Grades: Spurs vs. Timberwolves - Mar. 21

[timvp]

Prior to Bruce Bowen getting his jersey retired, the Spurs had some business to attend to against the T'Wolves. However, San Antonio made quick work of the visitors from the north and cruised to a 116-100 victory. The quick work by the Spurs allowed the focus to be on #12 for the night -- and rightfully so.

The Spurs got off to a fast start thanks to Tim Duncan. Duncan scored four baskets in a span of two minutes in the middle of the first quarter. Each of his hoops was assisted by Tony Parker. In fact, Parker assisted on each of Duncan's five first quarter field goals.

Speaking of Parker, the biggest news of the night that didn't involve Bowen was Parker's injury. After playing only ten minutes, San Antonio's star point guard left the game with what is being called a tight hamstring. Considering the Spurs start their first back-to-back-to-back of the season on Friday, the timing couldn't be worse if Parker is forced to miss some time.

http://oi41.tinypic.com/34eszgl.jpg

http://oi43.tinypic.com/34ret85.jpg

Tim Duncan A+
With the T'Wolves starting Kevin Love and no one taller than 6-foot-8, Tim Duncan had a chance to dominate this game ... and did he ever. To post 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in a complete game is great work. But to do so in only 24 minutes? Ridiculous. In fact, in the last 27 years (as far back as I can look) no player has ever put up those stats in that few of minutes. Duncan wasn't only bigger than everyone on Minnesota, he was also seemingly quicker, sharper and hungrier. When Duncan is this good, and we've seen him play at a high level a lot in the last month or so, the possibility of adding a fifth ring to the collection doesn't seem nearly as far-fetched.

Manu Ginobili B+
This game followed a familiar pattern for Manu Ginobili. On offense, he was god-like. His passing was outstanding, he made plays whenever he wanted and executed flawlessly. Even though he's far from 100% physically, I'm not sure if I've ever seen Ginobili play smarter on the offensive end. It's like he's seeing the game three or four beats ahead of everyone else. Unfortunately, Ginobili's defense remains worrisome. He's never been a bad defender ... until his latest return from injury. He just can't stay in front of anyone and his closeouts are extremely late. I assume he's trying to stay healthy and is taking it a little bit easy on defense but the other teams have taken advantage in a big way lately.

Tony Parker B+
Tony Parker's passing was extremely sharp prior to his injury and he helped get Duncan going. Watching it live, I didn't see a point when Parker got hurt. I watched the tape and still didn't see anything. His defense started to suffer in his second stint on the court, which was probably a sign of him hurting. Let's hope he can get back quickly and that his hamstring injury proves to be minor.

Kawhi Leonard A-
It's almost getting to the point that Kawhi Leonard can put up 16 points and nine rebounds and it be a ho-hum performance. He has blossomed into a very productive player who can be counted on to make an impact game in and game out. Offensively, I loved how he ran the court and attacked the rim. Defensively, while he did good work against Love by aggressively fronting him, Leonard's overall performance on D was very up and down; a few times he let players get wide open paths to the rim. Rebounding-wise, he was active on both ends of the floor.

Danny Green A-
A few weeks ago, Danny Green was struggling and it appeared as if his spot in the rotation could be fading away. But currently, especially in the last three games, Green has looked very good. Tonight his offensive numbers were solid and could have been a lot better if he didn't blow a few wide open layups. On defense, he was adequate in individual matchups but got burned a few times. Where Green really gave a boost on that end of the court was his help defense and his work on the glass.

DeJuan Blair D
Let's hope this game was blacked out in Pittsburgh. DeJuan Blair struggled in most aspects of the game. On offense, when he wasn't turning it over, he was shooting an ill-advised shot. On that end, he's really been bull-in-a-china-shop lately. Defensively, Blair didn't do much good and compounded his issues by getting in foul trouble. With the Spurs reportedly interested in signing Boris Diaw if he clears waivers, Blair's play lately might have the front office even more desperate than they were a few weeks ago.

