Spurs vs. Rockets Dec. 22 -- Game Blog

[timvp]

This should be a good test for the Spurs' offense. The Rockets are first in the league in both points against and OFG%. The Spurs are averaging over 100 points per game and are top five in the league in FG%.

It'll also be interesting to see how Elson handles Yao. Does he get in early foul trouble or does he make Yao run?

[G-Money]

If I was a beting man I would say the team from Texas takes this one.

[Sam]

McGrady back?

[JLH Fans]

McGrady back?
Not exactly.
Mc Grady's back :lol

[ColoradoSpursFan]

10 minutes to go..

[Sam]

I hate ESPN's pregame ShootAround. Just yakking about the Suns and AI. I'm tired of both already.

[Sam]

Yao looking good early

[Sam]

They are playing rough inside with Duncan

[Sam]

We are concentrating so much on Yao that we aren't stepping up to help on Rafer's drives.

[Sam]

I like Chuck Hayes. Reminds me of David Lee of the Knicks. Just hard working guys. Kinda like in the Shane Battier mold. Willing to do whatever.

[Sam]

Finley in the game.

[Sam]

Oberto with the foul line jumper. About time we scored. Houston 20 SA 12. Oberto with three fouls now.

[Sam]

Looking at a lineup of Duncan, Barry, Parker, Elson, and Finley.

[Sam]

Finley back to not being able to shoot a jumper.

[Sam]

Boy the early starts really are throwing everyone off. There's no one around.

[Sam]

I wonder if Parker's shooting % goes down when we go back to the leather ball. The new ball is like the one he used in France so he's comfortable with it. Plus how will marriage and possible children effect him.

[Sam]

Houston 24 SA 15 with 2 to go in the 1st. Killing us inside.

[Sam]

Well well well Bonzi Wells is still alive and kicking.

[dg7md]

Houston is going to cool down by the third.

[Sam]

Houston 30 SA 21 at the end of the 1st quarter. Tony on the drive losing the ball and coming up shaken.

[Sam]

Houston is going to cool down by the third.
Let's hope

[Sam]

Vaughn in the game to start the 2nd. Duncan with 2 pts and Yao with 14.

[Sam]

Houston's offense is lost without Yao in the game.

[dg7md]

Why is Elson taking jumpshots? :lol

[Que Gee]

Houston's offense is lost without Yao in the game.

Ours isn't much better. This could be the worst "offensive" team the Spurs could possibly put on the floor.
:lol

[leemajors]

awesome - little to no ball movement, settling for bad outside shots.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

This lineup pop has on the floor is awful... but i guess it's still better than small ball

[dg7md]

Vaughn has been really impressive so far, I just wish the guys could get something going.

Put Duncan back in and give him the ball.

[VaSpursFan]

This lineup pop has on the floor is awful... but i guess it's still better than small ball

not by much....the defense is abysmal. we need to speed the game up and tire yao out. that guy has no stamina

[dg7md]

Regardless of what happens tonight, I won't be upset, but I just wish the Spurs could go on a 12 game win streak or so much like the two other elite teams (Suns and Mavs).

[xamila rey]

why is beno out of the rotation?

[Nashfan]

Cannot believe the Spurs are getting outrebounded and allowing over fifty percent shooting by he Rockets and being outscored twenty-four to twelve in the paint without McGrady playing. The Spurs need to run the Rockets to tire out Yao!

[Nashfan]

Oh my god, horrible defense by the Spurs to let Bonzi just waltz right in to lay it up!

[VaSpursFan]

why is beno out of the rotation?

because he hasn't been very good lately

[xamila rey]

awful defense tonight

[Trifecta]

I guess the SPURS D must have been 'caught in a snowstorm' somewhere because it has not shown up tonight!

[VaSpursFan]

i expect the 2nd half to be better becuz we're stinking up the att center now...wow

[Que Gee]

Finley back in and 0-3. Its good to see that after having 2 good games the whole season...he has taken Barry's position in the rotation even though Barry has been consistent offensively all year. I mean he only leads the league in 3pt shooting.
I think Pop and Finley 69 each other everynight.

[Que Gee]

Finley 0-4 now.

[Nashfan]

What is wrong with the Spurs? I don't think I have ever seen them play this bad.

[Trifecta]

Finley......somebody please get me some ibuprofen!

[VaSpursFan]

i think this may not be our night...bb with the airball 3

[Sam]

I think someone needs to wake them up when they go in the locker room.

[dg7md]

Okay, maybe I was wrong about them cooling off. :lol

Although that could still be the case if they're down 12, but anymore than that it just might be too much to come back from in the third.

