bench. That lower body strength and big chest (?) is going to do what exactly over Bynum and Gasol? Nothing.... He's a turnover in progress anytime he touches the ball on offense. Sure he looks ok against sub-par teams, but he looks like total shit against good teams, and were two month in.

He's gonna get out muscle. Matt Bonner, G Hill(Imo the key difference in a series against the elite), Neal and RJ will have to be on top of their games in order for us to win. I trust in Manu, TP, Tim and PopSo then if Pop puts Splitter in as a center, you will change your mind? Why fucking argue?

[ducks]

splitter is resting to play against gasol and dirk

[Frankie23]

Splitter is a nice guy, coachable, young and tall with experience overseas. He has shown some good defense in the NBA. He has only been available to play for like 25 games so it's TOO early to say that Pop gave up on him.
The problem for him, besides his injury the second day of practice, is that 3 old guys are playing really good (Dice+Duncan and Bonner hitting 50%3Ps) and a young guy had a pretty good rookie year and are trying to develop him by being a starter and giving him PT.

[Banzai]

Is it just me or do the Spurs score at least 30 or more points in the 3rd quarter in every game they play?

[Sofaking]

I'm not that good at debates

:lol I understand son. I didnt even have you in mind when I wrote what I wrote...guilty conscience?

Blah Blah I have a silly user name good point........and???

Really you just wrote a bunch of nonsense:lol

[Sofaking]

Point Blank...that nigga sucks lol

[TampaDude]

Easy win...NEXT!

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[Budkin]

Splitter is a nice guy, coachable, young and tall with experience overseas. He has shown some good defense in the NBA. He has only been available to play for like 25 games so it's TOO early to say that Pop gave up on him.
The problem for him, besides his injury the second day of practice, is that 3 old guys are playing really good (Dice+Duncan and Bonner hitting 50%3Ps) and a young guy had a pretty good rookie year and are trying to develop him by being a starter and giving him PT.

Dice played only 3 more minutes than Splitter... 8 vs. 5.

[DMC]

:lol I understand son. I didnt even have you in mind when I wrote what I wrote...guilty conscience?

Blah Blah I have a silly user name good point........and???

Really you just wrote a bunch of nonsense:lol


For a fucking troll, everything is nonsense, right?

When you cannot respond, you must feel owned.

[DMC]

Point Blank...that nigga sucks lol

So you are relegated back to your level of intellect. At least it's easy to avoid now. The ignore option works great for turds like you who post drivel but lack the balls to respond.

[DMC]

splitter is resting to play against gasol and dirk
I would buy that on a back to back, but the Lakers are Tuesday. Splitter won't see many minutes against LA because he's a liability right now on offense. That's because he's not seen enough time on the court with the team to get into the swing of it.

I don't buy the "missed training camp" argument. Many players miss training camp for teams they've been traded to. I am sure Arenas wasn't at the Magic's training camp.

[ElNono]

Much like Ratliff last season, Splitter is being saved for the playoffs... :rolleyes

[Cessation]

sofaking, the blair homer, strikes again!

[Sofaking]

sofaking, the blair homer, strikes again!
:king whateva you say. I became a Spurs fan in 97 after Tim got drafted. If anything, I'm a Tim Homer. I'm actually related to #21......not #45 or whatever number Blair uses.

[Sofaking]

For a fucking troll, everything is nonsense, right?

When you cannot respond, you must feel owned.
How the fuck am I a troll? I peeped what you said, wasnt worth a reply because you wrote a bunch of shit from your perspective, trying to make what I wrote look idiotic. I didnt quote you or no one else, I wrote what I felt from my point of view.

Y'all dudes call anybody who don't agree with your POV a troll... I don't get it. Arguing over Rasho Nestrovic jr minutes, like you know better than the coach. If pop were to play Blair 3mins next game and Splitter 25, I would still hear excuses. Every game is an excuse for him. You have never seen a post from me making excuses for Blair. All I know is, Blair's potential>>Splitter's.

[Cessation]

"Blair's potential>>Splitter's"
How can you play down your blair homerism, after saying that?