Gary Neal B
After Parker went down, Gary Neal stepped in and did good work. I really can't complain. Offensively, while he does look to shoot quite a bit for someone who is supposed to be running the show, he mixes it up enough to keep the defense off balance. Neal also recognizes that Ginobili needs plenty of touches when those two are on the court together. Defensively, Neal's defense on the ball was extremely iffy but he made up for it somewhat by remaining active in the passing lanes; he had a handful of Deion Sanders-like interceptions by hustling and staying attentive.

Stephen Jackson A
Yeah, the made shots are good to see. However, there's so much more to be encouraged by from Stephen Jackson so far. Against Minnesota, he again let the action come to him and didn't force anything. Jackson has a reputation as a low efficiency chucker but there's been no sign of that in his return to San Antonio. Offensively, he spaces the court well, makes the right reads, moves well without the ball and is enough of a playmaker to create opportunities for himself and others when needed. Defensively, his individual defense has been tough as nails. At the same time, he keeps his head on a swivel and offers very good help. Honestly, Jackson's play so far seems too good to be true. I find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop at some point. Jackson won't be able to simply flip a switch and become a steely-eyed role player who relishes the dirty work while removing all the negatives that marred his career since leaving San Antonio, right? I doesn't make much sense ... but I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

Tiago Splitter A-
Defensively, Tiago Splitter was solid. When he wasn't protecting the rim, he showed good mobility by going out on the perimeter and contesting shots. Splitter was also really strong on the boards. However, his main strengths tonight were on the offensive end. Splitter didn't shoot as well as normal but made up for it by authoring a number of really good passes. His ability to find open teammates with quick interior passing is impressive. Overall, Splitter's screens and hard rolls to the basket really opened up the offense for everyone when he was on the court.

James Anderson B
Ever since the trade deadline passed, James Anderson's tenacity has gone through the roof. I don't know if he's more comfortable or what's going on but he's no longer just a guy who stands around on the perimeter. Then again, that could be partially due to him losing all confidence in his jumper.

Pop A
Pop was dealt a difficult hand. First, he didn't have coach favorite Matt Bonner at his disposal due to back spasms. Then he lost Parker. Then Blair and Splitter got in foul trouble. Through it all, I thought Pop did about as well as possible on his rotation. He's putting players in a position to succeed -- especially Jackson, Green and Leonard. I also liked how he pieced together a point guard rotation on the fly by using Ginobili and Green to run things when needed. Oh, and hopefully Pop noticed how the Spurs outscored the T'Wolves 13-5 when Duncan and Splitter were on the court at the same time.

[Kuestmaster]

Great grades timvp

It's always great to see Vintage Timmy. Hope Parker has nothing serious and will play this Friday.

[jag]

Solid grades. As usual, Tiago did a great job getting to the rim (especially when posting up) but his finishing was horrendous.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the grades.

I'm more and more impressed by Leonard. After the draft and earlier this season, there were some doubts about his offensive upside. With games like that, he puts these doubts through the shredder. He's looking more and more like a complete NBA player with a legit offensive SF game.

And hopefully, Parker's injury isn't too serious. Despite playing at a great level, he has struggled physically since the all star break. Mills signing should allow Pop to limit Parker's minutes more easily and it won't be a luxury.

[MmP]

If Jax plays like yesterday on a basis, the trade must be one of the best in franchise history, tbh.

[jag]

To me, the most underrated part of Kawhi is his mental toughness and stability. Dude isn't phased by makes, misses, turnovers, missed rotations, etc. He just keeps grinding.

[will_spurs]

I'm more and more impressed by Leonard. After the draft and earlier this season, there were some doubts about his offensive upside. With games like that, he puts these doubts through the shredder. He's looking more and more like a complete NBA player with a legit offensive SF game.

Bruno, I'm thinking just the same. Actually as you were typing this, I was searching for some old posts by timvp from the pre-season. Here is a selection, which is in now way meant as a bash, as many of use were thinking exactly the same. It's just to show the progress made.


