Game Blog: Spurs vs. Bulls - Feb. 29

[Rummpd]

Tough matchup for the Spurs but at home (13-1) they are almost unbeatable this year.


This Wed 9:00 Eastern on ESPN.

Great matchup to start 2nd half of the season and if all breaks right could be a finals preview!

Bulls number 2 in Hollinger's rankings with 2 less losses (Spurs now at 5 after Pop rested starters vs. the Blazers) but a much easier strength of schedule to date. Both teams have been missing key pieces....

http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings

Additional Team Stats:


http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats?&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fhollinger%2fteamstats Bulls 3rd, Spurs 7th in Off efficiency but Bulls way up there in defense efficiency at number 2 vs. the Spurs at 16th: http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/_/sort/defensiveEff/order/false

Stats and health (except for the lingering issues with Rose) favor Bulls but the surging Spurs have a strong chance to defend successfully one of the best home record in the league [ Bulls have only 2 losses of their own in Chicago and Thunder are a sickening 15-1 at home].

Parker is playing well enough to plausibly win the matchup of the two of the top etchelon NBA point guards, and a rested Duncan should have fresh legs for this one but if the Spurs to win it will take a collective effort and a hot shooting night from Bonner or Neal would not hurt (or Blair matching his last game against a better front line). :flag::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[hater]

Must win IMO

we got raped by the Heat and have no chance at redemption. Same thing would happen if we lost to Bulls.

Spurs need to prove they can beat at least 1 of the 2 best East teams.

[BanditHiro]

parker schools rose spurs win 95-90

[mathbzh]

Spurs need to prove they can beat at least 1 of the 2 best East teams.

Why?

[DBMethos]

Not a must win by any means, but could be a nice measuring stick of where we're at.

[phxspurfan]

Still not at full strength but I think we have a fighting chance. We're at home and rested, with a couple good home cooked meals and possibly a practice in. I'm looking forward to seeing a game on national TV that Pop doesn't throw.

[Paranoid Pop]

If Tiago isn't playing, I don't like our chances tbh.

[DesignatedT]

Must win IMO



:lmao

[phxspurfan]

Also, Parker vs. D. Rose :hungry:

TP always steps up against the top PGs!

[acoelho1]

This game means nothing. Sure, it would be a measuring stick if we weren't missing half our team. Any word on Splitter, Ginobili.. game time decision?

[Sean Cagney]

Must win IMO

we got raped by the Heat and have no chance at redemption. Same thing would happen if we lost to Bulls.

Spurs need to prove they can beat at least 1 of the 2 best East teams.

Some of you way overreact to one game or so in here.

[spurtech09]

Must win IMO

we got raped by the Heat and have no chance at redemption. Same thing would happen if we lost to Bulls.

Spurs need to prove they can beat at least 1 of the 2 best East teams.
that game was on the road.....the bulls game will be at SA...so I like spurs chances...but yet spurs need lenoard and splitter in the line up

[spurtech09]

this game means nothing. Sure, it would be a measuring stick if we weren't missing half our team. Any word on splitter, ginobili.. Game time decision?
+1

[Borosai]

A game blog without Ms. Go Spurs Go is no game blog.

[Robz4000]

I'm thinking the Spurs are gonna go into this game missing Ginobili, Splitter, and Ford, so I'm not confident. Let's see what happens, though. The team will be back home for the first time in weeks, fully rested while Chicago played the previous night, and there might be another practice under their belts.

[Fireball]

Bulls play the night before so the chances winning at home are pretty good

[sehui]

please lets not blow it in front of national tv.

But..no manu/tiago is going to hurt.

[hater]

Why?

they could not prove they could beat the Grizz last regular season and we got clobbered in the playoffs. I wanna see us beating a good team other than OKC

[hater]

that game was on the road.....the bulls game will be at SA...so I like spurs chances...but yet spurs need lenoard and splitter in the line up

Again, last season we lost in the regular season to the team that wiped the floor with us in the playoffs. For those who keep repeating regular season does not matter, watch the playoff matchups, the regular season between those teams did matter to show/work on mismatches.

