Kori Ellis
02-01-2006, 01:17 AM
Spurs subs make timely contributions
Web Posted: 02/01/2006 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA020106.1C.BKNspurs.subs.124fc965.html
PORTLAND, Ore. — Sean Elliott strolled through the Spurs' locker room in Utah late Monday, chatting with some players and staff before the start of his three-week vacation.
He stopped abruptly in front of Beno Udrih's stall. Hanging on a hook were a pair of thick, red corduroy pants and a red, buttoned-to-the-chin corduroy overshirt with beige and white trim.
Elliott, who splits time as the team's TV analyst and fashion critic, stared in wonder at Udrih's chosen outfit. He had just one question:
"Where's his white beard and reindeer?" :lol
While Udrih won't be joining Tony Parker in the pages of "GQ" any time soon, the Spurs are thankful he and the rest of the team's play-when-needed reserves have made up in substance what they lack in style.
Over the past two weeks, the team routinely has looked to them to fill in for injured teammates, buy time for others in foul trouble and simply provide the starters a few extra minutes of rest. In most cases, they have delivered.
With Nick Van Exel and Robert Horry sidelined and three other players, including Tim Duncan, in foul trouble, Udrih and Sean Marks provided a jolt of energy off the bench Monday in Utah. They combined for 12 points and four rebounds in the first half, helping the Spurs recover from an early deficit.
"It makes us feel that if somebody is hurt, we have somebody who can step in and do something," coach Gregg Popovich said. "It adds to the confidence level of the team."
The Spurs will need to lean on their depth for at least a couple more games.
Van Exel, whose left elbow remains sore, likely will be out until the team returns from its five-day break next week. Horry, still recovering from a lower abdominal strain, has a chance to play Thursday at Golden State, though Popovich thinks it might be wise to allow him to rest through the weekend.
Regardless, the Spurs expect to have only 11 players in uniform for tonight's game against Portland. Melvin Sanders' 10-day contract expired Tuesday and team officials didn't sign him to another one, in part, because the Spurs have five days off after Thursday. If the team's health doesn't improve, Sanders — or another player — could be added after the break.
In the meantime, the Spurs will make do with what they have, which is more than most teams. With the exception of Marks and rookie Fabricio Oberto, every other player has started or been the top backup at his position during the past two seasons.
The Spurs increasingly have relied on their depth while weathering a string of injuries. Manu Ginobili, who returned to the lineup Saturday, has missed a total of 13 games after hurting his right foot three times.
"You compare us obviously to Detroit and they've had five guys playing a whole lot of minutes without injury and continuing to steamroll," Brent Barry said. "We've had to do a little patchwork and fill guys in and spot some minutes."
Michael Finley, Horry and Van Exel have fairly established roles, but the rest of the Spurs' reserves can't be sure when, or if, they will play on a night-to-night basis.
Barry recently started two games while Ginobili was out. Nazr Mohammed was on the floor during crunch time Monday and is averaging 8.2 rebounds in the past five games. Oberto and Marks, who sometimes is a better fit with Tim Duncan because he can space the floor with his shooting, have been active during Horry's absence.
Udrih usually has played well when given significant minutes, including scoring a season-high 17 points against Charlotte last week. The Spurs' reserves totaled 66 points against the Bobcats, the most by the team's bench in almost 15 years.
On Monday, the Spurs trailed 20-12 shortly after Udrih stepped onto the floor. He cut to the basket for a layup and made a pair of 3-pointers. By the end of the quarter, Utah's lead was down to two.
"When you're open, you have to shoot it," Udrih said, "because you never know if you're going to get another opportunity."
For Udrih, Oberto and Marks, that's particularly true. The three have played the fewest minutes on the team, often staying after practice or working out on off days to keep in shape.
As a result, Popovich has been glad to give them some game time in recent weeks. He's even happier they have been able to produce. Not everyone, he said, has the focus to do that.
"When they work in practice every day and don't get much time, it's like a flower that doesn't get any water," Popovich said. "After a while, it dies.