Right now, I don't think anyone really knows how he's going to consistently score on the NBA level.


On the other hand, I'm a bit worried about his offensive repertoire. He appears to be limited in just about every aspect on that end. He's not very good at getting to the basket, he doesn't finish well and his jumper off the dribble is ugly.


In the short-term, I'm doubtful that Leonard will end up being an upgrade over Hill.


(Although, tbh, I can't really figure out how he's going to ever become an above average offensive player.)

:hat

[K-State Spur]

Second game back for Jax was in the neighborhood of any of RJ's best performances for the Spurs, especially since the beginning of last year.

[blkroadrunners]

Leonard sure had some good handles - gotta give him credit.

BTW, no quick grade on Dawson?

[Manufan909]

Wow, I seriously did not see Tiago earning an A- for last night. My stream sucked though, so I noticed his misses more than his assists. I wish he hadn't gotten in foul trouble, maybe there would have been even more twin tower minutes to be had.

I agree with the rest of the grades, especially Timmy, Green, SJax, and Kawhi. They all easily earned their As last night.

[100%duncan]

Agree on all of the grades timvp! You always impress us on your write-ups :toast

[Bruno]

Bruno, I'm thinking just the same. Actually as you were typing this, I was searching for some old posts by timvp from the pre-season. Here is a selection, which is in now way meant as a bash, as many of use were thinking exactly the same. It's just to show the progress made.


Yeah, it's very nice to see a young player growing under our eyes.

[dougp]

IMO, SJax is considered a chucker when he's the #1 or #2 option on his team. Now that he's not being relied on to carry the team, he can revert back to what he's needed for.

Also, everyone seems to forget that magical little man called Chip England.

[Spur|n|Austin]

BTW, no quick grade on Dawson?

F?

Thanks for the Grades, timvp!

[MmP]

Last night it ocurred to me that if we do face the Grizz again in PO Pop will have to put TD and Tiago out there at the same time to guard Randolph and Gasol, am I right?

[will_spurs]

Last night it ocurred to me that if we do face the Grizz again in PO Pop will have to put TD and Tiago out there at the same time to guard Randolph and Gasol, am I right?

You mean, like last year?

[DPG21920]

I said it in the game bloag: that first defensive possession when Tim/Tiago played together that resulted in a Tim block was the most beastly and energetic defensive possession I've seen all year. Go back and watch that moment, Unc.

[will_spurs]

Wow, I seriously did not see Tiago earning an A- for last night. My stream sucked though, so I noticed his misses more than his assists. I wish he hadn't gotten in foul trouble, maybe there would have been even more twin tower minutes to be had.

Not sure about A- but some of the combinations with Manu were fantastic, and Tiago was just an anchor in the post. At some point he had a behind-the-back pass that was beautiful. A bit more assertiveness at the rim would be icing on the cake.

[timvp]

Actually as you were typing this, I was searching for some old posts by timvp from the pre-season. Here is a selection

Tbh, I think I had some others even more negative :toast




One exciting part of Kawhi's improvement is there appears to still be a lot of room for growth. I mean, just up until the last few games, he had never actually drove the ball to the basket and scored in a halfcourt set. Considering he has the ballhandling and the athleticism to do so, he could take another couple steps if he figures out how to do that on a consistent basis.

To Kawhi's credit, he has kept things simple so far on the offensive end and has played to his strengths. This season, he has mostly scored in transition, by crashing the offensive boards, via a backdoor cut or by hitting spot-up threes. There's really not that much variation to his game right now but he's really starting to master what he does.

Right now, I have no idea what his future holds. I've never seen a rookie improve so rapidly while at the same time make virtually no mistakes while doing so.

And while some fans don't want to hear it, Pop has done masterful work with Kawhi. He's putting him in spots where he can succeed and has given him a lot of rope without much pressure to perform.

Speaking of Pop, since that Portland game that Pop forfeited and Kawhi got big minutes, Kawhi has a PER of 23.1. :wow

Prior to that game, Kawhi's PER was 13.9. Guess that forfeit game served a purpose other than to cause GNSF to meltdown . . .

