Grades: Spurs vs. Nuggets - Jan. 7

[timvp]

For the second game in a row, the Spurs built a big lead in the first half. After a TJ Ford hoop four minutes into the second quarter, the Spurs were up by 20 points. The Nuggets, unlike the Mavericks, came roaring back.

By halftime, Denver was only down by seven points. The third and fourth quarters featured run after run after run by the Nuggets. The Spurs bent -- the lead was only two points with six minutes remaining in the contest -- but the Spurs didn't break. With a number of key shots from a variety of players, the Spurs were able to hold onto a 121-117 victory.

Despite the blown lead, it was a great win for San Antonio. The Nuggets have been the best team in the conference so far and the Spurs had a number of opportunities to crack. Instead, the home team showed enough backbone to hang on for the victory.

As for the Nuggets, they look like a legit team. George Karl has a truckload of above average players who are all playing team basketball. The way Karl mixes and matches makes the Nuggets a nightmare. As of right now, there's no reason for Denver to not be a top four seed in the West.

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2359/boxjan7.jpg

Tim Duncan B
The Nuggets started a big lineup and Tim Duncan did great work anchoring the middle against that length. While he was weak on the glass, his activity on defense was otherwise very good. Offensively, his passing was fantastic; whenever the Nuggets doubled or even hedged, Duncan made them pay. Scoring-wise, he did enough to make Denver key in on him.

Tony Parker B-
It was a rollercoaster of a night for Tony Parker. He started out playing well before hitting a long dry spell. To end the game, Parker hit a few vital shots to keep the Spurs ahead. Defensively, he had success against Ty Lawson early, but as the game wore on, Lawson got the better of him. That said, I thought Parker's overall energy and effort were at high levels throughout.

Richard Jefferson B+
Richard Jefferson's evolution into Dale Ellis continues. He knocked in 5-of-8 three-pointers, many of which stopped runs by Denver. Jefferson also had the play of the game when he blocked Lawson on one end and then hit a three-pointer in transition. Defensively, he was good in his individual assignments, however he made little to no impact in the team defense and on the boards. But if he keeps shooting like this while showing flashes of hustle, the Spurs will happily live with the results.

Gary Neal B-
Gary Neal got his second straight start and did some good things. He hit three teardrops, which if he can add to his regular arsenal would really make him a dangerous offensive weapon. On defense, Neal continues to look a step slow. He's being physical but he's not able to stay in front of his man. The rust, in that area, remains.

DeJuan Blair B
The third quarter was the ultimate staring contest between Pop and George Karl. The team's had DeJuan Blair matched up with Danilo Gallinari and neither player could stop the other player -- yet neither coach made a move. It was actually funny to watch play out. While, yes, Blair got lit up by Gallinari, I can't really blame him since the Italian is basically a giant shooting guard. All in all, Blair was a beast on the offensive boards again and scored enough trash buckets to have a positive impact on the game.

Danny Green A
I'm not quite ready to claim Danny Green is for real ... but I'm close. Green led the team in scoring tonight with 24 points, while also stuffing the stat sheet with seven boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Offensively, besides his outside shooting, Green showed an ability to score off the dribble. Green also had no fear when taking key shots. Defensively, he might have been even better. Inexplicably, the Nuggets tried to attack him a few times and Green made them pay. His one-on-one defense was solid, his team defense was smart and his tenacity makes him a pest for the opponent.

TJ Ford A
Wow. TJ Ford put on a clinic of how to play the point guard position in his first stint on the court. It seemed like each time up the court, Ford found a new way to carve up Denver's D. Ford not only was making really good passes, he was also playing at perfect pace and knew how to take advantage of each mismatch San Antonio's motion offense was creating. In the second half, Ford's offensive prowess wasn't nearly as good but he made up for a bit with fantastic hustle and physicality on the defensive end. All in all, I was very impressed.