[justinandimcool]

No Manu, no Tiago, no Kawhi, possibly no Neal.

Unless Parker goes for 40 and 20 and Blair goes for 20/20 against that front line (:lmao), Bulls win by at least 25....

[boutons_deux]

"Tough matchup for the Spurs but at home (13-1) they are almost unbeatable this year."

even tougher, Spurs are missing half their rotation.

[DesignatedT]

Only Manu and Kawhi have been ruled out. Tiago and Neal are questionable. Looks like Ford will play.

[hater]

no Kawhi, we're toast

[crc21209]

Bulls and Hornets tied at 95 with 25 seconds to go in the game. At least the Bulls didnt get an easy night off tonight....

[crc21209]

Bulls just took the lead 97-95. New Orleans pretty much choked the game away. They were up 95-91 with 1:25 to go in the game....

[crc21209]

Jack just missed a layup to tie the game...:lol

[DesignatedT]

Again, last season we lost in the regular season to the team that wiped the floor with us in the playoffs. For those who keep repeating regular season does not matter, watch the playoff matchups, the regular season between those teams did matter to show/work on mismatches.

I think it was Utah who beat us all 4 times in the regular season back in like 07 and we destroyed them in the playoffs. Sorry but it means nothing, especially if you only play them 1 time.

[Duncanoypi]

192 over or under? IMO its under.

[Robz4000]

TJ Ford listed as out for tonight on ESPN. So that makes three...

[ThePop]

TJ Ford listed as out for tonight on ESPN. So that makes three...

Odd considering Ford says he's back on his twitter.

[DesignatedT]

ESPN doesn't know shit

[Robz4000]

Hope they're wrong. Only way I see any real chance at a win is if everyone but Manu and Kawhi play.

[phxspurfan]

Man, it looks like this road win streak, miraculous as it was, took quite a toll on the Spurs. Without Leonard, Neal, Splitter, Ford and Manu the lineup looks like this:

TP
Green
RJ
Blair
Duncan

Bonner
JA
Joseph
Dawson
?
?


That looks pretty scary. I hope Pop doesn't overplay the guys left and then they get injured later.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Splitter is a Gametime decision right? If he plays I think we will have a really good chance of winning.

[phxspurfan]

Splitter is a Gametime decision right? If he plays I think we will have a really good chance of winning.

Even if he does play, how many minutes will he get? I hope not a ton, since he's coming off a calf strain (remember Brent Barry?)

[Mal]

Parker without sub. Blair, Bonner lineup duo to heavy minutes. Why Spurs are odds fav?

[crc21209]

The Hornets were up 4 on the Bulls last night with 1:25 left to go AT Chicago. So hopefully thats a good sign....

[Mugen]

Carlos Boozer is gonna torch us.

But TP & TD both have big games and the home dominance continues.

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs have been terrible against these types of teams, the last few seasons..physical teams seem to have their way with the Spurs..

It's not a must-win, but it would be nice to see them respond against a tough, physical team, for once..

[jestersmash]

The Hornets were up 4 on the Bulls last night with 1:25 left to go AT Chicago. So hopefully thats a good sign....

Monty Williams was complaining about the refs after the game, saying that the Bulls are allowed to play overly physical and foul without being called for fouls.

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald ‏ @JMcDonald_SAEN


Gary Neal (hamstring) says he's good to go tonight vs. Bulls. Jersey hanging in Splitter's locker indicates his intention to play as well.

Mike Monroe ‏ @Monroe_SA


Center Tiago Splitter says he will suit up for #Spurs vs. Bulls tonight; says strained right calf feels fine

[Texas_Ranger]

nice to hear Neal and Tiago are ready, just hope they don't play too much. 10-15 minutes each would be good.

[bklynspursfan]

RT @JMcDonald_SAEN (https://twitter.com/#%21/JMcDonald_SAEN): M*A*S*H update: Splitter, Neal, Ford will be available tonight for Spurs. Ginobili and Leonard are out.

