Bruno
01-12-2007, 04:07 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA011207.01D.BKNhorry.bonner.33bacb7.html
Web Posted: 01/11/2007 11:47 PM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News
It is a running joke that has entered its third season: Robert Horry, the Spurs' 36-year-old veteran of 15 NBA seasons, doesn't get interested in playing until the playoffs arrive.
Horry isn't finding as much hilarity in the notion these days, but he still is smiling.
"People always say that (about the playoffs)," Horry said as he prepared himself before the Spurs' victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, "but I just do what I can. When the playoffs start there's just so much more adrenaline going, and that helps out a whole lot."
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich recently addressed the issue of allocation of playing time between Horry and newcomer Matt Bonner. Bonner's game resembles Horry's approach, an emphasis on perimeter shots that take defenders away from Tim Duncan's space in the paint.
"You (media) guys can vote now," Popovich said when questioned about how the Horry-Bonner dynamic is apt to develop. "I don't know who the hell comes in first with those guys. It's a feel, matchups, who's healthy, or if it's a back-to-back.
"I still haven't figured that one out."
Popovich has spoken to Horry about it. The veteran has struggled with his shooting. He went into Wednesday's game shooting 36.8 percent and missed all three of his shots against Denver. He admits there are nights he does not have the sort of energy he took for granted earlier in his career. He understands his coach's concern.
"I won't say I've got plenty let in the tank," Horry said, "but I got some left. I can still play. I probably won't be able to give you a great effort every night. That's probably one of the reasons (Popovich has concerns). There's some nights I'm just dog-tired, for no reason.
"Too many playoff games in too many years. This is my 15th year. I'm 36. Playoffs every year. Past the first round every year. I had a lot of short summers."
Horry has served as a mentor to the 26-year-old Bonner since the former Florida Gator arrived, via trade. He jokes that he has done too good a job of teaching him how to fit into the Spurs' systems.
"It's funny," Horry said. "Sometimes I say to myself, 'Should I be selfish and not tell him nothing; not work with my replacement. They brought him in to be my replacement, so I ain't telling him nothing.'
Let the record show: Horry was laughing as he made this statement, and quickly made it clear he was teasing.
"The more I help him out, the more he's going to help the team out, and you know I'm a team guy," Horry said. "I've got to teach him how to block a shot, though. He doesn't know how to block a shot. Sometimes all you've got to do is just get your hands up. Intimidation is a factor. Block one, and everybody is going to go, 'Ooh, I don't want to take it in there.'"
Horry just shook his head when Bonner blocked three shots — his career high — against Denver.
"Career high?" Bonner said. "I think those were the first three blocks of my career. Two of them were on (5-foot-5) Earl Boykins, so don't get too carried away."
Bonner's earnest approach to fitting in has endeared him to his coaches and teammates, including Horry.
"I don't even think about the minutes I get and Rob gets," Bonner said. "Whatever minutes I get I'm going to play hard. Some nights I play a lot; some nights I don't. It doesn't matter. I'm just excited to have an opportunity to help contribute on this great team."
* * *
BONNER'S PRODUCTION
After not playing much his first month with the Spurs, reserve forward Matt Bonner has started to contribute more in recent games. Here's a look at Bonner's production this season (note: 3PM is 3-pointers made):
November
6:35 minutes per game, 3.1 points, 0.8 3-pointers made, 1.5 rebounds
Notable: Didn't play in eight games. Did go 3 for 4 from 3-point range Nov. 17 against Bulls, though.
December
11:05 minutes per game, 5.3 points, 0.7 3-pointers made, 3.0 rebounds
Notable: Had best game of season Dec. 23, hitting 6 of 8 shots and scoring 14 points against Hornets.
January
18:30 minutes per game, 6.2 points, 1.2 3-pointers made, 3.5 rebounds
Notable: Has played in all six games. He tied his career-high with three blocked shots Wednesday at Denver.
Web Posted: 01/11/2007 11:47 PM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News
It is a running joke that has entered its third season: Robert Horry, the Spurs' 36-year-old veteran of 15 NBA seasons, doesn't get interested in playing until the playoffs arrive.
Horry isn't finding as much hilarity in the notion these days, but he still is smiling.
"People always say that (about the playoffs)," Horry said as he prepared himself before the Spurs' victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, "but I just do what I can. When the playoffs start there's just so much more adrenaline going, and that helps out a whole lot."
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich recently addressed the issue of allocation of playing time between Horry and newcomer Matt Bonner. Bonner's game resembles Horry's approach, an emphasis on perimeter shots that take defenders away from Tim Duncan's space in the paint.
"You (media) guys can vote now," Popovich said when questioned about how the Horry-Bonner dynamic is apt to develop. "I don't know who the hell comes in first with those guys. It's a feel, matchups, who's healthy, or if it's a back-to-back.
"I still haven't figured that one out."
Popovich has spoken to Horry about it. The veteran has struggled with his shooting. He went into Wednesday's game shooting 36.8 percent and missed all three of his shots against Denver. He admits there are nights he does not have the sort of energy he took for granted earlier in his career. He understands his coach's concern.
"I won't say I've got plenty let in the tank," Horry said, "but I got some left. I can still play. I probably won't be able to give you a great effort every night. That's probably one of the reasons (Popovich has concerns). There's some nights I'm just dog-tired, for no reason.
"Too many playoff games in too many years. This is my 15th year. I'm 36. Playoffs every year. Past the first round every year. I had a lot of short summers."
Horry has served as a mentor to the 26-year-old Bonner since the former Florida Gator arrived, via trade. He jokes that he has done too good a job of teaching him how to fit into the Spurs' systems.
"It's funny," Horry said. "Sometimes I say to myself, 'Should I be selfish and not tell him nothing; not work with my replacement. They brought him in to be my replacement, so I ain't telling him nothing.'
Let the record show: Horry was laughing as he made this statement, and quickly made it clear he was teasing.
"The more I help him out, the more he's going to help the team out, and you know I'm a team guy," Horry said. "I've got to teach him how to block a shot, though. He doesn't know how to block a shot. Sometimes all you've got to do is just get your hands up. Intimidation is a factor. Block one, and everybody is going to go, 'Ooh, I don't want to take it in there.'"
Horry just shook his head when Bonner blocked three shots — his career high — against Denver.
"Career high?" Bonner said. "I think those were the first three blocks of my career. Two of them were on (5-foot-5) Earl Boykins, so don't get too carried away."
Bonner's earnest approach to fitting in has endeared him to his coaches and teammates, including Horry.
"I don't even think about the minutes I get and Rob gets," Bonner said. "Whatever minutes I get I'm going to play hard. Some nights I play a lot; some nights I don't. It doesn't matter. I'm just excited to have an opportunity to help contribute on this great team."
* * *
BONNER'S PRODUCTION
After not playing much his first month with the Spurs, reserve forward Matt Bonner has started to contribute more in recent games. Here's a look at Bonner's production this season (note: 3PM is 3-pointers made):
November
6:35 minutes per game, 3.1 points, 0.8 3-pointers made, 1.5 rebounds
Notable: Didn't play in eight games. Did go 3 for 4 from 3-point range Nov. 17 against Bulls, though.
December
11:05 minutes per game, 5.3 points, 0.7 3-pointers made, 3.0 rebounds
Notable: Had best game of season Dec. 23, hitting 6 of 8 shots and scoring 14 points against Hornets.
January
18:30 minutes per game, 6.2 points, 1.2 3-pointers made, 3.5 rebounds
Notable: Has played in all six games. He tied his career-high with three blocked shots Wednesday at Denver.