[VaSpursFan]

matt bonner with the stron move...LOL

[Sam]

Bonner's trying to show something out there. He's trying to get into position and has 5 pts.

[Nashfan]

I would hate to be in the Spurs locker room at the half. Pop is going to blow a gasket!! :lol

[Nero]

Finley is the worst player in the L. Bonner should be getting his minutes. Spurs still can't rebound against teams that matter.

[dg7md]

Bonner has some heart out there, now if they can go through Parker more since he's on. I don't know what's wrong with Duncan, I hope he gets it together after halftime.

[Sam]

I wish Bonner would get his minutes. Bonner proved in Toronto that he plays better when he gets some minutes regularly to get in the flow of the game.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Houston is pretty good, even without mcgrady.

[Sam]

Duncan looks out of sorts...maybe sick.

[itzsoweezee]

because he hasn't been very good lately

since when did that mean anything? horry and finley get pt regardless of playing like garbage teh majority of the time.

[Sam]

What's up with McGrady wearing the big chain on Kimmel???

[GrandeDavid]

Maybe Duncan is ill from all the sucking out there tonight.

[Sam]

I would have thought Duncan would have came to play tonight against Yao.

[Que Gee]

Finley is the worst player in the L. Bonner should be getting his minutes.

Bonner? What happened to Barry...All the guy is doing is leading the league in 3pt shooting and was putting up double digit points...and for whatever reason, he goes back to the bench because Finley has two games of decent shooting.

[Nashfan]

Rockets are not good when the Suns play them.

[Que Gee]

since when did that mean anything? horry and finley get pt regardless of playing like garbage teh majority of the time.

EXACTLY

[Sam]

We just can't hold onto the ball tonight. Manu and Tony have gotten the ball stripped often tonight.

[Sam]

Bonner? What happened to Barry...All the guy is doing is leading the league in 3pt shooting and was putting up double digit points...and for whatever reason, he goes back to the bench because Finley has two games of decent shooting.
Barry's getting minutes tonight. He's in there now.

[GrandeDavid]

Rockets are not good when the Suns play them.


:lol

[Que Gee]

Barry's getting minutes tonight. He's in there now.

He 6Min...and then sat for another 9...he is going to end up with with about 8 minutes of PT in the first half.

[GrandeDavid]

A nine year home win streak against the Rockets is ridiculously impressive. Its gotta end sometime. I had a bad feeling about this game...BUT its not over yet.

[Nashfan]

GrandeDavid, what did you find funny with my last post?

[GrandeDavid]

At least Tim has one more rebound that Yao. ha ha

[Sam]

Yao is learning to gripe and whine in English about calls. :lol

[dg7md]

They just suck at home this year. We had like, 7 total home losses last year, we're about to get 4 with a whole 5 months with the season to go.

[dropstep4421]

nod....no ball rotation...no win

[Sam]

I agree, DropStep

[dropstep4421]

thank you sam!

[SKINNYPIMP210]

We Suck! We Are Playing With "zero" Heart!

I Always Thought We Were The Best Team In The League This Year But Not Anymore, There Are So Many Holes In Our Game That It's Not Even Worth Listing...

I Havent Gave Up On The Spurs In This Game But I Think With A Bad Lost Tonight We Will Have A "huge" Mountain To Climb B4 We Get To Conteder Level Again.

[boutons_]

Jeff has always emphasized defense. The Rockets are out-playing and out-hustling on both ends.

Spurs suck. They trying hard, they just suck.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Oh Yeah Props To Vaugh For Sowing Some Heart And Oberto In His Like 2 Mins Of Play. And A Big Fuck You To The Officiating Crew!

[milkyway21]

Yao 19 pts , so far, and it's not halftime yet.

can the Spurs stop Yao Ming?

or a Tmacless Houston wins?

:flag:

[Sam]

I think we aren't practicing and watching as much film as we have in the past. I think Coach Pop is letting them off the hook because some of them are old but he forgets that some of our players need to rely on their smarts (film and seeing things in practice) because their athletic ability has went down due to age.

[milkyway21]

let Manu drive & drive on Yao(2 fouls), Pops.

[bdictjames]

Get a miracle third quarter Spurs, or else we'll surely lose

[FirebatMIV]

Three thoughts

1) Absolutely horrible defense tonight. Rotate dammit.
2) Need more passes, and less crazy shots that everyone knows ain't going in
3) Jon Barry - worst commentator ever.

[milkyway21]

20-10 Houston rbds?

what's wrong with the Spurs?