[will_spurs]

Tbh, I think I had some others even more negative :toast

I was looking for one along the lines of "I wonder if Kawhi's ever going to be able to contribute offensively in the NBA" but couldn't find it :lol

It's also worth remembering that he was rated as a poor ballhandler before the draft. Right now I'd say he has above average ballhandling skills for a forward, going coast to coast while dribbling through 2-3 players... or just bringing the ball up after a defensive rebound (but smartly relinquishing the ball asap). I noticed that the ball rarely, if ever, crosses half court in the hands of a player not named Parker (if on the court, obviously), but Kawhi seems to be taking that kind of liberty, and nobody seems to mind.

[DPG21920]

Kawhis 3-pt shooting has been so much more effective than I imagined

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Right now, I have no idea what his future holds. I've never seen a rookie improve so rapidly while at the same time make virtually no mistakes while doing so.


How would you rank him compared to other rookies so far, especially from the Spurs perspective/needs?

[will_spurs]

... while at the same time make virtually no mistakes while doing so.

[Pop] has given him a lot of rope without much pressure to perform.

There's a rather obvious link, I would say!

[tmtcsc]

TIMVP, you mentioned that J-Anders <-- (That's for you ChumpDumptser):p: may have lost his confidence in his jumper. I hope that's the case because if he becomes the guy who takes the ball to the hoop, he'll find himself getting more minutes.

More Defense + More Drives to the rim = More playing time for Anderson.

[wildbill2u]

When everyone else is having a good game it's disappointing to see Blair struggling. Usually a blowout game like this is like a tide that rises all boats. Blair often does pretty well just by picking up loose balls on offense and defense so are his good games simply luck?

Which brings up the real problem. He didn't have to play against their Serbian monster last night so he should have been in good form against the smaller Wolves lineup. Is this inconsistency the result of a lazy attitude that day, too many burgers the day before or simply not having the loose balls fall into his hands (bad luck)?

[anonoftheinternets]

You mean, like last year?

last year tiago != this year tiago ...

and its not a question of jus increasing his minutes in last years regular season either, since he was a bit confused out there... and had issues finishing. Plus we were on pace to a 61 win season and blair looked quite good intially. Who knew whataburger + manu injury would happen.

[timvp]

How would you rank him compared to other rookies so far, especially from the Spurs perspective/needs?

Well, Kyrie Irving is obviously the best rookie. But after him, there's really no one else who stands out as more capable of helping the Spurs right now outside of Leonard. Maybe Faried but it's doubtful that a rookie bigman could step in and help right away in San Antonio.

[tmtcsc]

Last night it ocurred to me that if we do face the Grizz again in PO Pop will have to put TD and Tiago out there at the same time to guard Randolph and Gasol, am I right?

Yes, like he did last year. If you recall, Blair was forced to watch from the bench for most of that series. I would love to see Memphis in the Playoffs again. It's the type of tough match-up that prepares your team for the rest of the playoffs. Plus, we owe them some payback.

Things would be different this year. We're a better team and Memphis took steps backwards with injuries and roster changes.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Well, Kyrie Irving is obviously the best rookie. But after him, there's really no one else who stands out as more capable of helping the Spurs right now outside of Leonard. Maybe Faried but it's doubtful that a rookie bigman could step in and help right away in San Antonio.

My thoughts exactly. Not bad for a 15th pick, is it :)

Bringing Lorbek for next season too would make this draft trade a total home run.

[Bill_Brasky]

Sean mentioned during the telecast(and I agree) that another thing Kawhi is going to be great at is pulling down defensive boards and taking it coast to coast. With his length he has sneaky speed, and once he learns to navigate through a couple of defenders and polishes off that finishing ability he will be pretty damn good. I'm so happy with the way hes hes developing.

Jax was great too. Now THIS is somebody Kawhi can learn from. Already playing way better defense and bringing balls like RJ never did.