[spursfan1000]

i didnt get to catch this game, but im glad we won! good to see that hill has returned

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Overall a good, solid win for the Spurs! Bring on the Lakers!

[Sofaking]

"Blair's potential>>Splitter's"
How can you play down your blair homerism, after saying that?
Thats my opinion. I guess one could say I favor Blair. Just makes me like number 1 or 2 out of 30+ Spurs fans that do the same for Tiago. If you were to say that "Splitter's potential>>Blair's" I wouldnt have a problem with that. Honestly before the season started, I wanted Splitter to start, but after further review and seeing all the wining, I'm ok with Blair starting.

[ElNono]

FWIW, Post game quotes are up on Spurs.com

[Cessation]

Thats my opinion. I guess one could say I favor Blair. Just makes me like number 1 or 2 out of 30+ Spurs fans that do the same for Tiago. If you were to say that "Splitter's potential>>Blair's" I wouldnt have a problem with that. Honestly before the season started, I wanted Splitter to start, but after further review and seeing all the wining, I'm ok with Blair starting.

Fair enough.

[mavs>spurs]

im glad to see smokey returning and doing fine.

[Frankie23]

Dice played only 3 more minutes than Splitter... 8 vs. 5.
Was talking about the hole season, not only against the Wiz..Maybe i should've added that Pop is a "small ball" lover.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

weak win
we did not play as good defense as adverted. I am extremely woried about our upcoming stretch. I wish my conern actually had the ability to change reality but facts stand that I think we will be lucky to go .500 over our next hard stretch.

[Buddy Holly]

I think if Pop isn't going to give Splitter an opportunity then trade him to another team for a legit veteran big who would be serviceable. Maybe Camby since Portland seems to want to trade him.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

http://images1.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/4669042/I-play-Splitter-garbage-time-U-mad.jpg?imageSize=Large&generatorName=popspurs
:lmao

[SpurSpurSpurs]

When the F will he play Splitter more? When we start losing? Is he like a secret weapon or what? It's somehow frustrating that Pop doesn't want to give Splitter minutes even if we're playing the worst and undermanned team in the East. One of the best oppurtunity for him to get experience had just passed! How am I suppose to believe that he will play Splitter with the elite teams? It's almost automatic in my head that we're going to lose against top teams if Tiago doesn't play more. Pathetic!

Oh, yeah I get it. We won. No need to complain. Sheesh! :bang

[Dex]

Views from the Other Side:



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/26/AR2010122602662.html

Wizards vs. Spurs: John Wall returns, but Washington's road record falls to 0-14
By Michael Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 27, 2010; 12:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO - There was John Wall, back after missing more than two weeks of action, pulling out a Manu Ginobili move, whirling the ball behind his back and dropping a pretty left-hand layup. Rashard Lewis appeared comfortable in his second game with his new team, providing the perimeter shooting the Washington Wizards had hoped for when they acquired him from the Orlando Magic.

Kirk Hinrich, despite the rainbow-colored shiner beneath his left eye, ran the team well and could hardly miss in the first half. And Hilton Armstrong helped limit Tim Duncan to five points, which used to equate to success against the San Antonio Spurs.

While there were some positives that could be taken from Sunday's game at AT&T Center, the undermanned Wizards couldn't come away with a road victory against the team that holds the league's best record.

With Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, the Wizards lost, 94-80, to the Spurs and extended their franchise record for consecutive road defeats to start the season at 14.

The Wizards have lost 11 straight games in San Antonio, with Lewis the only player on their current roster who was in the NBA on Dec. 11, 1999.

"I can't fault our guys as far as effort," Coach Flip Saunders said. "When you're undermanned like that, you almost have to play perfect basketball."

The Wizards (7-21) will have Blatche and McGee back in uniform on Monday in Houston, where they will attempt to avoid matching the team record of 15 straight road losses in one season. Blatche and McGee issued apologies for getting involved in a scuffle with each other outside a Washington area nightclub last week. The team had initially deemed it "simply a disagreement between teammates" but decided to punish the players after further investigation.