Duncan 1 pt; 1 rbd. :wtf :lol

[Fabbs]

Three thoughts

1) Absolutely horrible defense tonight. Rotate dammit.
2) Need more passes, and less crazy shots that everyone knows ain't going in
3) Jon Barry - worst commentator ever.
Just tuned in.
zero offensive boards in 1st half?
Highlights looked like sleepwalking on rotations.
Tim looked tired and unmotivated.
Dont tell me even Elson is sleeping.

[VaSpursFan]

yes...speed the game up. GO SPURS

[milkyway21]

this is the worst game i've ever seen from the Spurs. Looks like Pops wants to slowly come behind in the standings so he won't have to coach in the All-Star :nope

:lol

[VaSpursFan]

4th on yao....go timmy

[GrandeDavid]

The comeback starts now. Its late in Brazil, so I am done for the night. In the morning I'll check back and see that the Spurs rallied for the W in the 4th.

[milkyway21]

oh oh looks like there was some locker room Pops :blah :blah in the locker room at halftime.

before i know it...

Tim w/ 10 pts; 9 rbds. (head scratcher:angel)

[Budkin]

I just turned the game on... down 17 at home to the Rockets without McGrady? :wtf WTF is going on!?

[themvp]

Tim is much more aggresive in the 2nd half. That's good.

[xamila rey]

Manuuu

[Kobulingam]

End the 3rd with a single digit deficit and Spurs will win.

[VaSpursFan]

tide turning...we may pull this one out yet

[boutons_]

Spurs played a lot more aggressive defense in 3rd qtr, but couldn't close the gap.

Spurs badly outshot 42% vs 52% after 3Q.

[Spurs Brazil]

Beno in

[Kobulingam]

I love Duncan's free throw shooting. It really helps.

[Kobulingam]

I love Duncan's free throw shooting. It really helps.

Not as much as I love Finley.

[Fabbs]

Beno had Barry more open then Finley.
Gives to Findog instead. :rolleyes
clunk.

[boutons_]

no Duncan, no win.

Tim better find it in the 4th qtr.

[boutons_]

Yao sittting, and Spurs still can't get it down to less the -15.

[VaSpursFan]

ended the 3rd poorly. unless we have an outstanding 4th, it's a wrap

[dimsah]

Hey Tim, if you want to get back at them, MAKE YOUR FUCKING FREE THROWS!

[Kobulingam]

no Duncan, no win.

Tim better find it in the 4th qtr.

We need Manu to go retarted in the 4th to pull this one out.

[boutons_]

in 3Q, 12 pts from the bench.

Houston's defense is too tough for the pussy Spurs.

[boutons_]

Manu vs Yao in the 4th.

[SAtown]

I loved that awkward, lefty hook shot Beno gave at the end of the 3rd with 4 more seconds left.

[Fabbs]

Hey Tim, if you want to get back at them, MAKE YOUR FUCKING FREE THROWS!
Hack-A-Duncan was an effective strategy for Hou in the 3rd.

[Kobulingam]

Hack-A-Duncan was an effective strategy for Hou in the 3rd.

I don't care if Finley shoots well once in a while, in between he's not even a D-leaguer. Send him packing (buy out his contract).

[dimsah]

I predict right now that we lose a game to the Celtics this year.

[Kobulingam]

Game is over. Houston gonna win without a doubt.

[Dre_7]

I don't care if Finley shoots well once in a while, in between he's not even a D-leaguer. Send him packing (buy out his contract).

He will find his stroke. But then again, basically the whole team is not hitting and not rebounding, and you wanna put it on Fin? Ok?

[deepsouth]

Believe! (or at least try)

[dropstep4421]

get finley out

[boutons_]

Manu hits a 3G, Spurs down ONLY 15. :lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

14 it's possible, but we really ahve to lock down if they want to make a heroic comeback

[Quasar]

They can come back! If Yao ming fouls out, the spurs have a good chance to return TMac's favour to them from last year.\

Let's Manuuuuu them

[xamila rey]

i dont think the game is over for Manu

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

i dont think the game is over for Manu
7 41 minutes is a lot of time!

[boutons_]

Houston defense and rebounding rattling the Spurs' shooting.

[boutons_]

Even with Yao out, the Rox defense is too tough the Spurs.

[Nero]

He will find his stroke. But then again, basically the whole team is not hitting and not rebounding, and you wanna put it on Fin? Ok?

What do you mean "again?" He's been shooting 41% for the past 2 years and this one is even worse. Sure his 3 pt shooting is good, but we really don't need it with Bowen, Barry, Bonner, and Manu all shooting a similar % and giving the Spurs a lot more on other aspects of the game.