[Manu20]

Yeah, it's very nice to see a young player growing under our eyes.

What I have been impressed is how Leonard's Ball Handling has really improve from the beginning of the season. Sean Elliott brought up an interesting point "In theory Leonard should be a good ball handler because of those massive hands of his" Not an exact quote but close....Maybe Sean's theory is proving right?

[100%duncan]

Yes, like he did last year. If you recall, Blair was forced to watch from the bench for most of that series. I would love to see Memphis in the Playoffs again. It's the type of tough match-up that prepares your team for the rest of the playoffs. Plus, we owe them some payback.

Things would be different this year. We're a better team and Memphis took steps backwards with injuries and roster changes.

Although, I have confidence on this new upgraded Spurs, a healty Grizz team is a dangerous threat to a healthy spurs team

[FlAVaK]

Kawhis 3-pt shooting has been so much more effective than I imagined

He started 2-12 in his first 10 games in the league. Since his first start and playing 30 minutes a night on a regular basis, he is shooting over 42% from three point territory!

Seems to be a mixture of getting confidence, rhythm and practice with the spurs staff:

"Long after practice ended over the last several days, rookie Kawhi Leonard was one of the last players to leave as he battled Ginobili for the most shots per day at the facility. The Spurs’ shot doctors were working on Leonard getting his corner jumper up more quickly. That attention was beneficial Wednesday after Leonard went 6 for 10 from the field and scored 16 points after his offensive struggles in Dallas Saturday night."

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/03/22/did-listing-mills-among-the-box-score-inactives-tell-us-something/

[100%duncan]

He started 2-12 in his first 10 games in the league. Since his first start and playing 30 minutes a night on a regular basis, he is shooting over 42% from three point territory!

Seems to be a mixture of getting confidence, rhythm and practice with the spurs staff:

"Long after practice ended over the last several days, rookie Kawhi Leonard was one of the last players to leave as he battled Ginobili for the most shots per day at the facility. The Spurs’ shot doctors were working on Leonard getting his corner jumper up more quickly. That attention was beneficial Wednesday after Leonard went 6 for 10 from the field and scored 16 points after his offensive struggles in Dallas Saturday night."

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/03/22/did-listing-mills-among-the-box-score-inactives-tell-us-something/

Really good to hear we got a young talented athlete who has lots to improve on, working hard. What a very well-rounded individual.

[tmtcsc]

Although, I have confidence on this new upgraded Spurs, a healty Grizz team is a dangerous threat to a healthy spurs team

Yeah, if Randolph keeps improving, they will be a tough out for anyone. I just think its too late for them. Battier was a bigger loss than people seem to realize. He gave our guys fits on the defensive end and posted up Manu and was really physical with him on the offensive side.

They just punched the Spurs in the mouth last year and totally demoralized the team. It went 6 but could have easily been a sweep.

[urunobili]

is it too early to claim that Spurs fans are happier with Leonard than what they would have been with Batum? :stirpot:

[GSH]

In the past, one of the little things I've noticed about the Spurs is that after they have a game where everything comes easy, the next game they get their asses kicked. It's like they come out expecting all their shots to fall, like the previous night, and when they don't the team just crumbles. Maybe every team is the same, but they have been really consistent about it.

I was thinking about that last night, but then I realized - this wasn't one of those kind of games. They didn't shoot any outrageous percentage from the floor, or from the 3P line. (In fact, Manu, Neal, and Green together shot just 3-12 from distance.) Everything wasn't coming easy, so much as the Spurs just played good team ball. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Dallas game, instead of dreading it. I do hope Tony is healthy, as it will be a good benchmark game.

Timvp - Speaking of Pop, since that Portland game that Pop forfeited and Kawhi got big minutes, Kawhi has a PER of 23.1.
For those who don't follow PER stats, that's just pretty damned incredible. To give you some idea, for the season, a PER of 23.1 would be tied with Blake Griffin. Just a hair below Chris Paul, and a hair above Dwayne Wade. It's the kind of stat that, without question, puts a player in the upper tier in the league. I know it's not a whole season, but it is a dozen games or so. And he really is making it look effortless.