Blatche wrote in a text message: "I'm very sorry for the incident. I had no intention of this ever happening. I apologize for my behavior, to my family, the whole Wizards organization, my fans, my teammates and coaches." McGee expressed a similar sentiment on his Twitter account.
ad_icon

Without his leading scorer in Blatche and leading rebounder in McGee, Saunders went with his 13th different starting lineup, giving the nods to Lewis and Armstrong, both of whom played well. Lewis scored a team-high 21 points with 12 rebounds and Armstrong added 13 rebounds before being forced to leave early in the fourth quarter after suffering a mild right foot sprain trying to block a shot by the Spurs' Gary Neal and landing awkwardly. Armstrong will be listed as day-to-day.

"It always hurts to be short-handed, but everybody else was ready to play," Armstrong said. "I'm proud of how everybody stepped up. We didn't come out with the victory, but we all played hard. We're making some improvements from a couple of weeks ago to now. I think we're starting to get there."

Wall returned to action for the first time since a loss to New York on Dec. 10 and appeared to be a little rusty after sitting the past five games with a bone bruise under his right knee. Wall finished with just four points, on 2-of-9 shooting, with six rebounds and four assists in just less than 20 minutes.

He joked afterward about being a little out of condition. "I hadn't played in two weeks and a half, so running on a bike is different than running on the court, especially chasing a talented point guard in Tony Parker," Wall said. "Before [Saunders] took me out the first time, five plays before that, I was trying to get out of there. I just wasn't used to it."

Wall still showed flashes of his dizzying speed. Saunders called on the No. 1 overall pick to enter the game with 6.1 seconds left in the second quarter. Wall got the ball and sprinted up the floor, where Ginobili was standing in the lane, waiting. Wall wrapped around the ball and Ginobili, frozen, could only admire as Wall completed a left-handed layup - in less than four seconds - that looked reminiscent of many of his animated forays to the rim.

"It's something I've been doing since high school. But yeah, he does that move, too," Wall said of Ginobili. "I got him with it."

Wall's spectacular shot brought the Wizards within 48-42 at halftime, but the Spurs took control in the third period, opening a 16-point lead as Ginobili and Parker (20 points, 14 assists) combined for 14 of their 33 points. The Wizards got within nine points with two Armstrong free throws with 9:27 remaining, but Ginobili (21 points and five three-pointers) responded with a three-pointer and Neal made a jumper over Armstrong that ended his night.

Hinrich, who got hit under the eye in the Wizards' last game against Chicago, had 15 points and seven assists but wasn't ready to celebrate hanging around with the team with the league's best record. "We should expect to. It's good that we did that, but it's not like we shouldn't expect to compete every night," he said. "I'm a little frustrated right now, I feel like we're starting to play the right way and trying to do the right things out there. We just haven't been able to put it all together quite yet."

After the game, Saunders expressed some disappointment in not having Blatche and McGee around. "Our players have known from the first day of camp that we have a zero tolerance, as far as incidents off the floor," he said. "It's unfortunate that they put themselves in that situation. It doesn't matter, youth and inexperience are not an excuse for anyone not acting in a professional manner. That's the disappointing thing."

[DMC]

How many incidents do the Wizards get before someone fires the entire team and rebuilds or just sells the thugfest?

[Thompson]

I just saw the box score today. This should have been one of the few games for a week or so where it wouldn't have hurt us (against a vastly inferior opponent) to have Splitter get some solid minutes... and he gets 5 minutes? Is Pop trying to go into the playoffs with Splitter having no experience? I know we have a lot of games left, but the more experience he gets, the better.

[quentin_compson]

I'm glad the Spurs got the win, but it was not an impressive one.
The ballhandling and the passing were very sloppy, to an extent that I was surprised they had only 11 turnovers. Bonner had a good game (for his standards), but he faked and dribbled way too much for my liking. If he has an open three, he should take it about 90 % of the time.
I liked that Neal found a way to score even though his threes weren't falling. Another good thing was RJ hitting the glass without being involved that much offensively. This is something we wouldn't have seen last season.
Tony and Manu were great, especially on the offensive end. Blair was so-so, I think. Had a couple of good baskets, but not getting one single defensive rebound is just not acceptable for a starting big who played over 20 minutes.