[Kobulingam]

I told you the game was over.

[Nero]

These strong, medium sized players like Bonzi and Hayes (who I wanted to get last season and everyone laughed) kill the Spurs.

[Quasar]

Looks like Wells is still giving the Spurs D a lot of trouble.

Ugh... why did he have to land in Houston. Wells + Yao are already a good 1-2 Punch!

[Kobulingam]

The old Manu is coming back. I think Spurs do better when Manu is the 2nd option.

Spurs have an amazing top 3. We need to get rid of Finley, Horry, E. Williams, Matt Bonner and BEANO.

[boutons_]

Tim continues his weak-ass defense in the paint, not challenging shots, very lackadaisical. Horrible game from Tim all around.

[xamila rey]

ok the game is over

[boutons_]

Spurs will be lucky to get 85 pts in their own gym.

[IceColdBrewski]

I told you the game was over.

Down by double digits in the 4th. Way to go out on a limb Nostrodamus.

[Kobulingam]

Down by double digits in the 4th. Way to go out on a limb Nostrodamus.

Right. I said it early 4th and even now people think a comeback is possible. So, who's Nostrodamus?

[Quasar]

20pt blowout in houston eh?

This totally sucks... Weak rebounding, Tim's head in the clouds...

ugh :dizzy

[Nero]

Spurs will be lucky to get 85 pts in their own gym.

Try 80 :downspin:

[boutons_]

Spurs will be lucky to get 80 pts in their own gym.

[themvp]

This 5 on the court can't do even shit :rollin

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Tim 4-13 shooting...


Manu was doing a good job in chipping away in the fourth 8 -13 shooting,

but then they kept making their shots so easily. (with Yao out!!!) We better make defensive adjustments next meeting.

[Sam]

Bonner in 3-5 shooting with 7pts in 11 minutes. No, not all of it was garbage time. Let's give the boy some minutes before all star break and see what he can do. If he can't do anything then let's trade his expiring contract for someone he can do something.

[boutons_]

Spurs bench 16 pts vs 37

Spurs get 3 ORBs.

No McGrady, essentially no Yao in the 2nd half.

Jeff had his boys playing tough defense, and the Spurs folded.

[fred33]

The old Manu is coming back. I think Spurs do better when Manu is the 2nd option.

Spurs have an amazing top 3. We need to get rid of Finley, Horry, E. Williams, Matt Bonner and BEANO.
tony and manu was good tonight tim not and the rest of the team not

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The old Manu is coming back. I think Spurs do better when Manu is the 2nd option.

Spurs have an amazing top 3. We need to get rid of Finley, Horry, E. Williams, Matt Bonner and BEANO.
After tonight, with all those missed free throws. I think Tim needs to be third option! :lol and Manu and Tony should be on the court together more!

[dg7md]

That was probably the worst performance I've ever seen by the Spurs.

[loveforthegame]

Eggs of the night.

Bowen (21 minutes) 0-3, 0-2 (3pt), 1 rebound
Finley (14 minutes) 0-6, 0-3 (3pt), 3 rebounds, 1 assist

[dg7md]

I seriously feel better about the Spurs chances of winning when they play on the road.

[fred33]

tony and manu was good duncan was depressed

[themvp]

4get this game. I hope they will bounce back vs Hornets, I believe they're playing overtime right now. Duncan will respond.
It was just a bad, very bad day.

[Bruno]

It was an ugly game by Spurs, it happens sometimes.
There are really nothing more to say.
Next game is tomorrow, let's see how Spurs will react.

[IceColdBrewski]

And to think I almost bought tickets to see that.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

And to think I almost bought tickets to see that.
I know, I almost went to see it with people cuz I thought it was a good match-up. Luckily I opted out.

Good thing too, because I was half-watching this game!

[Winnipeg_Spur]

Are we going to get a Christmas soft speech?

[Casey]

Tonight was just one of those forgettable games. You are bound to have them every once in awhile over the course of a season and the way they had played the last two games, a loss was bound to come sooner rather than later. Just forget it and move on.

Now, let's see how they bounce back tomorrow. I'd be willing to bet it will be the Hornets who get run out of their own gym tomorrow.

[boutons_]

...

[boutons_]

Rockets made it tough in the paint, and Tim responded by doing nothing.

Olympic-cut Arenas takes it to Olympic coach d'Antoni, 17 pts 1st qtr.

[dg7md]

In good news, look at how they took over the month of December.

