Game Blog: Spurs vs. Suns 01/15/12

[Brazil]

Sunday, January 15, 2012

9:00 PM ET - AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/PHX.gif (http://www.nba.com/suns)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/SAS.gif (http://www.nba.com/spurs)


http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/9895/Steve-Nash_0_jpg_630x1200_upscale_q85.jpg


VS.



http://cdn.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tony_parker.jpeg (http://www.eurweb.com/?attachment_id=116102)








http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/dembeatz/spurs_win.jpg

[Brazil]

Suns-Spurs Preview


By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
Posted Jan 14 2012 3:44PM

The San Antonio Spurs continue to dominate at home, and their next visiting foe could come into town short-handed.
The Spurs will try to improve to 9-0 at home Sunday night when they meet the Phoenix Suns, who could be without Steve Nash and Grant Hill.
San Antonio (8-4) is off to its best start at home since beginning 13-0 in 2006-07. The Spurs cruised to a 99-83 victory Friday over Portland by outscoring the Trail Blazers by 16 in the fourth quarter.
"I thought we earned it," coach Gregg Popovich said. "We competed well. We had a lot of guys that competed defensively and rebounding wise in the second half and it generated a lot for us."
The Spurs continue to play without star guard Manu Ginobili but still should be favored against Phoenix (4-7), which is beginning a five-game trip and is unsure when Nash and Hill will return. The aging stars sat out Friday's 110-103 loss to New Jersey.
According to Suns coach Alvin Gentry, the 37-year-old Nash has a "charley horse" type injury - technically a right quad contusion - and the 39-year-old Hill has a right quad tendon strain.
Those injuries occurred in Phoenix's 101-90 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Nash also is bothered by a sore back, a condition that has bothered him throughout his career.
The Suns dropped their third straight Friday as Ronnie Price filled in for Nash with 18 points and eight assists.
"It's kind of like Peyton Manning for the Colts," said forward Jared Dudley about playing without Nash. "This offense is predicated on him and everything. Ronnie filled in nicely. He played extremely well. But obviously there's only one Nash and obviously you need G-Hill out there."
Price and the Suns guards had trouble with Deron Williams, who had 35 points and 14 assists one night after Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving had 26 and six against Phoenix.
That could be good news for Spurs top scorer Tony Parker, who scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter Friday. Parker is averaging 17.8 points on 47.0 percent shooting at home compared to marks of 12.3 points on 38.5 percent on the road.
"They did a pretty good job on me the first three quarters," Parker said. "I was just trying to wait for my time."
Rookie Kawhi Leonard scored 11 points for the second straight game in his second consecutive start since replacing Gary Neal in the lineup.
Another young player, Tiago Splitter, is starting to become more effective. Splitter made all five shots for a season-high 14 points Friday, and has made 16 of his last 21 field-goal attempts.
"He has been doing this for years in Europe and everywhere," Popovich said. "He is a blue collared guy who just does the basics really, really well. He is a great competitor."
San Antonio went 3-1 against Phoenix last season. The Spurs can knot the all-time series at 72 wins apiece with a victory.

[ducks]

is nash playing?

[ducks]

go spurs go
spurs better win or I will hear it from suns fans in az

[Spursfan092120]

is nash playing?

Is Nash AND Hill playing, is more like it.

[Spursfan092120]

Did a little investigating..looks like they plan on playing.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/153004

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

go spurs go
spurs better win or I will hear it from suns fans in az


This, although Suns fans have been extremely quiet for a couple of years now

[crc21209]

This, although Suns fans have been extremely quiet for a couple of years now

The Suns have fans? :lol

[DPG21920]

It will be interesting to see how Blair does on Frye. Chasing him out to the 3-pt line will be tough. Spurs will have to be disciplined on defense because even though Nash has declined, they have to defend the pick and roll with brains.

[Brazil]

It will be interesting to see how Blair does on Frye. Chasing him out to the 3-pt line will be tough. Spurs will have to be disciplined on defense because even though Nash has declined, they have to defend the pick and roll with brains.