[bklynspursfan]

nice to hear Neal and Tiago are ready, just hope they don't play too much. 10-15 minutes each would be good.


So basically a normal nights work load for Tiago? :lol

[DPG21920]

With the Mavs & Clips losing this win would really get post all-star off to a great start. Mavs lost Dirk tonight to back spasms and are losing to Mem right now as well.

[loveforthegame]

Good to hear Splitter, Neal, and Ford are ready to go tonight. :tu

Need a team effort to beat the Bulls.

[ElNono]

Go Spurs Go :flag:

[DPG21920]

Blair, again, you don't force that.

[Death In June]

Man, the San Antonio crowd is pathetic sometimes. Front running bulls fans.

[bklynspursfan]

What a shocker Blair forced a shot underneath the Rim. Low percentage. God when will he learn

[timtonymanu]

I guess Blair didn't learn shit from his talk with Pop.

[bklynspursfan]

TP pulling a Blair

[bklynspursfan]

RJ needs to hit those tonight

[loveforthegame]

Parker looks focused.

RJ 3.

[timtonymanu]

There we go DeJuan!

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Wow, nice block.

[FkLA]

Bair with a monster block getting 2 inches off the ground :O

[Robz4000]

Damn, Blair is playing hungry!

[TDomination]

heck ya, dejuan is playing very well!

[timtonymanu]

Blair picking up his energy now. Keep it up.

[bklynspursfan]

There you go Blair. Let the game come to you. I think he's hyped from all the screaming Boozer and Noah do after every rebound lol

[Spurs Brazil]

good job BD

[loveforthegame]

Blair with a nice block.

Spurs playing well.

[DesignatedT]

Grizzly Blair in beast mode! Play with this passion every game big fella

[BanditHiro]

Blair ball!!!

[DPG21920]

Looks like the rest did Blair well, great energy tonight :tu

[ace3g]

I guess that conversation with Pop did Blair some good..

[timmike2]

Wow love the crowd right now! :D

[Russ]

A weak lineup playing really well.

[GSH]

I guess that conversation with Pop did Blair some good..

That's what I was thinking. I haven't seen that kind of aggression from Blair in a long time.

[DPG21920]

Grizzly Blair in beast mode! Play with this passion every game big fella

I really wonder if it's just a physical thing.

[timtonymanu]

UGH I hate Boozer and his "EYYY!" yelling.

[maverick1948]

Did we trade for another Blair?

[roycrikside]

That first four minutes has to be one of the best stretches of Blair's career. He's really active at both ends. Something's gotten into him the last couple of days. Maybe Pop had a come to Jesus talk with him like "We're gonna trade your butt or bench you if you don't play harder."

[DPG21920]

Anderson getting an early opportunity.

[angelbelow]

Rose is such an impressive player.

[Mal]

Imagine, Spurs arent still with their best lineup, yet.

[bklynspursfan]

Bad selection by Green

[GSH]

Rose is such an impressive player.

He can elevate on the run, off one foot. It's amazing.

[Mal]

Dont foul, we are short on swingmens

[DPG21920]

Green draws ultra tough assignments.

[DPG21920]

Damn bulls fans loud

[maverick1948]

Danny gets banged and no foul but Rose gets touched and it is called

[bklynspursfan]

Dammit Blair gotta finish those

[angelbelow]

He can elevate on the run, off one foot. It's amazing.

His 1v1 defensive against Parker is ridiculously solid.

[Robz4000]

Ugh, Blair with the goods then with the bads

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Pop please put in Splitter now

[loveforthegame]

Getting a little sloppy. Good TO.

[roycrikside]

Still playing well, with a lot of energy. Not getting bounces right now.

[BanditHiro]

i hate injuries

[jestersmash]

Ugh Green has such poor finishing ability around the rim on a 1 on 1/1 on 2 fast break off of a steal.

[timtonymanu]

Nice play James!

[bklynspursfan]

Nice move by JA

[BanditHiro]

lol did anderson just blow by the bulls best defender..