Some stats can be really misleading, when the player isn't getting enough minutes. Come in and nail two 3-pointers, and you're shooting 100% from the arc. But with PER, you have to contribute enough different ways to make the number go up, and you get punished for things like missed shots and turnovers. If a player puts up a PER of 23.1, he's contributing a hell of a lot to his team.

Remember the days when you would think that Tim wasn't having a great game, and look up and he has 24 and 12? That's what it's like to have a 23.1 PER, and be flying under the radar.

[Brazil]

is it too early to claim that Spurs fans are happier with Leonard than what they would have been with Batum? :stirpot:

I don't know if I'm happier but I can say that I'm pretty pleased by Leonard. At this point I wouldn't trade Leonard for Nic

[TDMVPDPOY]

the only chucker we need to look out for now is gary neal

yeh sure when he hit his shots nobody has any qualms about it,

but when he decides to go NVE chuck a 3, seems like a wasted possession if it aint a good shot, or when u have 4 other guys on the court in position to setup something....

[cheguevara]

Anderson finally looks like an NBA player.

We still need a backup PG and big to go anywhere. And maybe even a new team doctor?

[The_Worlds_finest]

This was the first game I got to watch with Jack back. What I noticed was Jackson taking control by being vocal and calling out players. He is already being one hell of a mentor for Kawhi and James. I cant wait for more Spurs basketball!

[pookenstein]

I could swear at one point Kawhi almost smiled during the game. But he got his shit together before it broke through...:lol

[skin]

Solid grades as usual. Thanks!

[xellos88330]

In the past, one of the little things I've noticed about the Spurs is that after they have a game where everything comes easy, the next game they get their asses kicked. It's like they come out expecting all their shots to fall, like the previous night, and when they don't the team just crumbles. Maybe every team is the same, but they have been really consistent about it.

I was thinking about that last night, but then I realized - this wasn't one of those kind of games. They didn't shoot any outrageous percentage from the floor, or from the 3P line. (In fact, Manu, Neal, and Green together shot just 3-12 from distance.) Everything wasn't coming easy, so much as the Spurs just played good team ball. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Dallas game, instead of dreading it. I do hope Tony is healthy, as it will be a good benchmark game.

Timvp - Speaking of Pop, since that Portland game that Pop forfeited and Kawhi got big minutes, Kawhi has a PER of 23.1.
For those who don't follow PER stats, that's just pretty damned incredible. To give you some idea, for the season, a PER of 23.1 would be tied with Blake Griffin. Just a hair below Chris Paul, and a hair above Dwayne Wade. It's the kind of stat that, without question, puts a player in the upper tier in the league. I know it's not a whole season, but it is a dozen games or so. And he really is making it look effortless.

Some stats can be really misleading, when the player isn't getting enough minutes. Come in and nail two 3-pointers, and you're shooting 100% from the arc. But with PER, you have to contribute enough different ways to make the number go up, and you get punished for things like missed shots and turnovers. If a player puts up a PER of 23.1, he's contributing a hell of a lot to his team.

Remember the days when you would think that Tim wasn't having a great game, and look up and he has 24 and 12? That's what it's like to have a 23.1 PER, and be flying under the radar.

:toast

[Old School 44]

After watching Kawhi early in the season, I really thought he had a higher ceiling than most here were seeing, but now I think I even underestimated how high! Absolutely incredible so far.

Jack was fantastic his first home game. Didn't miss a beat getting back into Spurs mode. I loved the leadership. There was one segment where he was barking some sort of instructions down the court while standing up near the bench. He wasn't even in the game.

[will_spurs]

We still need a backup PG and big to go anywhere. And maybe even a new team doctor?

You really need to follow the local beat writers on Twitter to know more about what's going on.