I hope to see also a lot of Tiago on Gorcat

[dylankerouac]

It feels too long since the last game. YAY!

[mystargtr34]

Yeah despite the hectic schedule not being great for some of the older guys on the team.. its great having a Spurs game what seems like almost every day.

[Sense]

The Spurs should not lose this game, the Suns are a very weak team.. I'll be pissed!

[timtonymanu]

The Spurs should not lose this game, the Suns are a very weak team.. I'll be pissed!

Considering they have a B2B coming up against two playoff teams on the road, the home win should be nice.

[DPG21920]

They are a weak team, but they have quite a few guys that can cause some match up problems. Frye, Gortat, Hill, Markief, Dudley. Lots of depth at wing and bigs that can spread the floor. Spurs have to be disciplined on defense in the pick and roll and have to have controlled close outs on the 3pt line.

Gortat would be a perfect fit on the Spurs.

[DPG21920]

I hope to see also a lot of Tiago on Gorcat

Me too. It will be interesting tonight if Tiago plays a lot due to the fact the Suns have mobile bigs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Matty B tonight often.

[ElNono]

Go Spurs Go! :flag:

[ggoose25]

Vbookie?

[007nites]

Just secure the perimeter and we can get this W.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

:lol Tom Chambers on the pregame show just said that "The Suns top to bottom are a MUCH better team than the Spurs"

[007nites]

Tom Chambers said "Top to bottom this Suns team is better than that Spurs Team and they should be able to get this win."

[007nites]

Nash alley to Grant hill lol

[DPG21920]

Kawhi with a great play to force Hill into a bad pass.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

No..... Blair NOOOOO

[DPG21920]

Kawhi coming out firing, TP was pretty lazy on that defensive play.

[007nites]

Nice move by Blair

[007nites]

Vintage parker

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Kawai Leonard!

[DPG21920]

Blair showing some touch around the rim.

[007nites]

Timmay!

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Timmy J

[007nites]

Jefferson nice pass

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

yes blair yes

[Brazil]

Blair is effective on the O tonite

[Darkwaters]

Blair is having his way with them tonight

[007nites]

Blair is effective on the O tonite

Blair can get his shots when the defense isn't properly set.

[TDfan2007]

lol at that Timmy drive.

[MannyIsGod]

Steve Nash is total class.

[Brazil]

Blair is defending the 3 pts line is going to be ugly

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Blair can get his shots when the defense isn't properly set.


Suns run defensive sets?

[007nites]

Timmay!

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Timmy!!!!

[TDfan2007]

Nice move by Timmy!

[Brazil]

wtf was that ?

[007nites]

Blair with a emphatic rejection!

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

:lol

[TDfan2007]

Blair with the goods!

[DPG21920]

Blair :wow. The ball movement and tempo is great tonight.

[Brazil]

Blair with the Block and the jumper !!!!!

[angelbelow]

This should be a blow out.

[MannyIsGod]

Great sequence by Dejuan

[Russ]

Steve Nash is total class.

You got that right.

[DPG21920]

Great start :tu. Nice pace, TP running the show cool and calm and Blair is playing very well.

[angelbelow]

Shame about Thomas, the games shaping up to see a lot of garbage time for people like him.

[timtonymanu]

Hopefully that block makes the highlights.

[ElNono]

lol Suns... they should be tanking, tbh

and FML Frye can't hit a 3 now... and much like Ginger he's useless...

[Capt Bringdown]

LOL Suns. So bad, even Blair looks good.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Shame about Thomas, the games shaping up to see a lot of garbage time for people like him.


I must have missed it, what happened to Thomas?

[DPG21920]

Everyone except Manu pitching in.

[007nites]

I must have missed it, what happened to Thomas?

Eaton Thomas?

[Pauleta14]

4 ast for RJ alone

0 ast for the Suns

WTF...

[angelbelow]

I must have missed it, what happened to Thomas?

He has food poisoning. Couldn't practice yesterday and is now out for todays game. Terrible start for someone whose trying to make the team.