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Good drive by JA

[jestersmash]

Anderson with a surprisingly successful drive/finish at the rim in a half court set.

[Ice009]

what a fucking move from Anderson.

[bklynspursfan]

WOw... WTF?? Ball dont lie lmao

[bklynspursfan]

Duncan's shot's are short tonight

[GSH]

Blair might want to start thinking about considering boxing the f out on the defensive glass.

[DPG21920]

Is this a home game for CHI?

[WeNeedLength]

Don't think we will see Tiago tonight... :depressed

[Ice009]

LOL NBA seems to call soft cock fouls on teams then lets other teams like the bulls play physical.

[Russ]

Van Gundy said the magic words when Bonner entered . . .

[DPG21920]

Tim looks really rusty. Spurs spacing is all out of whack too.

[DPG21920]

Tim smh

[WeNeedLength]

Damn doesn't look good for Rose...

[Texas_Ranger]

oh come on Duncan, man up!!

[Robz4000]

Ah damn, there goes Rose.

[DPG21920]

Oh shit. Hope he's ok.

[BanditHiro]

http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/109989_o.gif

[loveforthegame]

Everything we do is a foul.

Hope Rose is ok.

Duncan really struggling.

[Mal]

Ouch

[DPG21920]

Looks like just a bad bruise. Banged knees with Tony.

[boutons_deux]

Tim is zero so far, embarrassingly bad. horrible shots, clumsy.

[Mal]

Classy fans in SA

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Who went for that steal? Was it Neal or Parker?

[spurs1990]

Crowd serenating Rose with MVP chant.

Major fail San Antonio crowd.

[GSH]

I really don't like bitching about the zebras. But that one is really starting to piss me off. I would rather it had been his knee instead of Rose's.

[WeNeedLength]

Classy fans in SA

Those were mostly Bulls fans, hence the "MVP" chant you heard. :lol

[bbarry]

Just a knee to knee thing. Rose got the worse of it, but he will be back.

[DesignatedT]

Throw it down Timmy. Stop going soft under the rim.

[maverick1948]

Wasnt TP's fault, he was planted and took the pass away. It was a good no call even tho DR got banged on the knee.

[FkLA]

Why does Bonner always back up from players with a solid 15 footer? I recall him doing that same shit with Bosh whos deadly with that little jumpshot.

[Robz4000]

Tim will get it together as the game goes on. I'm more worried about the rest of the offense, not looking solid right now.

[roycrikside]

They need Duncan to start hitting some shots if they're gonna win. I don't think we've seen the last of Rose.

[Mal]

Those were mostly Bulls fans, hence the "MVP" chant you heard. :lol

I am not refering to MVP chants. I refer to general aplouse when he walked torwards bench.

[SA210]

Anyone have a link to the game? Thanks in advance

[bklynspursfan]

Here comes Tiago

[rasho8]

Splitter!!!!

[bklynspursfan]

Neal you gotta take that shot

[Mal]

Great shooting by bulls

[angelbelow]

Scary thing about Rose is that he has the upper body strength of a Corey Maggette and the speed of a Tony Parker.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Don't let him do that to you, Parker.

[Russ]

Why does Bonner always back up from players with a solid 15 footer? I recall him doing that same shit with Bosh whos deadly with that little jumpshot.

Because it's less embarrasing than getting blown by . . .

[FkLA]

Tiago mfking Splitter is backkkkkkk

[GSH]

I'm surprised the other asshole didn't overrule that charge call. Nice play by Tiago.

[rasho8]

Look at Splitter make an impact in 10 seconds

[DPG21920]

Tiago with a man board then draws a charge. Great to see him out there

[Spursfanfromafar]

The TP-Splitter combination is Platinum Gold!

[benefactor]

Splitter was born to set picks.

[loveforthegame]

Splitter making an immediate impact.

Parker staying aggressive.

[DPG21920]

That is not a foul.

[TDMVPDPOY]

tim duncan showing us his moneys worth

[roycrikside]

Right now it's a couple of point guards who are chucking and not passing.