"For these guys to get a little playing time, it keeps them alive."
Web Posted: 02/01/2006 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA020106.1C.BKNspurs.subs.124fc965.html
PORTLAND, Ore. — Sean Elliott strolled through the Spurs' locker room in Utah late Monday, chatting with some players and staff before the start of his three-week vacation.
He stopped abruptly in front of Beno Udrih's stall. Hanging on a hook were a pair of thick, red corduroy pants and a red, buttoned-to-the-chin corduroy overshirt with beige and white trim.
Elliott, who splits time as the team's TV analyst and fashion critic, stared in wonder at Udrih's chosen outfit. He had just one question:
"Where's his white beard and reindeer?" :lol
While Udrih won't be joining Tony Parker in the pages of "GQ" any time soon, the Spurs are thankful he and the rest of the team's play-when-needed reserves have made up in substance what they lack in style.
Over the past two weeks, the team routinely has looked to them to fill in for injured teammates, buy time for others in foul trouble and simply provide the starters a few extra minutes of rest. In most cases, they have delivered.
With Nick Van Exel and Robert Horry sidelined and three other players, including Tim Duncan, in foul trouble, Udrih and Sean Marks provided a jolt of energy off the bench Monday in Utah. They combined for 12 points and four rebounds in the first half, helping the Spurs recover from an early deficit.
"It makes us feel that if somebody is hurt, we have somebody who can step in and do something," coach Gregg Popovich said. "It adds to the confidence level of the team."
The Spurs will need to lean on their depth for at least a couple more games.
Van Exel, whose left elbow remains sore, likely will be out until the team returns from its five-day break next week. Horry, still recovering from a lower abdominal strain, has a chance to play Thursday at Golden State, though Popovich thinks it might be wise to allow him to rest through the weekend.
Regardless, the Spurs expect to have only 11 players in uniform for tonight's game against Portland. Melvin Sanders' 10-day contract expired Tuesday and team officials didn't sign him to another one, in part, because the Spurs have five days off after Thursday. If the team's health doesn't improve, Sanders — or another player — could be added after the break.
In the meantime, the Spurs will make do with what they have, which is more than most teams. With the exception of Marks and rookie Fabricio Oberto, every other player has started or been the top backup at his position during the past two seasons.
The Spurs increasingly have relied on their depth while weathering a string of injuries. Manu Ginobili, who returned to the lineup Saturday, has missed a total of 13 games after hurting his right foot three times.
"You compare us obviously to Detroit and they've had five guys playing a whole lot of minutes without injury and continuing to steamroll," Brent Barry said. "We've had to do a little patchwork and fill guys in and spot some minutes."
Michael Finley, Horry and Van Exel have fairly established roles, but the rest of the Spurs' reserves can't be sure when, or if, they will play on a night-to-night basis.
Barry recently started two games while Ginobili was out. Nazr Mohammed was on the floor during crunch time Monday and is averaging 8.2 rebounds in the past five games. Oberto and Marks, who sometimes is a better fit with Tim Duncan because he can space the floor with his shooting, have been active during Horry's absence.
Udrih usually has played well when given significant minutes, including scoring a season-high 17 points against Charlotte last week. The Spurs' reserves totaled 66 points against the Bobcats, the most by the team's bench in almost 15 years.
On Monday, the Spurs trailed 20-12 shortly after Udrih stepped onto the floor. He cut to the basket for a layup and made a pair of 3-pointers. By the end of the quarter, Utah's lead was down to two.
"When you're open, you have to shoot it," Udrih said, "because you never know if you're going to get another opportunity."
For Udrih, Oberto and Marks, that's particularly true. The three have played the fewest minutes on the team, often staying after practice or working out on off days to keep in shape.
As a result, Popovich has been glad to give them some game time in recent weeks. He's even happier they have been able to produce. Not everyone, he said, has the focus to do that.
"When they work in practice every day and don't get much time, it's like a flower that doesn't get any water," Popovich said. "After a while, it dies.
"For these guys to get a little playing time, it keeps them alive."