Manu20
11-20-2005, 11:27 AM
Mohammed offers Spurs a quick burst
Web Posted: 11/20/2005 12:19 AM CST
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA112005.16C.BKNspurs.mohammed.26757714.html
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
The Spurs have a rule when they play at home and don't have a travel schedule to keep: If you don't get at least 15 minutes in the game, you have to put in 15 minutes on one of the exercise machines in the team's fitness facility at the SBC Center.
So, even after making his biggest contribution of the young season to a Spurs' victory on their home court, center Nazr Mohammed put in his 15 minutes on the stationary bicycle, trudging back to his locker, dripping sweat, while Tim Duncan addressed the media in the corner of the locker room.
Mohammed, who started each of the Spurs' 23 playoff games in their run to the 2005 NBA title, has been relegated to a reserve role this season behind Rasho Nesterovic after missing much of the preseason because of complications following the birth of his son in early October.
He has not played more than 19 minutes in any of the team's 10 games this season and has struggled to reconcile his diminished role.
"I'd be lying if I said it hadn't been (difficult) — it's been tough," said Mohammed, who logged nearly 12 minutes Saturday. "But it's easier when you've got great teammates and a great coaching staff. So it's tough, but it could be a lot harder somewhere else. I can handle it."
With Spurs coach Gregg Popovich using a small lineup against the fast-paced Phoenix Suns for portions of the first half Saturday night, Mohammed was nothing but a spectator for the first 24 minutes. He didn't' enter the game until 8:35 remained in the third quarter, but he was so active he stayed on the court the rest of the quarter, and began the fourth period, as well.
His play earned him a second shift in the fourth, and by game's end he had scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds and made a distinct impression on Popovich and his teammates. During the final 21/2 minutes of the third period, he converted two three-point plays and had three offensive rebounds.
"I was really happy for Nazr," Popovich said, "because he hasn't gotten a lot of time or the right opportunities, but he's stayed ready. It was not so much that he scored a few points tonight, but he was on the boards getting rebounds and took up space down (in the lane). He did a real good job."
"Nazr gave us a great boost," Duncan said. "Nazr did a wonderful job for a couple of minutes, getting on the boards and making a contribution."
Mohammed hopes his play in Saturday's 97-91 Spurs' victory will earn him more time in the near future.
"It definitely felt good, just to be out there, playing," Mohammed said. "It felt good to be able to help the team.
"When I get the chance to play I just want to do exactly what I've always done: Hit the offensive glass, hit the defensive glass, and I can usually get lucky and get a bucket here and there."
Web Posted: 11/20/2005 12:19 AM CST
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA112005.16C.BKNspurs.mohammed.26757714.html
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
The Spurs have a rule when they play at home and don't have a travel schedule to keep: If you don't get at least 15 minutes in the game, you have to put in 15 minutes on one of the exercise machines in the team's fitness facility at the SBC Center.
So, even after making his biggest contribution of the young season to a Spurs' victory on their home court, center Nazr Mohammed put in his 15 minutes on the stationary bicycle, trudging back to his locker, dripping sweat, while Tim Duncan addressed the media in the corner of the locker room.
Mohammed, who started each of the Spurs' 23 playoff games in their run to the 2005 NBA title, has been relegated to a reserve role this season behind Rasho Nesterovic after missing much of the preseason because of complications following the birth of his son in early October.
He has not played more than 19 minutes in any of the team's 10 games this season and has struggled to reconcile his diminished role.
"I'd be lying if I said it hadn't been (difficult) — it's been tough," said Mohammed, who logged nearly 12 minutes Saturday. "But it's easier when you've got great teammates and a great coaching staff. So it's tough, but it could be a lot harder somewhere else. I can handle it."
With Spurs coach Gregg Popovich using a small lineup against the fast-paced Phoenix Suns for portions of the first half Saturday night, Mohammed was nothing but a spectator for the first 24 minutes. He didn't' enter the game until 8:35 remained in the third quarter, but he was so active he stayed on the court the rest of the quarter, and began the fourth period, as well.
His play earned him a second shift in the fourth, and by game's end he had scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds and made a distinct impression on Popovich and his teammates. During the final 21/2 minutes of the third period, he converted two three-point plays and had three offensive rebounds.
"I was really happy for Nazr," Popovich said, "because he hasn't gotten a lot of time or the right opportunities, but he's stayed ready. It was not so much that he scored a few points tonight, but he was on the boards getting rebounds and took up space down (in the lane). He did a real good job."
"Nazr gave us a great boost," Duncan said. "Nazr did a wonderful job for a couple of minutes, getting on the boards and making a contribution."
Mohammed hopes his play in Saturday's 97-91 Spurs' victory will earn him more time in the near future.
"It definitely felt good, just to be out there, playing," Mohammed said. "It felt good to be able to help the team.
"When I get the chance to play I just want to do exactly what I've always done: Hit the offensive glass, hit the defensive glass, and I can usually get lucky and get a bucket here and there."