Bruno
01-20-2014, 09:21 AM
In a night where the focus was on Seattle, Spurs played against the disastrous Bucks. The game was close for about 8 minutes before Spurs made a 15-0 run. In the next 3 quarters, Spurs quietly cruise to get an easy win. With Parker, Green, Splitter and Bonner out, this game was the occasion to see some the end of the bench players.
http://i41.tinypic.com/f0drhf.jpg
Kawhi Leonard: B+
It was a quiet game from Leonard. Aside of a nice transition drive where he showed his smooth ball-handling, there isn't much to say.
Tim Duncan: B
The game started with a scare from Duncan when he limped and started to touch his bad knee. Luckily, it was likely just his brace that wasn't well adjusted. Tim showed a nice defensive presence in that game.
Boris Diaw: C+
For a couple of weeks, we are seeing more and more Boris 1.0 (the passive version). Against Bucks, he showed little aggressiveness offensively. He was that point forward that doesn't look for his shot or put the ball on the floor. Now the question is: Is he coasting or regressing back to his old self?
The game against Portland might hint it's just coasting. Like Parker, he has had a busy summer and taking it easy in these game might be a good idea for him.
Defensively, Boris did a fine job against the ghost of Ilyasova.
Marco Belinelli: B
In a game where he faced his predecessor in Gary Neal, it again appeared why Spurs went with Marco instead or re-signing Neal. Belinelli is just much more versatile with a true playmaking ability.
Cory Joseph: B-
Joseph wasn't bad but it's clear why he is behind Mills in the rotation and that is should remain that way. Joseph offensive skills are too limited. He hasn't a strength, like ball handling, driving passing or shooting, which he could really rely on to build his offensive game around it.
Defensively, Joseph was far from being a stopper in that game with Knight taking the best of him several times.
Patrick Mills: A+
A great game from Mills. He has always been a very good scorer/shooter but he is getting more and more comfortable in his decision making. His shot selection was sounded and he is making very little mistake. Defensively, he was very active which resulted in 3 well deserved steals.
Manu Ginobili: B
In his first play, Manu went for a wild drive that ended in a turnover. After it, it was like he said to himself that it was only the Bucks and it wasn't worth trying. He went in coasting mode, using his passing and knowledge of the game to still have a significant impact on the game.
Jeff Ayres: A+
Ayres is quietly finding his niche with Spurs. He doesn't need to a lot: run the floor, be available/mobile offensively and be at the right place defensively while being physical. When he did that, Ayres is a great fit with the second unit that is filled with playmaker and willing passers. Ayres even hit a midrange shot. If he can make them regularly, he might become an useful player for Spurs.
Aron Baynes: A
Baynes had a good game. It's still surprising to see a player with his build showing some true basketball moves. He isn't just a big and strong guy.
Nando De Colo: A-
After a couple of difficult minutes, Nando played a good game for his first minutes outside garbage time of the season. He didn't hesitate to shoot the ball and did it relatively well. Everything wasn't perfect offensively and his defense was nothing special but you had to be satisfied to see a player coming from the doghouse able to have that kind of game.
Malcolm Thomas: B
This game confirmed what has happened lately for Thomas in D-League: he has lost confidence on his jumpshot. He started the D-League season with a 16/27 from behind the arc that has been followed by a 4/19. Chip must really work with him to try to make it reliable. If Chip can stabilized it, Spurs might have something in their hand because Thomas is a nice athlete, an active defender and a very good rebounder.
Tony Parker: F
Once again, Parker didn't pass the ball to Manu or Kawhi. He was also invisible on the defensive end.
Coach Pop: B
it's the kind of game where you had the feeling that even with Melissa or the Coyote on the court, Spurs could have won by double digits. Pop did a fine job a t limiting minutes even, if you want to nitpick, he played Duncan a little too much.
The Milwaukee Bucks: F
When you look at their roster and the associated salaries, Bucks are the worst managed team in the NBA. I have no clue what their GM is trying to do. It's mind blowing.
http://i41.tinypic.com/f0drhf.jpg
Kawhi Leonard: B+
It was a quiet game from Leonard. Aside of a nice transition drive where he showed his smooth ball-handling, there isn't much to say.
Tim Duncan: B
The game started with a scare from Duncan when he limped and started to touch his bad knee. Luckily, it was likely just his brace that wasn't well adjusted. Tim showed a nice defensive presence in that game.
Boris Diaw: C+
For a couple of weeks, we are seeing more and more Boris 1.0 (the passive version). Against Bucks, he showed little aggressiveness offensively. He was that point forward that doesn't look for his shot or put the ball on the floor. Now the question is: Is he coasting or regressing back to his old self?
The game against Portland might hint it's just coasting. Like Parker, he has had a busy summer and taking it easy in these game might be a good idea for him.
Defensively, Boris did a fine job against the ghost of Ilyasova.
Marco Belinelli: B
In a game where he faced his predecessor in Gary Neal, it again appeared why Spurs went with Marco instead or re-signing Neal. Belinelli is just much more versatile with a true playmaking ability.
Cory Joseph: B-
Joseph wasn't bad but it's clear why he is behind Mills in the rotation and that is should remain that way. Joseph offensive skills are too limited. He hasn't a strength, like ball handling, driving passing or shooting, which he could really rely on to build his offensive game around it.
Defensively, Joseph was far from being a stopper in that game with Knight taking the best of him several times.
Patrick Mills: A+
A great game from Mills. He has always been a very good scorer/shooter but he is getting more and more comfortable in his decision making. His shot selection was sounded and he is making very little mistake. Defensively, he was very active which resulted in 3 well deserved steals.
Manu Ginobili: B
In his first play, Manu went for a wild drive that ended in a turnover. After it, it was like he said to himself that it was only the Bucks and it wasn't worth trying. He went in coasting mode, using his passing and knowledge of the game to still have a significant impact on the game.
Jeff Ayres: A+
Ayres is quietly finding his niche with Spurs. He doesn't need to a lot: run the floor, be available/mobile offensively and be at the right place defensively while being physical. When he did that, Ayres is a great fit with the second unit that is filled with playmaker and willing passers. Ayres even hit a midrange shot. If he can make them regularly, he might become an useful player for Spurs.
Aron Baynes: A
Baynes had a good game. It's still surprising to see a player with his build showing some true basketball moves. He isn't just a big and strong guy.
Nando De Colo: A-
After a couple of difficult minutes, Nando played a good game for his first minutes outside garbage time of the season. He didn't hesitate to shoot the ball and did it relatively well. Everything wasn't perfect offensively and his defense was nothing special but you had to be satisfied to see a player coming from the doghouse able to have that kind of game.
Malcolm Thomas: B
This game confirmed what has happened lately for Thomas in D-League: he has lost confidence on his jumpshot. He started the D-League season with a 16/27 from behind the arc that has been followed by a 4/19. Chip must really work with him to try to make it reliable. If Chip can stabilized it, Spurs might have something in their hand because Thomas is a nice athlete, an active defender and a very good rebounder.
Tony Parker: F
Once again, Parker didn't pass the ball to Manu or Kawhi. He was also invisible on the defensive end.
Coach Pop: B
it's the kind of game where you had the feeling that even with Melissa or the Coyote on the court, Spurs could have won by double digits. Pop did a fine job a t limiting minutes even, if you want to nitpick, he played Duncan a little too much.
The Milwaukee Bucks: F
When you look at their roster and the associated salaries, Bucks are the worst managed team in the NBA. I have no clue what their GM is trying to do. It's mind blowing.