For example, today at 11:45 EST

@JMcDonald_SAEN: Patty Mills has signed w/Spurs, could be in uniform within week pending resolution of visa issues, agent says. http://bit.ly/GHu0Uw

@Monroe_SA: @JMcDonald_SAEN reports #Spurs deal for Patty Mills is done; joining team awaits clearance of visa issues http://bit.ly/GGbdhC

[xellos88330]

You really need to follow the local beat writers on Twitter to know more about what's going on.

For example, today at 11:45 EST

@JMcDonald_SAEN: Patty Mills has signed w/Spurs, could be in uniform within week pending resolution of visa issues, agent says. http://bit.ly/GHu0Uw

@Monroe_SA: @JMcDonald_SAEN reports #Spurs deal for Patty Mills is done; joining team awaits clearance of visa issues http://bit.ly/GGbdhC

Normally I follow Wojo from yahoo. That guy seems to be pretty good at getting Spurs info.

[will_spurs]

Sorry, I had forgotten my blue ink at home.

[xellos88330]

Sorry, I had forgotten my blue ink at home.

I guess I did too. :hat

[TJastal]

I'm not going to get all happy about seeing Tim and Tiago on the court together, after all Bonner will be back ASAP after his oil boy lubes him up.

[therealtruth]

Yes, like he did last year. If you recall, Blair was forced to watch from the bench for most of that series. I would love to see Memphis in the Playoffs again. It's the type of tough match-up that prepares your team for the rest of the playoffs. Plus, we owe them some payback.

Things would be different this year. We're a better team and Memphis took steps backwards with injuries and roster changes.

I don't look forward to Bonner/Blair getting abused by Gasol/Randolph.

It's interesting that having a size advantage can get you 21 and 15 pretty easily. Do you think if Pekovic or a motivated Millic plays TD still gets 21 and 15? That's why I can understand why the Spurs don't play bigger more often with TD and TS.

[FkLA]

Tim Duncan A+
With the T'Wolves starting Kevin Love and no one taller than 6-foot-8, Tim Duncan had a chance to dominate this game ... and did he ever. To post 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in a complete game is great work. But to do so in only 24 minutes? Ridiculous. In fact, in the last 27 years (as far back as I can look) no player has ever put up those stats in that few of minutes. Duncan wasn't only bigger than everyone on Minnesota, he was also seemingly quicker, sharper and hungrier. When Duncan is this good, and we've seen him play at a high level a lot in the last month or so, the possibility of adding a fifth ring to the collection doesn't seem nearly as far-fetched.

You think Love proclaiming himself the best PF in the game had anything to do with Timmy going at him hard and dominating? Or was it simply him being fresh from the 3 days off ??

[GSH]

Well, Kyrie Irving is obviously the best rookie. But after him, there's really no one else who stands out as more capable of helping the Spurs right now outside of Leonard. Maybe Faried but it's doubtful that a rookie bigman could step in and help right away in San Antonio.

Did you notice that Gustavo Ayon has slipped into the Rookie Rankings? That, to me, is probably the only real personnel disappointment this season. Most of the other people we discussed weren't very realistic. I think we could have had him, and for a good price. And I think he could have made some difference in the middle. Of course, he's a rookie in the same way Fabbs was a rookie when he came here.

[FkLA]

Not to mention the fact that hes Mexican. Ticket sales wouldve skyrocketed tbh.

[jjktkk]

Thanks for the writeup Tim. :tu

[ElNono]

Thanks for the writeup, LJ!

I'm just enjoying watching Jack... so good to have a guy that's not a pussy and can guard bigs roaming the perimeter. I thought he did a great job when Pop put him on Love.

Then on the 3rd quarter, when we needed a couple of baskets to maintain the big lead, he made a 3 off a Kawhi pass followed by a little shake and bake and a long jumper.

The fact he can still create his own shot is huge and a major difference from RJ...

[tmtcsc]

The fact he can still create his own shot is huge and a major difference from RJ...

Yeah, that and the fact he has a pulse is a REAL plus. RJ was dead man walking. Played when he felt like it.