[ElNono]

Corey coming in as backup PG...

[Brazil]

Neal with it !

[007nites]

Steve Nash going for 40 tonight?

[Brazil]

TP lazy on D and O

[007nites]

Timmay is lighting it up tonight.

[TDfan2007]

:wow What a move by Timmy!

[Brazil]

wow Tim that was nice

[Capt Bringdown]

I know we've got major scoreboard, but I never can figure out how we consistently manage to make Nash look like a Jordan-esque scoring machine.

[Libri]

"Tim started dancing like he was on Soul Train." - Sean :lol

[ElNono]

there goes that lead

[timtonymanu]

I know we've got major scoreboard, but I never can figure out how we consistently manage to make Nash look like a Jordan-esque scoring machine.

There's no more Bruce Bowen out there.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Only a 5 point lead, can't fall asleep

[DPG21920]

Spurs have to watch Morris. He is playing very well this year and is shooting lights out from 3.

[007nites]

"Tim started dancing like he was on Soul Train." - Sean :lol

lol

[TDfan2007]

Nash on fire.

[mystargtr34]

:lol Alvin Gentry's tone.

[TDfan2007]

so is Dejuan

[007nites]

How is Blair doing this lol

[DPG21920]

Dude, Nash is killing it. Let's see if CJ can slow him at all.

[Brazil]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/editor/separator.gifBlair cannot miss

[007nites]

Splitter just got bullied

[Darkwaters]

Welcome to the NBA Corey Joe. Heres Steve Nash.

[angelbelow]

Lopez being very physical with Splitter, nice to see Splitter not back down and try for that block.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

:lol Michael Redd

[DPG21920]

Redd in. He hit his first two 3's last game.

[TDfan2007]

Nice left by Green!

[Libri]

How is Blair doing this lol

It looks like he wants to get a career high.

[Brazil]

I like dat Green

[DPG21920]

Nice take by Danny. Was able to palm it, elevate and show nice touch.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Danny Green running the point? :(

[TDfan2007]

The defense has been shit to finish this quarter.

[ggoose25]

I want to see Leonard on Nash before the game is over

[timtonymanu]

Defense still sucks

[mystargtr34]

Spurs looked really lazy and terrible on defense that entire quarter.. the Suns missed about 2 or 3 wide open 3's and some jumpers early.. otherwise they could have easily had a 35 point quarter for themselves.

Need to pick it up on that end.

[007nites]

Timmy with 8 points and 4 rebounds in the first quarter.

[Warlord23]

No defense whatsoever. This tempo suits the Suns more ...

[007nites]

Splitter up and under

[TDfan2007]

WOW! Tiago what a move!

[DPG21920]

What a bad ass move by Tiago :lol Love it.

[MannyIsGod]

Splitter - that was nasty.

[Libri]

great play by Splitter

[Brazil]

wow Splitter !!!!!!

[007nites]

Gary Neal pure silence

[DPG21920]

Barry with a good point and it's pretty nuts how the Spurs offense has sustained without Gino.

[angelbelow]

Damn, Splitter.

[pgardn]

D stinks.

Nash still runs around using picks making us look like dont talk help on D.

So many guys left open, too many easy shots for Nash.

takin er easy this evening I guess... Since we have no problem scoring.

No way I buy a ticket to a game like this.

[timtonymanu]

Did they ever find out anything about Neal's head bandage?

[MannyIsGod]

Seriously - that footwork by Tiago was some of the best I've ever seen out of him. Keep it up please.

[TDfan2007]

Loved the way Tiago spaced that drive.

[007nites]

Splitter dunk?

[DPG21920]

Tiago!!!!!!!!!!!! He seems to be making an effort to finish strong. He's learning...

[Warlord23]

Keep feeding Spliiter

[MannyIsGod]

Did they ever find out anything about Neal's head bandage?

He hit his head in the bathroom.

[Brazil]

wtf the ref are doing ? there were at least 3 fouls on that play

[DPG21920]

His FT's have been much improved as well.