I just wish they could get a 10+ win streak going... winning 4-5 then losing one is not really an exciting pattern.

[angel_luv]

Hey Pop... Got Rasho? Yao killed us tonight.

[boutons_]

Francisco/Fabricio/Roberto:
8 PTS
10 RB
0 AST
6 TO
7 PF
50 minutes

Throwing in Tim (if you can find him), the entire front line fucked up bad.

[ShoogarBear]

Hoo boy.

[Don Quixote]

I was looking forward to watching this game tonight, but the wife wanted to go on a shopping spree and take me with her.

So what happened?

[SequSpur]

Hey Pop... Got Rasho? Yao killed us tonight.

Rasho sucks.

Yao did kill us though.

Thanks to our shitty centers.

[Don Quixote]

You really think our centers this year are any worse than last years'?

I'd submit that Fab and Francisco are playing better than Rasho & Nazi last year, and for a fraction of the $$$$.

[Budkin]

Holy shit we looked like a lottery team in that game. What the hell is going on with Timmy?

[ShoogarBear]

This should be a good test for the Spurs' offense. http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/pa/newsbulletin/images/Report_card_2.jpg


Actually it was a combination of poor play and crappy luck the few times they did get a decent shot.

[SequSpur]

You really think our centers this year are any worse than last years'?

I'd submit that Fab and Francisco are playing better than Rasho & Nazi last year, and for a fraction of the $$$$.

Does their payroll come out of your account?

I don't give a shit what these guys make. The Center position for the San Antonio Spurs has gone from Allstar status to a box of shit.

[Budkin]

Man getting blown out on the road is one thing. But to lose like that at home in front of your own fans to a shorthanded team who is also a major rival? Pathetic. I hope Pop uses those words again tonight because that is what the effort was, other than Manu. NO is in trouble tomorrow night....

[ShoogarBear]

That was probably the worst performance I've ever seen by the Spurs.Eh, worst in quite some time for true.

[BUMP]

Rockets have always played defense, but what they've been missing is good shot selection and consistency by Yao. theyre getting both now, and they will be a dangerous threat with the additions of Battier and Bonzi

[upTD]

TD did not good last night,but spurs's C:

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
F. Elson 21 1-5 0-0 0-0 0 2 1 3 0 0 3 2
F. Oberto 7 1-3 0-0 1-2 3 5 1 3 0 1 4 3
spurs C 28 2-8 0-0 1-2 3 7 2 6 0 1 7 5
6 TOs

how about it? nice. against tough opponents, our C always disappear, that is POP's adjusted C.

If spurs lost in PLAYOFF this season, C will be the reason.

[Kori Ellis]

Spurs sucked every which way they could.

Oh well, another game tomorrow.

[dav4463]

Definitely one to forget about tonight.

[timvp]

Spurs were soft.

[ShoogarBear]

Spurs were soft.Admirable restraint.

[timvp]

Admirable restraint.

:santahat

[Solid D]

Spurs sucked every which way they could.

Oh well, another game tomorrow.

As Coach Tom Foolery would say...

We got our tails whipped in all three phases. Offense, Defense and Specialty Teams.

Wrong sport but it still applies.

[boutons_]

The only qtr the Spurs won was the 3rd, by a whopping 2 pts, where they came outand played some obviously much more aggressive defense, but they couldn't keep it up, the Rockets just kept hitting their shots.

[timvp]

http://www.ostrichesonline.com/pictures/eggshell/egg-ost-stand-big.jpg

Merry Christmas, San Antonio.

Sincerely,

The Spurs

[Solid D]

:lol

[ShoogarBear]

after the game, pop was asked this question in the post game:

"coach, what do you think of your teams execution tonight?"

he smiled and said " im all for it"An oldie but a goodie.

[Solid D]

ya, i cant remember where it came from, maybe woody hayes?

John McKay - head coach of Tampa Bay Bucs

[angel_luv]

http://www.ostrichesonline.com/pictures/eggshell/egg-ost-stand-big.jpg

Merry Christmas, San Antonio.

Sincerely,

The Spurs


Silly boys... it isn't Easter. :lol

[milkyway21]

what a wonderful gift from the Spurs! we lost against Houston

Yao Ming sends his thanks too!:lol
at last Houston finally beaten the Spurs in SA after 9 years.


MALIGAYANG PASKO SA LAHAT -
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
http://img.123greetings.com/eventsnew/sprt_basketball/1045-006-06-1028.gif

[milkyway21]

BTW, did Slomo made those Spurstalk.com Christmas decors? just noticed now..

Nice! :santahat