Kawhi Leonard B+
Watch out world, Kawhi Leonard is starting to figure out this NBA thing. On offense, his cuts and dives to the basket made him a threat against the Nuggets. He also put pressure on Denver by crashing the offensive glass. Defensively, Leonard made a handful of mistakes but he flashes a huge amount of potential on that end. He's a dedicated defender whose sturdy body, long arms and quick hands make him very difficult to score against in isolation situations. I'd say this was Leonard's best game of his rookie season so far.

Tiago Splitter B+
Better. After a couple difficult outings, Tiago Splitter bounced back tonight. He was making quicker decisions offensively and was more physical when it came to finishing around the hoop. His passing was good once again and he was setting mean picks. On defense, Splitter had an odd array of assignments but he did good work throughout.

Matt Bonner Inc.
With the Nuggets either going really big or really small, Matt Bonner was left out in the cold. I can't say I was shedding tears about him playing only seven minutes.

James Anderson Inc.
Even though we only saw him for four minutes, there was actually a lot to like from James Anderson. The confidence witnessed earlier in the season was back. He took shots when open, created shots off the dribble and had a pair of great passes. Anderson, despite being dropped from the regular rotation, isn't letting the sporadic minutes phase him -- which is impressive for a young player.

Pop B+
Karl's lineups had Pop unsure of himself during the middle quarters. At first, Pop matched down and played small ball. When that didn't work, he stayed big. By the fourth quarter, Pop had figured it out and was doing a great job of matching Karl's unique lineups. Letting Green play 33 minutes was the right call. The Parker and Ford combo worked again. Pop playing Leonard 20 minutes in this game was a great learning opportunity for the rook. Perhaps best of all, Pop held Duncan to only 20 minutes, which means he may be able to play tomorrow night in Oklahoma City.

[lefty]

We staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacked

[ElNono]

Thanks for the writeup. I actually feared this one would be one of those trouble matchups for Tiago (vs Birdman, a good shot blocker) and he actually did good. After getting his first shot blocked, he actually adjusted nicely.

Danny Green was a man, and TJ Ford really giving the team a different look from the PG position, while keeping the speed.

[acoelho1]

If there is a silver lining to the Manu injury, it gave D. Green the opportunity to showcase his game and I am very impressed. I don't expect this kind of offense every night but he is solid defensively and seems to get his hands in every loose ball. He filled the stat sheet and as Kwahi continues to improve, we will have 2 stud defenders on the wings.

[baseline bum]

Richard Jefferson's evolution into Dale Ellis continues.

I hope that's not a playoff prediction. :depressed

[Bill_Brasky]

Pop is being VERY good with minutes this year. OKC played KD and Westbrook 35 and 40 mins tonight. RJ led us with 33.

Also like when Kawhi/Green were in the game together. They seemed to feed off each other very well, especially with TJ running the offense.

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol TIMVP still on high on JA? theres a reason why his behind KL AND Green in the rotation now....

[acoelho1]

Anderson has shown flashes but I wouldn't play him ahead of Leonard or Green. He had his opportunity and couldn't deliver. However, that doesn't mean he won't be a good player. Time will tell.

[Mugen]

that kawhi/green fast break was the worst 3 point play ive ever seen but ill take it :lol

still think kawhi needs to be more aggressive offensively, especially on fast breaks, even though theres a less than 5% chance TP is going to pass it off

[Budkin]

It's really fun to watch the Spurs of the future come into their own.

[MannyIsGod]

I need a lot more from Danny Green before I think he's legit. That being said, I love what I've been seeing lately.

Leonard on the other hand, I love everytime he's out there. If both can work out well then the Spurs will have options at the 3.5 and 2 guard spots that they haven't seen in a while.

[DMC]

Matt should get an A for his INC. He really made a difference.

[DMC]

I wasn't impressed with KL. He seems lost.