[MannyIsGod]

Imagine how good Tiago would be if he could actually jump?

[Capt Bringdown]

Splitter came to play tonight.

[TDfan2007]

Tiago is looking better and better each game. I'm loving this. Makes you wonder what we missed out on last year :depressed

[MannyIsGod]

I admire Neal's confidence but he's got to start hitting soon or he's going to be in danger of falling into RMJ territory.

[Brazil]

we need to slow down this tempo tbh

[Warlord23]

Neal forcing it

[Darkwaters]

Splitter having another nice stretch

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

neal good moves can't finish

[DPG21920]

Last 4 games for Tiago: 77% FT

[Nathan89]

Imagine how good Tiago would be if he could actually jump?

He would be a much better version of tyson chandler.

[Capt Bringdown]

Will Neal recover his mojo from last season?

[angelbelow]

His FT's have been much improved as well.

If he ends up with 19 minutes again then the head scratching can really begin.

[Darkwaters]

Did they ever find out anything about Neal's head bandage?

He hit his head on the medicine cabinet the other morning. Took stitches to close.

[mystargtr34]

Good to see Pop finally seeing what 20 or 30 posters here saw in Tiago about 10 games into last season. Props :tu

[007nites]

If he ends up with 19 minutes again then the head scratching can really begin.

I don't know about that. Timmy and Blair are having a great game as well.

[DPG21920]

That is one thing that many don't discuss about Tiago. Even last year, he was good at drawing fouls. If he can continue to improve his FT, that is a valuable tool.

[Brazil]

Last 4 games for Tiago: 77% FT

this is what he was shooting in Europe tbh...

[spectator]

tiago in beast mode

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Fuck Jon barry

[Nathan89]

The stadium was electric last game when Tiago was aggressive on offense. Pretty sure this effort is getting the fans up early.

[Russ]

Jon Barry doesn't see the Spurs as a contender in the West. (What else is new.)

[007nites]

Splitter with 2 dunks

[TDfan2007]

What a pass by Green! Splitter again moving well without the ball.

[DPG21920]

Man, Danny is a sneaky passer at times.

[DPG21920]

Splitter is always getting hit by someone on his own team :lol

[timtonymanu]

Jon Barry doesn't see the Spurs as a contender in the West. (What else is new.)

Does anyone really?

[Darkwaters]

Splitter!!!!!

I can see KBP cussing everytime he does anything right.

[024]

glad splitter finally getting over himself

[DPG21920]

Tiago is abusing Frye son.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Frye :lol

[TDfan2007]

lol Fry complaining about an obvious foul.

[Libri]

Frye can't handle Tiago.

[Darkwaters]

Jon Barry doesn't see the Spurs as a contender in the West. (What else is new.)

According to Barry - has this team ever really done anything right/well?

[DPG21920]

Ok, Bonner has missed his first couple shots, time to take him out. Tiago did well to just be long there on Gortat.

[TDfan2007]

Why is Bonner playing?

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

donde es kawhi

[TDfan2007]

Man...PHX sucks.

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs are taking bad shots. One more pass and they could have a better shot in may possessions.

[Darkwaters]

Bonner with 3 rebounds already in 5 minutes.

[WeNeedLength]

Bonner with the shitty flop LOL

[007nites]

Take Bonner out

[Warlord23]

Both teams playing like shit

[angelbelow]

I don't know about that. Timmy and Blair are having a great game as well.

Still, they need to sit at some point. Timmay isnt going to play over 30 and Blair will probably get his usual 25-30. plenty of minutes available for Splitter. Unless Bonner takes them.

[mystargtr34]

That wasnt a moving screen on Gortatr :lol.. some of these ref calls have been questionable.. both ways.. but mainly in the Spurs favour. Which is good for a change.

[TDfan2007]

Tim needs to come in there and play next to Tiago. They need to get used to playing around each other.

