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03-15-2006, 07:59 AM
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Spurs notebook: Horry sends message with knee-high socks
Web Posted: 03/15/2006 12:36 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
Robert Horry, who has a locker next to Nick Van Exel at the AT&T Center, wore knee-high white socks in tribute to his ailing teammate, who always wears his socks up to his knees, and always sports a headband, white at home, black on the road.
"It's in honor of 31," Horry said, citing Van Exel's uniform number. "I can't wear the headband because I get headaches, but I can wear the socks. Until he comes back, I'm going to wear them. Nick said I look even skinnier than I already am when I wear them, but that's OK."
Van Exel has missed six of the past seven games because of soreness in his left elbow. He will go back to the doctor today to have the elbow examined.
With a pair of cortisone shots providing Van Exel only short-term relief, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has considered sitting him until close to the playoffs in hopes the prolonged rest will help.
Scott's spin: Hornets coach Byron Scott's team has dropped from seventh in the Western Conference playoff race to ninth. Scott, though, chose to put the most positive spin on the situation before Tuesday's game against the Spurs.
"The one thing I thought about the other day, after the Jersey loss," Scott said, "was that if someone walked up to me before the season and said, 'You can be 31-31 after 62 games,' you would have said, 'OK. That sounds good.'
"What I tried to do the other day was tell the guys they had done a terrific job all season, No. 1. No. 2, all the playoff talk, for a young team, got them tight. So I told them we're now in the ninth spot, so there's no pressure. Let's just go play and have fun, go back to playing like we did in January and February when we were having fun, but we were getting after teams. And let's see what happens."
Popovich backing Bzdelik: Popovich, the only Air Force Academy graduate to coach in the NBA, was thrilled when his alma mater, now coached by former Denver Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik, made the NCAA tournament after a 24-9 season. The Falcons will face Illinois in the first round Thursday.
Popovich and Bzdelik have enjoyed a friendship for some time, and Popovich recommended Bzdelik for the Falcons' coaching job when it came open after last season.
"I'm really happy for the school," Popovich said, "but I'm even happier for Jeff. He was left for dead up there (in Denver). But Jeff's always been a fine coach, and he's done a great job (at Air Force)."
Flippin' mad: Hornets center Marc Jackson directed an obscene gesture toward some rowdy fans seated near the court after one of them accused him of committing a "dirty foul" on Tim Duncan in the second quarter. Such gestures typically result in a fine from the league if reported by the referees.
Bank open: Spurs fan Michael Marquez earned $10,000 for making a 3-pointer during a timeout in the first half.
He banked in the shot from the left side.
It was a reminder of another San Antonio shooter who once called such perimeter bank shots a major part of his offensive repertoire.
"Just like the good, old days, when I used to make bank shots," said Tim Duncan, who has struggled with his perimeter shot all season, including his signature bank shot. "Get his name for me. I need to consult with him." :lol
Moving back: ABC has dropped its broadcast of the Spurs' April 16 game at Minnesota. Originally scheduled for noon, the game will now begin at 5 p.m
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA031506.6C.BKNspurs.notebook.126135de.html
Spurs notebook: Horry sends message with knee-high socks
Web Posted: 03/15/2006 12:36 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
Robert Horry, who has a locker next to Nick Van Exel at the AT&T Center, wore knee-high white socks in tribute to his ailing teammate, who always wears his socks up to his knees, and always sports a headband, white at home, black on the road.
"It's in honor of 31," Horry said, citing Van Exel's uniform number. "I can't wear the headband because I get headaches, but I can wear the socks. Until he comes back, I'm going to wear them. Nick said I look even skinnier than I already am when I wear them, but that's OK."
Van Exel has missed six of the past seven games because of soreness in his left elbow. He will go back to the doctor today to have the elbow examined.
With a pair of cortisone shots providing Van Exel only short-term relief, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has considered sitting him until close to the playoffs in hopes the prolonged rest will help.
Scott's spin: Hornets coach Byron Scott's team has dropped from seventh in the Western Conference playoff race to ninth. Scott, though, chose to put the most positive spin on the situation before Tuesday's game against the Spurs.
"The one thing I thought about the other day, after the Jersey loss," Scott said, "was that if someone walked up to me before the season and said, 'You can be 31-31 after 62 games,' you would have said, 'OK. That sounds good.'
"What I tried to do the other day was tell the guys they had done a terrific job all season, No. 1. No. 2, all the playoff talk, for a young team, got them tight. So I told them we're now in the ninth spot, so there's no pressure. Let's just go play and have fun, go back to playing like we did in January and February when we were having fun, but we were getting after teams. And let's see what happens."
Popovich backing Bzdelik: Popovich, the only Air Force Academy graduate to coach in the NBA, was thrilled when his alma mater, now coached by former Denver Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik, made the NCAA tournament after a 24-9 season. The Falcons will face Illinois in the first round Thursday.
Popovich and Bzdelik have enjoyed a friendship for some time, and Popovich recommended Bzdelik for the Falcons' coaching job when it came open after last season.
"I'm really happy for the school," Popovich said, "but I'm even happier for Jeff. He was left for dead up there (in Denver). But Jeff's always been a fine coach, and he's done a great job (at Air Force)."
Flippin' mad: Hornets center Marc Jackson directed an obscene gesture toward some rowdy fans seated near the court after one of them accused him of committing a "dirty foul" on Tim Duncan in the second quarter. Such gestures typically result in a fine from the league if reported by the referees.
Bank open: Spurs fan Michael Marquez earned $10,000 for making a 3-pointer during a timeout in the first half.
He banked in the shot from the left side.
It was a reminder of another San Antonio shooter who once called such perimeter bank shots a major part of his offensive repertoire.
"Just like the good, old days, when I used to make bank shots," said Tim Duncan, who has struggled with his perimeter shot all season, including his signature bank shot. "Get his name for me. I need to consult with him." :lol
Moving back: ABC has dropped its broadcast of the Spurs' April 16 game at Minnesota. Originally scheduled for noon, the game will now begin at 5 p.m
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA031506.6C.BKNspurs.notebook.126135de.html