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11-05-2007, 02:35 AM
Spurs notebook: Finley being eased into season
Web Posted: 11/05/2007 12:32 AM CST
Jeff McDonald
Express-News Staff Writer
So far this season, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been able to successfully limit the minutes of Michael Finley, the team's 34-year-old starting shooting guard.
That development has come almost totally by accident.
As he often does this time of year, Popovich has been utilizing an expanded rotation, playing with various pieces as he attempts to evaluate who can do what. In a 96-80 victory against Sacramento on Friday, for instance, all 12 Spurs players got in the game.
As a result, Finley has been averaging 20 minutes per game, 8.3 fewer than his backup, Manu Ginobili and one fewer than Matt Bonner, another reserve.
"There aren't enough minutes to go around at this point," Popovich said. "I've got to figure out over the next 10, 20, 15 games what the rotation is going to be and how to rest certain people."
When that happens, Popovich says, Finley is apt to see his playing time increase, at least somewhat.
Effectively massaging Finley's minutes has been a pastime of Popovich's since the guard joined the Spurs two seasons ago. Finley averaged just 22 minutes per game last year, not much more time than he is receiving now.
"It's good for all the guys who are a little bit older to make sure we don't overplay them," Popovich said.
Time off for practice: With their early-season slate, the Spurs got a bit of a mixed blessing from the NBA schedule-makers.
Yes, the Spurs must play their next three games in the span of four days, including a back-to-back at Houston and at home against Miami later this week. But at least they get three days to prepare for the grind.
The Spurs, whose last action was a victory against Sacramento on Friday, don't face the Rockets until Tuesday. After taking Saturday off, they commenced preparations with a 21/2—hour workout Sunday morning.
Another step for Vaughn: Backup point guard Jacque Vaughn ramped up his recovery from a strained calf injury Sunday, going through the bulk of a team workout for the first time since the first week of training camp.
Vaughn still isn't participating in any scrimmages or contact drills.
"Jacque was very important to what we did last year," Popovich said. "His focused play, leadership and understanding of the system were really important for us, so it was good to get him back.
"It's going to take him a little more time, but he's moving in the right direction."
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LINK: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA110507.SpursNotebook-1105.en.2dc8611.html
Web Posted: 11/05/2007 12:32 AM CST
Jeff McDonald
Express-News Staff Writer
So far this season, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been able to successfully limit the minutes of Michael Finley, the team's 34-year-old starting shooting guard.
That development has come almost totally by accident.
As he often does this time of year, Popovich has been utilizing an expanded rotation, playing with various pieces as he attempts to evaluate who can do what. In a 96-80 victory against Sacramento on Friday, for instance, all 12 Spurs players got in the game.
As a result, Finley has been averaging 20 minutes per game, 8.3 fewer than his backup, Manu Ginobili and one fewer than Matt Bonner, another reserve.
"There aren't enough minutes to go around at this point," Popovich said. "I've got to figure out over the next 10, 20, 15 games what the rotation is going to be and how to rest certain people."
When that happens, Popovich says, Finley is apt to see his playing time increase, at least somewhat.
Effectively massaging Finley's minutes has been a pastime of Popovich's since the guard joined the Spurs two seasons ago. Finley averaged just 22 minutes per game last year, not much more time than he is receiving now.
"It's good for all the guys who are a little bit older to make sure we don't overplay them," Popovich said.
Time off for practice: With their early-season slate, the Spurs got a bit of a mixed blessing from the NBA schedule-makers.
Yes, the Spurs must play their next three games in the span of four days, including a back-to-back at Houston and at home against Miami later this week. But at least they get three days to prepare for the grind.
The Spurs, whose last action was a victory against Sacramento on Friday, don't face the Rockets until Tuesday. After taking Saturday off, they commenced preparations with a 21/2—hour workout Sunday morning.
Another step for Vaughn: Backup point guard Jacque Vaughn ramped up his recovery from a strained calf injury Sunday, going through the bulk of a team workout for the first time since the first week of training camp.
Vaughn still isn't participating in any scrimmages or contact drills.
"Jacque was very important to what we did last year," Popovich said. "His focused play, leadership and understanding of the system were really important for us, so it was good to get him back.
"It's going to take him a little more time, but he's moving in the right direction."
[email protected]
LINK: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA110507.SpursNotebook-1105.en.2dc8611.html