[callo1]

Richard Jefferson B+

Richard Jefferson's evolution into Dale Ellis continues. He knocked in 5-of-8 three-pointers, many of which stopped runs by Denver. Jefferson also had the play of the game when he blocked Lawson on one end and then hit a three-pointer in transition. Defensively, he was good in his individual assignments, however he made little to no impact in the team defense and on the boards. But if he keeps shooting like this while showing flashes of hustle, the Spurs will happily live with the results.


I have to say Jefferson's play was worth an A

Instead of just hitting shots, RJ is beginning to have all-around floor games


I really like the way TP came out tonight to start the game. I think he started with a good balance of distributing and scoring, which is something he has always struggles with. I really think having TJ on this team is helping Parker.

I love the option of having TP and TJ on the floor at the same time. TJ essentially becomes the true pg and Tony is the 2, with the ability to slip into the pg role, or drive and dish.

This team is shaping up really well. I know the Spurs blew a big lead, but they still finished, a year ago, this would have easily been a loss.

The Spurs are deep, athletic at key positions, and have shooters galore. I really like the fact that the offense is so multiple right now, with the ability to play on the perimeter, or work inside out when they need a key bucket.

All of the doubters are being proven wrong by TJ thus far, I hope and expect he keeps it that way.

Still a long way to go, but the "doom and gloomers" look kind of silly about now.

[ElNono]

Matt should get an A for his INC. He really made a difference.

:lol

[timvp]

I hope that's not a playoff prediction. :depressedIt is, unfortunately.


lol TIMVP still on high on JA? theres a reason why his behind KL AND Green in the rotation now....Yeah, "Inc." stands for incredible.


Anderson has shown flashes but I wouldn't play him ahead of Leonard or Green.
Agreed. Right now, Green is playing better on defense than JA ever could and offensively he's doing about what JA could do at his ceiling. Green will probably come down to earth but he's firmly ahead of JA in the rotation.

Leonard's size alone will hopefully keep him ahead of JA.

[Biggems]

that kawhi/green fast break was the worst 3 point play ive ever seen but ill take it :lol

still think kawhi needs to be more aggressive offensively, especially on fast breaks, even though theres a less than 5% chance TP is going to pass it off

TP is definitely a blackhole on the fast break....I have never seen a more selfish PG in all my basketball watching days. He just ducks his head and goes right to the basket, 1 on 1 or 1 on 5.....he doesn't care.

[MannyIsGod]

That block play was Jefferson's best play as a Spur, imo. If Pop can find a way to bottle that effort then it will be outstanding.

[Bill_Brasky]

That block play was Jefferson's best play as a Spur, imo. If Pop can find a way to bottle that effort then it will be outstanding.

I'm used to watching RJ be a cheerleader from the bench in crunch time.....this time HE was the one making the play. Great stuff, we need this to be playoff RJ.

[tmtcsc]

Richard Jefferson: A
Danny Green: A +
Ford: A -
Blair: B+

[TDMVPDPOY]

I love the option of having TP and TJ on the floor at the same time. TJ essentially becomes the true pg and Tony is the 2, with the ability to slip into the pg role, or drive and dish.

This team is shaping up really well. I know the Spurs blew a big lead, but they still finished, a year ago, this would have easily been a loss.



bad combo, both are streaky fluke shooters...

backup pg out-producing starting pg, nothing to see here...

[Sean Cagney]

I need a lot more from Danny Green before I think he's legit. That being said, I love what I've been seeing lately.

Leonard on the other hand, I love everytime he's out there. If both can work out well then the Spurs will have options at the 3.5 and 2 guard spots that they haven't seen in a while.

Yes this is why I like this year better than last! No real huge expectations but the youngins out there playing! Not some old washed up vet! I have low expectations so seeing the young guys play and winning so far is rewarding! I might actually enjoy this year (lets face it last year late was a flat out headache after the season they had).

[NASpurs]

Also like when Kawhi/Green were in the game together. They seemed to feed off each other very well, especially with TJ running the offense.