[rasho8]

Splitter was born to set picks.

And be fed on the roll

[GSH]

Oh man Tiago is looking good. I hope he doesn't overdo it, because so far he looks just as good as he did before.

[rasho8]

Zebras hate us tonight

[bklynspursfan]

Wow no foul there!!!??

[DPG21920]

Bullshit no call with what they have been calling

[timtonymanu]

These refs are fucking ridiculous.

[bklynspursfan]

Wtf????

[timtonymanu]

lol home game for Bulls.

[ffadicted]

how the fuck is that a foul on parker lol

[Reck]

Punch and flap.

Luol is such a fag.

[BanditHiro]

i guess they are not going to be calling fouls on rose for sympathy

[Spurs Brazil]

those refs sucks

[benefactor]

lol fan in the front row telling it like it is

[SA210]

Link anyone?

[Tp9gospursgo]

lol @ these refs

[GSH]

That step on the head is what ended Bruce Bowens game streak.

[roycrikside]

Some home court advantage. Every foul is against us. Can the league make it more obvious they just want our team to go away?

[bklynspursfan]

No Ford sighting yet

[Spursfanfromafar]

lame pass by JA after a decent drive.

[angelbelow]

Fun and competitive first quarter.

[timtonymanu]

Up 2 playing 8 against 5.

[Texas_Ranger]

too much parker, hope other guys start playing.

[bklynspursfan]

Don't be surprised if Parker doesn't come back firing cause of this.

[DPG21920]

Good start overall. Offense stagnated and Tim was rusty as hell, but good energy overall.

[DAF86]

I guess Leonard is still injured.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Bulls shooting 26% and only down 2.


This is gonna be a long night for SA

[WeNeedLength]

Fun and competitive first quarter.

Our defense is surprisingly doing an alright job. We know Bulls will clamp down on defense, so we gotta hope our's matches that as the game goes on...

[jestersmash]

Some home court advantage. Every foul is against us. Can the league make it more obvious they just want our team to go away?

I think the delay of game technical for Gary Neal tying his shoe laces pretty much said it all :lol

Really nit-picky technical foul call.

[jestersmash]

Bulls are shooting 25%, Spurs are shooting 40%. Bulls behind by 2 points.

[loveforthegame]

We're not winning this game with these refs. Parker getting no respect.

[boutons_deux]

Bulls 26% FG and only -2

[SA210]

Anyone have a link to the game? Thanks in advance

[DesignatedT]

Gary Neal needs to get some looks.

[crc21209]

:lol At these fucking refs protecting the shit out of the MVP Rose. What a joke....

[Barfunk]

bulls shooting 26% and only down 2.


This is gonna be a long night for sa


8-2 fta

[timtonymanu]

:lol at the league protecting a gangbanger.

[BanditHiro]

surprise they didn't call charging on Anderson for going into the defender.

[DesignatedT]

Splitter/Asik is a pretty good matchup

[GSH]

8-2 fta

They'll have to even it up some. If the Bulls finish with a 32-8 margin in FT's someone will ask questions.

[Russ]

Lotsa Bulls fans there . . .

[Spursfanfromafar]

Come on Neal. You got to shoot those open 3s.

[angelbelow]

The energizer bunny lineup, lets see if we can put together a nice run here.

[BanditHiro]

fuck their bench is better

[GB20]

come on spurs!!!

[GSH]

It was a foul, but nice sell by Bonner.

[DesignatedT]

The joke is on the bulls fans. The fact they they went a decade without showing up and now they are coming out of the woodwork.

[WeNeedLength]

fuck their bench is better

Yep. Rose goes to the bench, Bulls go on a run... damn it.

[GB20]

why the fuck is neal doing?

[Ice009]

The refs have set the tone for this game and that is BS.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

TJ Ford!

Spurs by 30

[bklynspursfan]

Ford!

[DPG21920]

TJ, let's see if he can energize this unit

[bklynspursfan]

Bench has to start scoring

[benefactor]

Welcome back, TJ.

[HarlemHeat37]

Bonner is the worst flopped I've ever seen, tbh:lol..