[007nites]

Still, they need to sit at some point. Timmay isnt going to play over 30 and Blair will probably get his usual 25-30. plenty of minutes available for Splitter. Unless Bonner takes them.

If this game stays within 10 I can see Timmay playing 30-32 minutes tonight.

[spectator]

lol - barry wrote out the spurs in '07 when they won the title

talking about a hater

[ggoose25]

Pop wanting close this quarter out strong on D

[Darkwaters]

Still, they need to sit at some point. Timmay isnt going to play over 30 and Blair will probably get his usual 25-30. plenty of minutes available for Splitter. Unless Bonner takes them.

Now would be a decent time to put in Thomas for about 3-5 minutes for kicks.

[MannyIsGod]

Bonner making buckets while up 10. Shocking.

[TDfan2007]

Timmy getting abused on the pnr

[007nites]

Timmay not respecting Gortat

[bbarry]

Damn put a freakin hand up Timmy. Two straight from Gortat thanks to no contest of the shot

[Nathan89]

Better off with Tiago over Timmy because he moves so well on defense.

[Brazil]

Tp with a blk lol

[TDfan2007]

Spurs with a very low energy level tonight.

[timtonymanu]

Rebound the ball!

[DPG21920]

Damn, Blair with good initial defense, but no rebound.

[TDfan2007]

Make that the starters. Bench has had good energy.

[angelbelow]

Now would be a decent time to put in Thomas for about 3-5 minutes for kicks.

Unfortunately hes out due to food poisoning.

[timtonymanu]

Damn i wanted that oop.

[Capt Bringdown]

A Splitter/Duncan combo would be our strongest hand in the playoffs, but I guess it wouldn't be fair to the team to improve our competitiveness.

[007nites]

Blair just sealed Warrick out of the play

[ggoose25]

Blair starting to finish at the rim!

[mystargtr34]

Tiago has become the Spurs best defender this season tbh.. Tim doesnt have the mobility to guard anyone anymore.. hes still a great rim protector though.. which makes them a perfect compliment to each other.

[TDMVPDPOY]

being up +10, we tend to shoot more stupid shots for no reason...

[mystargtr34]

Tiago on pace for 15 minutes tonight :lol

[jag]

ESPN with the "4 rings, faggot"

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

did they forget about the tech?

[007nites]

Gortat looking good

[DPG21920]

Damn, Gortat that was sick.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Kawai for 3333333333333333

[DPG21920]

That was a little bit slower release, but a better looking shot.

[007nites]

Timmy sharp shooting

[Libri]

If Leonard starts making that three, watch out!

[angelbelow]

I think last year Blair would have forced a shot up. Nice pass to a wide open Timmay.

[DPG21920]

Tim is like imma let you finish, but my jumpshot is on auto drive right now brah.

[MannyIsGod]

Dejuan's incorporating the jump stop into his game VERY well.

[Capt Bringdown]

Leonard with the Bowen-esque dagger 3!

[007nites]

Timmy 10 points and 8 rebounds. Almost a double-double in the first half.

[jag]

I want to see Kawhi start spotting up in the corner.

[Darkwaters]

Blair really is a savvy passer

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

not gonna lie but leonard's shooting motion on that 3 is very Bowen-like

[Russ]

Jon Barry -- Let's see if the Suns can get back in this thing.

(Don't hold your breath.)

[Libri]

Neal will not return, thigh contusion.

[boutons_deux]

who is hurt on the Spurs?

[MannyIsGod]

LOL Warrick saw Timmy and got scared.

[Russ]

Leonard rebounds over Gortat's back.

[timtonymanu]

Neal will not return, thigh contusion.

The guards keep dropping.

[blkroadrunners]

My God, Jon Barry stfu

[mystargtr34]

Bad gambly by TP.. luckily Warricks stupidity bailed him out.

[jag]

I'm starting to love Kawhi's game.

[Brazil]

Leonard with a TP fast break forgetting everybody

[boutons_deux]

ok, Neal

[DPG21920]

Not to keep gushing, but Gortat is solid.

[TDfan2007]

Timmy getting abused by Gortat this quarter.

