Bruno
12-21-2006, 03:34 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA122106.06D.BKNspurs.notebook.3631990.html
Web Posted: 12/21/2006 12:29 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News
Allen Iverson has yet to play for the Denver Nuggets, but he's already made an impact in the Western Conference.
As in: Tony Parker's chances of making the West's All-Star team for the second consecutive season just became a lot more difficult.
The 595,200 votes Iverson picked up for the Eastern Conference during the first balloting returns carry over to the West. Iverson also is now featured on the West online ballot.
The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (720,375) and Houston's Tracy McGrady (668,130) led West guards after the first returns. Phoenix's Steve Nash is a lock for one of the backup guard positions if he doesn't overtake McGrady in balloting.
Each conference's coaches select the seven reserves. They must vote for two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position.
Parker's best hope may be to have Iverson pass McGrady and join Bryant as a starter. Given the competition at forward, it's unlikely the West coaches will take more than five guards.
Currently, Iverson, Parker, New Orleans' Chris Paul, Utah's Deron Williams, Sacramento's Kevin Martin, Golden State's Baron Davis and Seattle's Ray Allen could be competing for two positions.
"I always thought the first time was the hardest, so I thought the second would be easier," said Parker, who received his first All-Star selection last season. "But now it's even harder.
"Whatever happens, happens. I can't control it anyway."
Gasol reminisces: Grizzlies center Pau Gasol remembers vividly the last time he faced Manu Ginobili and Francisco Oberto before Wednesday's Spurs-Grizzlies game at the AT&T Center. The memories are bittersweet.
Gasol led Spain to an overtime victory over Ginobili's and Oberto's Argentine team in the semifinals of the FIBA World Championships in Japan in September. However, he suffered a broken left foot late in that game and missed the first 22 games this season as a result.
Gasol said he had not the slightest inclination to talk trash to his Argentine friends during Wednesday's game, in Spanish or English.
"I'm not a big trash talker," Gasol said. "In a reverse way, I wouldn't like it if they had beaten me in that game and got the gold medal."
Gasol had 16 points in 24 minutes Wednesday in his fourth game back. His minutes are being limited as he gets back in shape.
"I think in a week or two, the minutes should be increased significantly, and I should be able to get more confidence and play more minutes," Gasol said. "I will get used to going up and down and used to every basketball move. I'm more thinking about my breathing and being able to react right now."
Horry worried: Robert Horry was taken to the locker room for a quick examination with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter after a collision with a Memphis player that left him sprawled on the court in pain.
Horry returned to the bench late in the third quarter and started the fourth quarter.
"I don't know what happened or who hit me," Horry said. "I just know it hurt so bad, I thought I was going to have to call my mom."
Udrih benched: Beno Udrih didn't play for the first time this season. Coach Gregg Popovich used Jacque Vaughn as the backup point guard instead of Udrih, who isn't hurt.
Mike Monroe contributed to this report.
Web Posted: 12/21/2006 12:29 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News
Allen Iverson has yet to play for the Denver Nuggets, but he's already made an impact in the Western Conference.
As in: Tony Parker's chances of making the West's All-Star team for the second consecutive season just became a lot more difficult.
The 595,200 votes Iverson picked up for the Eastern Conference during the first balloting returns carry over to the West. Iverson also is now featured on the West online ballot.
The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (720,375) and Houston's Tracy McGrady (668,130) led West guards after the first returns. Phoenix's Steve Nash is a lock for one of the backup guard positions if he doesn't overtake McGrady in balloting.
Each conference's coaches select the seven reserves. They must vote for two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position.
Parker's best hope may be to have Iverson pass McGrady and join Bryant as a starter. Given the competition at forward, it's unlikely the West coaches will take more than five guards.
Currently, Iverson, Parker, New Orleans' Chris Paul, Utah's Deron Williams, Sacramento's Kevin Martin, Golden State's Baron Davis and Seattle's Ray Allen could be competing for two positions.
"I always thought the first time was the hardest, so I thought the second would be easier," said Parker, who received his first All-Star selection last season. "But now it's even harder.
"Whatever happens, happens. I can't control it anyway."
Gasol reminisces: Grizzlies center Pau Gasol remembers vividly the last time he faced Manu Ginobili and Francisco Oberto before Wednesday's Spurs-Grizzlies game at the AT&T Center. The memories are bittersweet.
Gasol led Spain to an overtime victory over Ginobili's and Oberto's Argentine team in the semifinals of the FIBA World Championships in Japan in September. However, he suffered a broken left foot late in that game and missed the first 22 games this season as a result.
Gasol said he had not the slightest inclination to talk trash to his Argentine friends during Wednesday's game, in Spanish or English.
"I'm not a big trash talker," Gasol said. "In a reverse way, I wouldn't like it if they had beaten me in that game and got the gold medal."
Gasol had 16 points in 24 minutes Wednesday in his fourth game back. His minutes are being limited as he gets back in shape.
"I think in a week or two, the minutes should be increased significantly, and I should be able to get more confidence and play more minutes," Gasol said. "I will get used to going up and down and used to every basketball move. I'm more thinking about my breathing and being able to react right now."
Horry worried: Robert Horry was taken to the locker room for a quick examination with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter after a collision with a Memphis player that left him sprawled on the court in pain.
Horry returned to the bench late in the third quarter and started the fourth quarter.
"I don't know what happened or who hit me," Horry said. "I just know it hurt so bad, I thought I was going to have to call my mom."
Udrih benched: Beno Udrih didn't play for the first time this season. Coach Gregg Popovich used Jacque Vaughn as the backup point guard instead of Udrih, who isn't hurt.
Mike Monroe contributed to this report.