Asik vs. Splitter should be good, two similar players..Asik is one of the most underrated bigs in the NBA..

[timtonymanu]

Our bench is MIA.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Fuck the Spurs lack of rebounding, fucking fuck get some size already

[Spursfanfromafar]

Effing Asik!

[GSH]

They miss both FT's and we give them a second chance. Damn. Those things add up by the end of the game.

[rasho8]

Our bench isn't looking so good tonight

[DesignatedT]

Dude i never bring up officiating but this crew seems like they have it out for the Spurs tonight. Or our guys are being extremely annoying or something.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

TJ is back! Yay! :toast

[DPG21920]

Bonner got beat on the block damn it and two missed fts turn into 2 points. 8 off Rebs is unacceptable.

[Russ]

The Spurs rebounding problems will be magnified come playoff time.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I knew they would give up an offensive rebound.. That look on Matt Bonner's face when paired with Gibson kinda gave it away.

[crc21209]

Ugly, ugly game so far...

[ffadicted]

lol griffin

[jestersmash]

Splitter needs time to get back in rhythm. He doesn't look as mobile as he usually is.

[twincam]

Things not looking good at all even with Rose in the bench. Some third string dude scoring against the Spurs. Funny how it always ends up that way. Garbage time.

[angelbelow]

Both Bonner and Splitter are getting out muscled.

[crc21209]

:lol At the Bulls "fans" in the building. I bet they werent Bulls fans when they were only winning 10-20 games a year....

[Spurs Brazil]

good pass Neal

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Fuck yeah! Great play.

[Spursfanfromafar]

thta was terrific defense by TJ Ford.

[GB20]

tj looks really small out there

[DesignatedT]

already like TJ out there

[rasho8]

They going o let us play at all or just keep bailing out the bulls?

[GSH]

Well bonner boxed out on that FT. Did you see that elbow?

[DesignatedT]

Stop that Tiago. Asik is no pushover. Let move the ball

[GB20]

our bench need to step up big time

[TDMVPDPOY]

splitter vs asik, will be a good debate, since we all were talkin about it last season

[BanditHiro]

fucking watson

[Capt Bringdown]

good d

[HarlemHeat37]

Splitter is rusty and out of rhythm, hopefully it doesn't take him too long to get back to his pre-injury level..

[GSH]

lol... Tippytoe crying about that 3-seconds like it didn't happen.

[Spursfanfromafar]

good fake by green.. in and out though.

[bklynspursfan]

Dam we need to hit these open shots!

[ffadicted]

open shots just aren't falling

[GB20]

wow

[Spurs Brazil]

great pass TJ

[AidanNelson2009]

34-31, great pass to Splitter there, good finish.

[DesignatedT]

3 pt game and Tony is getting all this rest. Not bad

[bklynspursfan]

Great pass TJ!

[Spursfanfromafar]

splitter is playing a bit predictable with those hook shots..but he is playing well.

[Johnny RIngo]

Down 5 with the refs against us and Duncan playing some of the worst BBall I've ever seen from him. Hopefully, TD comes back motivated and they can pull out a win.

[roycrikside]

Points are just going to be hard to come by for us. The Bulls defense is so good and contests everything well. It doesn't help we can't shoot. Interesting that Bonner isn't getting any open looks.

[DAF86]

I'm starting to love TJ.

[jestersmash]

Hate to put it all on Tony, but I feel like this is a game where he'll have to score 35+ (with his high percentage floater in full effect) if we're going to win this game.

[Spursfanfromafar]

TJ Ford hasn't missed a beat since he got injured. Good news.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Time to put Duncan back in

[rasho8]

TJ is rocking tonight. If we hit some open jumpers we should take this game.

[crc21209]

TJ is the reason we've kept it this close so far....

[Ice009]

TJ is great for the Spurs.

[GSH]

I hope all the pre-season Ford haters will finally start giving some love. He's not the ballhog people said, and he can play some D.

[roycrikside]

Little Splitter/Duncan action here.