[Nathan89]

I want to see Kawhi start spotting up in the corner.

Doubt it's going to happen this year. In the pregame(at the games i've been to) he mostly practices the midrange shot from the corner.

[blkroadrunners]

Neal will not return, thigh contusion.

Sucks. Don't know why but he seems a bit overweight than last year.

[DPG21920]

I wanted a Timmy 3!

[007nites]

lol if Timmay hit that 3 this game would have been over.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

mothign fkin duncan for three wtf

[timtonymanu]

lol almost an 08 flashback

[MannyIsGod]

Splitter/Duncan/Blair have 30 points combined.

[angelbelow]

Would have loved to see Timmay hit that 3 lol

[Capt Bringdown]

RJ MIA...again!

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

RJ MIA...again!

very crisp passes for a couple good plays tho

[jag]

Tim almost knocked that down while fading back, off one foot. Would have been hilarious

[TDfan2007]

Timmy almost hit that one. His shot is looking really good.

[therealtruth]

Too bad Pop failed to destroy Splitter's confidence.

[ulosturedge]

JA hasn't seen the floor tonight has he? Not encouraging..

[007nites]

Timmay wanted to bring out his inner Bruce Bowen with that corner pocket 3 ball.

[Brazil]

bonner 9 mn splitter 7 mn lol

[Darkwaters]

The guards keep dropping.

Well, as if we didn't need anymore incentive to end the Neal PG experiment.

James Anderson, how many freaking opportunities are you going to get? Make it count.

[spectator]

what's the news on neal? is he out just this game as a preventative measure or is he out for several weeks?

[Darkwaters]

Neal will not return, thigh contusion.

Ok, so he bruised his thigh.

[jag]

How the motherfuck is Jalen Rose still allowed to sit there and talk on camera?

[Ice009]

bonner 9 mn splitter 7 mn lol

FUCK POP. I have had enough of Bonner. I am seriously thinking he needs to be amnestied before RJ. Crazy how much of a liability he is.

[spectator]

Ok, so he bruised his thigh.

i guess that's good - could have been worse. he should not miss more than 2 games in the worst case scenario.

[Mugen]

How the motherfuck is Jalen Rose still allowed to sit there and talk on camera?

id love for Jalen to knock back a few and take Jon Barry for a nice drive off a cliff.

[TDfan2007]

How the motherfuck is Jalen Rose still allowed to sit there and talk on camera?

Better question: How the motherfuck does Bonner get more minutes than Splitter in a game where offense will obviously not be a problem?

[Darkwaters]

Whoa, Jefferson has 5 assists? Really? I don't think I remember any of them.

[easy7]

Eat pizza become a better baller..

[Libri]

Here's the tweet:

@spurs
San Antonio Spurs
Gary Neal has a right quad contusion and will not return to tonight's game.

[Nathan89]

JA hasn't seen the floor tonight has he? Not encouraging..


he sucks.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

well, JA is definitely seeing time the second half.

[TDfan2007]

id love for Jalen to knock back a few and take Jon Barry for a nice drive off a cliff.

:lol chill out. It's just a few people's opinions.

[Brazil]

FUCK POP. I have had enough of Bonner. I am seriously thinking he needs to be amnestied before RJ. Crazy how much of a liability he is.

he has been quite good in 9 mn 5 pts 3 reb

[Mugen]

james has gotten about 10 times more chances already this season to prove himself then tiago got all of last year.

[jag]

Better question: How the motherfuck does Bonner get more minutes than Splitter in a game where offense will obviously not be a problem?

I don't want to think about it.

[Ice009]

he has been quite good in 9 mn 5 pts 3 reb

He stinks. He was insanely wide open on that three, nearly anyone could have hit that shot.

[Brazil]

he sucks.

you picked under or over 196 pts ?:lol

[silverblk mystix]

Imagine how good Tiago would be if he could actually jump?

Imagine how good Tiago would be if he actually played?

[007nites]

Kawaii will get major minutes in the next half.