[therealtruth]

Thanks for the writeup, LJ!

I'm just enjoying watching Jack... so good to have a guy that's not a pussy and can guard bigs roaming the perimeter. I thought he did a great job when Pop put him on Love.

Then on the 3rd quarter, when we needed a couple of baskets to maintain the big lead, he made a 3 off a Kawhi pass followed by a little shake and bake and a long jumper.

The fact he can still create his own shot is huge and a major difference from RJ...

RJ has seems to have no problem creating his own shot with the Warriors.

[tmtcsc]

RJ has seems to have no problem creating his own shot with the Warriors.

I don't know what it is about our system that makes shooters hesitant to shoot. It happened to Finley, Barry and Jefferson. The only two guys that came in here and fit right away were Derek Anderson and Gary Neal.

Roger Mason was great at first but his demise came soon after. That was awful to see because he was so aggressive and confident at first. Pop may have ruined the dude's career or exposed him. Not sure which. The playoffs can do that to people. You either shine or fade.

[ElNono]

RJ has seems to have no problem creating his own shot with the Warriors.

Because there's no pressure there. Missing shots on that team is a plus.

[Mel_13]

rj has seems to have no problem creating his own shot with the warriors.

11-33

[Slippy]

Manu Ginobili B+
This game followed a familiar pattern for Manu Ginobili. On offense, he was god-like. His passing was outstanding, he made plays whenever he wanted and executed flawlessly. Even though he's far from 100% physically, I'm not sure if I've ever seen Ginobili play smarter on the offensive end. It's like he's seeing the game three or four beats ahead of everyone else

How Manu sees the game these days is nothing short of amazing. His passing, vision and court awareness often reminds me the way John Stockton saw and played the passing game.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

How Manu sees the game these days is nothing short of amazing. His passing, vision and court awareness often reminds me the way John Stockton saw and played the passing game.

True, good comparison. This is why I believe Manu could be very effective even at an older age as a rich man's Brent Barry. He's not finished at all after his contract is up.

[therealtruth]

True, good comparison. This is why I believe Manu could be very effective even at an older age as a rich man's Brent Barry. He's not finished at all after his contract is up.

His passing is great but we need him to regain his aggressiveness before the playoffs. But you can imagine the passing ability the starting lineup would have with TP,Manu,SJ,TD,TS? Everyone would be a good passer, high bbiq, ability to make plays. They could pick teams apart. And on defense they would be very good. If the Spurs can give that lineup plenty of minutes I like the chances for #5.

[TDMVPDPOY]

we up 20pts or any lead for the matter, why do we always do stupid shit with leads, either its turnovers or wankers looking at padding up their stats, its not like their minutes will decrease etc...

jacksons last 2 baskets where he created for himself, certainly he was pissed at many open opportunities where he was free that no one passed it to him cause someone on the team was chucking....

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

His passing is great but we need him to regain his aggressiveness before the playoffs. But you can imagine the passing ability the starting lineup would have with TP,Manu,SJ,TD,TS? Everyone would be a good passer, high bbiq, ability to make plays. They could pick teams apart. And on defense they would be very good. If the Spurs can give that lineup plenty of minutes I like the chances for #5.

Agree with you but it seems a given Pop will not play TD with Tiago too long together. However, getting Diaw and starting him next to TD would still make it a very good passing 5.

Also, we now have a very good lineup for small ball. People don't like small ball, obviously, but it can be very effective when the personnel is right and with Kawhi and Jax at forward it could potentially be a big difference maker in Spurs favor.

[Slippy]

True, good comparison. This is why I believe Manu could be very effective even at an older age as a rich man's Brent Barry. He's not finished at all after his contract is up.

We share the same belief. I reckon the Spurs feels the same way too.

On offense he hardly relies on athleticism. On defense, im quite happy to see him relax a bit more and cheat if he has to. Tim does it quite a bit but more than makes up for it in other facets of his game. Plus Pop seems ok with it and all great players ramp it up when they have to.