I also like seeing them in the game together plus those two seem to like to crash the boards. I can't remember the last time the Spurs' 2/3s (depending what pos. Green/Kawhi are playing) crashed the boards on both sides of the court like this.

[DAF86]

I love offensive rebounds.

I remember when we played with all those TOSBs (Finley, Oberto, Vaughn, Thomas, Bogans, etc.) that were too worry about the "transition D" Pop loves so much and jogged to the other side of the court whenever a teamate looked remotely close to taking a shot.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This is the most I've agreed with timvp's grades all season, except personally I would have put Parker at a C+ .


Fact is, I'm with DPG in starting to sincerely get worried over whether or not Parker has lost a step. With Manu out, Parker is our best player, our season will depend on him. He has exhibited a pension for saving energy and being a quasi "mr fourth quarter" in previous seasons.....in fact, every game I see Parker playing I find myself praying that his Mr. Piedlourde act is just him saving his energy. But as this season is playing out I'm not only seeing a fatigued Tony Parker, but a slower less athletic Tony Parker.

Even a fatigued basketball player can have his burst and speed in the early minutes.

Maybe Parker is just growing and shining, and has developed a new level of confidence and power, conserving that energy and not sacrificing his body unnecessarily, but I am sincerely getting worried that the effort he shows when games are on the line is indicative of him losing a step.

I hope to the Quattro GODS I am wrong about this.

[baseline bum]

That block play was Jefferson's best play as a Spur, imo. If Pop can find a way to bottle that effort then it will be outstanding.

My favorite Jefferson play is still the time Manu stripped him at halfcourt in game 6 tbh.

[InK]

Watched Parker a lot this summer and he definatly couldnt finish around the rim like he used to. But its not like this just sudenly happened, he has been getting slower and slower since that 2009 injury he had ( forgot what it was exactly). Its a slow process, aint like he is falling off the cliff TD style anytime soon.

[Man In Black]

My favorite Jefferson play is still the time Manu stripped him at halfcourt in game 6 tbh.

We saw that shit happen live at Seau's in San Diego on the Big Screen! :toast

[GSH]

TJ Ford A
Wow. TJ Ford put on a clinic of how to play the point guard position in his first stint on the court. It seemed like each time up the court, Ford found a new way to carve up Denver's D. Ford not only was making really good passes, he was also playing at perfect pace and knew how to take advantage of each mismatch San Antonio's motion offense was creating. In the second half, Ford's offensive prowess wasn't nearly as good but he made up for a bit with fantastic hustle and physicality on the defensive end. All in all, I was very impressed.




Someone correct me if I misunderstood - but in the post-game, it sounded like Ford said something to the effect of "my unit is starting to understand each other". He was quick to acknowledge Tony, and to make it understood that he is happy coming off the bench. But if he is going to look at the second unit as "his", and be floor general for that group, I'm feeling better about the season. He also commented about how much he likes being here, and what a difference it makes having a coach that is fully committed, etc.

Honestly, I think the Spurs' second unit may be the best team T.J. Ford has ever played with, and the best situation he's been in since he left college.


I thought Neal's game faded right along with his legs. I'm looking for even better things a few weeks down the road - especially on defense.

Richard Jefferson playing with heart and emotion? I don't care if he's not perfect. Nobody's perfect. But if he somehow grew a pair in the offseason, it's going to make a huge difference. It did tonight.

The Spurs couldn't have expected more than about 15 minutes, 6 points, and 2 boards from Danny Green. Anything more is one hell of a bonus, considering where he came from. I really do think he could be first man off the bench for the rest of the season. Maybe more, but I really don't want to jinx things. His shot may not be falling every night, but I think those steals and shot blocks are here to stay.

I saw the same good things from Blair as everyone else. But my biggest concern for the night was that the momentum seemed to shift in the second quarter right when Blair entered the game. And there seemed to be some cause and effect. He did a lot of dumb/weak things on the offensive end and all the great play just seemed to evaporate. Yeah, he fought for offensive boards. But he squandered most of the ones he got. And part of the reason he was reaching for offensive boards was because of his poor offensive play.

[baseline bum]

We saw that shit happen live at Seau's in San Diego on the Big Screen! :toast

Good times.

[MannyIsGod]

Good call on that play. :lol

I still watch the DVDs and wait for that play.

[analyzed]

Leonard got the 1 stat I wanted to see from him, an offensive foul going to the basket, I'm serious. That showed his agresivness and that he is starting to figure out he can be effective offensively

[Darkwaters]

It's hard to believe that the Spurs signed and waived Danny Green last year without a second thought. Glad they took a second look.

[Trainwreck2100]

Good call on that play. :lol

I still watch the DVDs and wait for that play.

lol the floor sweeper was like "oh shit"`

[will_spurs]

The thing I like the most about this season is seeing Splitter, Leonard, Green and even Anderson get minutes, while Bonner is in the doghouse and the stars are resting. And the Spurs still winning.

[Trainwreck2100]

Bonner's not in the doghouse

[will_spurs]

Doghouse is a bit harsh, but I really like that he's playing 15 minutes or less quite often (except season opener and vs Dallas).

[mystargtr34]

When Bonner is playing 10-15 minutes a night (preferably earning a little less than $3.5M tbh) he is actually a valuable 9th-10th man. Its when hes playing 20+ minutes a night where he startings hurting you more often than helping.

[chazley]

Bonner +9 in 7 minutes. Its actually pretty funny. The team is just more effective with him out there... Period.

[temujin]

The pluses.

The win, the growth of Green, Leonard showing some game, Bonner playing little, Jefferson and Ford at at a hugely unexpected high level. Duncan largely on the bech when the game was on the line.

The minus.
Denver was on a back to back. The defense was terrible from minute 18 on.
Popovich watching bad calls after bad of the officials doing nothing, and Blair getting destroyed by Gallinari -no less- in the second half.

This team is young and energetic.
They deserve a young and energetic coach.

[Spurs Brazil]

Green and Ford are playing great.

[TJastal]

I need a lot more from Danny Green before I think he's legit. That being said, I love what I've been seeing lately.

Leonard on the other hand, I love everytime he's out there. If both can work out well then the Spurs will have options at the 3.5 and 2 guard spots that they haven't seen in a while.

So, you cream your panties over Leonard's 6/5/1/1 contribution yet you're skeptical Green's herculean 24/7/2/2/2 beastmode game? :lol

I swear, never ceases to amaze me how fickle some of you assholes are. I bet you were one of those Anderson fanboy faggots who thought Green was nothing but a 12th man roster filler.

[angelbelow]

Thanks for the game grades. Good read for me since I missed the game. But it appears I missed a fun one =/

Nice to see Green continue to improve and impress.

[Mr Fundamental]

We have to use Tiago on post-up more.

He can create from there.

[Fireball]

We have to use Tiago on post-up more.
He can create from there.

Sadly Tiago has not shown that he can score from the post consistently. Last night showed it is much better for him to set screens, cut to the basket and be ready for a nice pass by TJ Ford.

[quentin_compson]

I don't think you can expect your backup-PG to play any better than TJ Ford did in the first half. He was mixing up the tempo, made good decisions throughout and played together very well with Tiago on P'n'R situations.

What I like about Tiago is that he is getting better and more confident when it comes to protecting the rim. His offense was also decent last night - as long as he didn't try to create something on his own.

TP was a bit lackluster in fighting through screens, but I won't blame him for not being able to stay in front of Lawson - this guy is just very quick and really crafty.

[silverblk mystix]

This is still a long ways off...

but if Pop were to continue to use all these young guys and then in the playoffs --continue the same rotation--it would be fun to watch...

but I fear that in the playoffs Pop will be scared shitless and shorten the rotation to 6 or 7 or 8 players and all this young potential will watch the Spurs tired legged veterans get trashed again...

[Bruno]

Even if defenses weren't great, that was a very high quality game. After the ugliness of the game against Mavs, it was nice to see some great basketball.

When you look at the bigger picture, there are some positive signs for Spurs.

First, Spurs are doing an amazing job at winning games despite Manu being out without overplaying their key players. After 8 games and a 6-2 record, Only RJ with 31mpg and Parker with 30mpg are playing more than 25mpg. Duncan's 24mpg looks especially great.

Second, the RJ's situation is getting better. I don't want to create too much hope but Spurs could have a shot at trading him at the deadline. With Hill gone, Manu injured and Duncan aging, RJ has a bigger role with Spurs and he is taking this opportunity to play better and raise his trade value. Spurs also have a lot of depth on the perimeter: Ford has been a great backup PG and there are a lot of qualities at SG/SF with Manu, Neal, Leonard, Green and Anderson. Spurs didn't want to amnesty RJ without signing a quality SF, but they might very well have no problem to trade him in a salary dump move or for a big and don't get a good SF back in the trade. It looks like Spurs would be fine on the wing with what they have even without RJ.

[SenorSpur]

Another great writeup.

Leonard does indeed appear as though thingst are coming together for him. He's still not as offensively confident as he will eventually become, but he's making baby steps. I absolutely love watching him D-up an opposing player, who attempts to bring he ball upcourt against him. That defensive steal was a thing of beauty.

Ford has been superb as a backup PG. I admit it's not what I expected from him, but he's been savvy, smooth and confident. When Parker leaves the game, Ford has mitigated any dropoff by his fine play. It certainly appears that Ford and Splitter are developing some awareness and feel for one another. Because Ford is a much more willing passer, it certainly seems that guys are running harder on the break. I don't know how long Pop can get away with playing Parker and Ford together, in the oate stages of games, but whatever works.

Of course, what can be said about Green that hasn't already been said. I don't know if there is any reason to doubt him any longer. It's clear that this kid has the right amount of smarts, competitive drive, and junk needed to become a regular staff-stuffing, utility player for this ball club. His confidence is growing with each game.

With every passing game, it seems that some less-heralded player has stepped up in Manu's absence. Green has been the latest. Of course, I'm waiting to see how he, and the other young players, respond to the pressure of a series of road games. That will likely determine how successful the Spurs will be while Manu is out.

Thanks for posting the boxscore in this game summary. Of course, I have to admit that it makes me feel not only guilty, but incredibly lazy, for not going out to NBA.Com to review them there.

[DMC]

So who else lol'ed when RJ said "they were running it down our throats all night"?

[The_Worlds_finest]

My friends, I was spoiled to have my thread stickied for the nugs game, so I will post my OKC SAS prediction. Splitter will hold down the paint, Blair will beast, Spurs bench is going to absolutely run the thunder out of the gym, GO SPURS GO! 112-97 (Vegas OKC -6.5)

[wildbill2u]

How is the +/- calculated? Darts into a target?

I look at the stats and see Danny Green at +2 and Anderson at +3 and have to scratch my head.

[Arc]

So who else lol'ed when RJ said "they were running it down our throats all night"?

guilty

[Fireball]

How is the +/- calculated? Darts into a target?

I look at the stats and see Danny Green at +2 and Anderson at +3 and have to scratch my head.

Its just the team score differential while the said player is on the court. As there are always four other players on the court who influence the game as well, this stat is often misleading (e.g. Matt Bonner).

[Spur|n|Austin]

Watched Parker a lot this summer and he definatly couldnt finish around the rim like he used to. But its not like this just sudenly happened, he has been getting slower and slower since that 2009 injury he had ( forgot what it was exactly). Its a slow process, aint like he is falling off the cliff TD style anytime soon.

Not only does he look a step slower, he also looks like he's lost his drive and determination. He almost looks like he doesn’t care anymore. Ever since he was quoted as saying the window had shut for this team or something of that nature I haven't seen the same TP I remember from the past. He's been somewhat clutch in making important shots down the stretch the past few games so that's a plus I guess; but as of now I am enjoying watch a true PG in TJ pass the rock and create opportunities for our shooters.

[Hemotivo]

My favorite Jefferson play is still the time Manu stripped him at halfcourt in game 6 tbh.

:lol

[CGD]

Second, the RJ's situation is getting better. I don't want to create too much hope but Spurs could have a shot at trading him at the deadline. With Hill gone, Manu injured and Duncan aging, RJ has a bigger role with Spurs and he is taking this opportunity to play better and raise his trade value. Spurs also have a lot of depth on the perimeter: Ford has been a great backup PG and there are a lot of qualities at SG/SF with Manu, Neal, Leonard, Green and Anderson. Spurs didn't want to amnesty RJ without signing a quality SF, but they might very well have no problem to trade him in a salary dump move or for a big and don't get a good SF back in the trade. It looks like Spurs would be fine on the wing with what they have even without RJ.

At this point do you trade RJ? Folks may chastise me here, but i think he's playing at his contract, if not better. I would trade him at this point, only if this Manu-less stretch of wins comes to an end, and Spurs start playing .500 ball btw now and the trade deadline.

[urunobili]

RJ's deserving of an A- TBH... other than that, I lost track on how Kawhi is impressing timvp so much with so much littlle playing time. I'm exited to see who they'll match him up with tonight...

[ducks]

splitter dunked I was shocked

[Brazil]

Not only does he look a step slower, he also looks like he's lost his drive and determination. He almost looks like he doesn’t care anymore. Ever since he was quoted as saying the window had shut for this team or something of that nature I haven't seen the same TP I remember from the past. He's been somewhat clutch in making important shots down the stretch the past few games so that's a plus I guess; but as of now I am enjoying watch a true PG in TJ pass the rock and create opportunities for our shooters.

trade him for a big, TJ is the answer

[FuzzyLumpkins]

That block play was Jefferson's best play as a Spur, imo. If Pop can find a way to bottle that effort then it will be outstanding.

He always does stuff like that in transition. He is in his element running and is getting better in the half-court sets. His transition game is still a major plus when we can run and hes an asset otherwise so far.

[Bruno]

At this point do you trade RJ? Folks may chastise me here, but i think he's playing at his contract, if not better. I would trade him at this point, only if this Manu-less stretch of wins comes to an end, and Spurs start playing .500 ball btw now and the trade deadline.

Well, once Manu back, RJ will likely be back at his previous self. That might be the silver lining of Manu's injury, it allows RJ to raise his trade value.

There won't have 20 teams wanting RJ at the trade deadline but there might be a desperate team looking for some offense willing to offer a decent package for RJ. In that case, Spurs had to take it and get ride of RJ's contract.

[will_spurs]

My favorite Jefferson play is still the time Manu stripped him at halfcourt in game 6 tbh.

vq8y9P5yLNQ

[TDomination]

Not only does he look a step slower, he also looks like he's lost his drive and determination. He almost looks like he doesn’t care anymore. Ever since he was quoted as saying the window had shut for this team or something of that nature I haven't seen the same TP I remember from the past. He's been somewhat clutch in making important shots down the stretch the past few games so that's a plus I guess; but as of now I am enjoying watch a true PG in TJ pass the rock and create opportunities for our shooters.

What I am hoping is to see Parker become motivated by how TJ is playing and also I have been noticing Pop getting on Parker a lot.

I think Pop senses that Parker isn't totally in it in these games and he is trying his best to wake him up. Hopefully Parker wakes up and realizes that this is still a good to great team that can become an awesome team if all the pieces click, which he needs to be a part of in order for us to have a true shot at winning again.