Spurs Brazil
01-01-2008, 09:04 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA.010108.bkn.Spurs.notebook.EN.28fa8eb.html
Pro basketball: Bonner answers call of the bench
Web Posted: 12/31/2007 10:39 PM CST
Jeff McDonald
Express-News Staff Writer
Spurs reserve Matt Bonner enters every game with the same scrappy mentality.
"Whether I get in for 30 seconds or 30 minutes," Bonner said, "I'm going to play hard and put the effort forth on things I can control."
Though Bonner's job description never changes, his workload has. With the Spurs' bench decimated with injuries of late, Bonner — a 6-foot-10 forward — has emerged as the team's most valuable reserve.
Afforded extra minutes with Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry both sidelined, Bonner has responded with three consecutive double-digit scoring efforts off the bench.
He had 18 points in Sunday's victory over Memphis, his second-highest scoring outing of the year.
Perhaps more important to the Spurs than any statistical number, however, is the vigor Bonner has been able to provide off the bench — tapping out rebounds, defending inside and generally pounding on opposing players.
"He always plays with energy," coach Gregg Popovich said. "He's just that kind of player. He's physical and he's always ready to go."
Proof of Bonner's productivity: Over the past three games, the Spurs are 41 points better with him on the court than off of it.
Finger protection: After missing the past three games with a sprained left index finger, Ginobili's status remains up in the air for Thursday's game at Denver. When he does return, Ginobili will wear a protective plastic split on his injured digit.
The left-handed Ginobili admits the contraption will make shooting the ball a bit uncomfortable.
"But if it's a choice between that and sitting," Ginobili said, "the choice is easy."
Lineup shuffle: It will be interesting to see how Popovich fills the starting center position in games to come. Robert Horry was a late addition to the lineup Sunday against Memphis — so late that Fabricio Oberto was actually introduced as the Spurs' starter.
It was an unexpected switch, considering Horry had played 11 minutes, seven seconds total in the previous three games combined and hadn't started a game all year.
After the game, Popovich was mum on whether the move might be permanent.
Rest for the weary: With no games between Sunday's victory over Memphis and Thursday's trip to Denver, the Spurs will get a much-needed break heading into the New Year.
The team did not practice Monday and will not practice today. A brief workout is scheduled for Wednesday before the Spurs board their flight for Colorado.
[email protected]
Pro basketball: Bonner answers call of the bench
Web Posted: 12/31/2007 10:39 PM CST
Jeff McDonald
Express-News Staff Writer
Spurs reserve Matt Bonner enters every game with the same scrappy mentality.
"Whether I get in for 30 seconds or 30 minutes," Bonner said, "I'm going to play hard and put the effort forth on things I can control."
Though Bonner's job description never changes, his workload has. With the Spurs' bench decimated with injuries of late, Bonner — a 6-foot-10 forward — has emerged as the team's most valuable reserve.
Afforded extra minutes with Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry both sidelined, Bonner has responded with three consecutive double-digit scoring efforts off the bench.
He had 18 points in Sunday's victory over Memphis, his second-highest scoring outing of the year.
Perhaps more important to the Spurs than any statistical number, however, is the vigor Bonner has been able to provide off the bench — tapping out rebounds, defending inside and generally pounding on opposing players.
"He always plays with energy," coach Gregg Popovich said. "He's just that kind of player. He's physical and he's always ready to go."
Proof of Bonner's productivity: Over the past three games, the Spurs are 41 points better with him on the court than off of it.
Finger protection: After missing the past three games with a sprained left index finger, Ginobili's status remains up in the air for Thursday's game at Denver. When he does return, Ginobili will wear a protective plastic split on his injured digit.
The left-handed Ginobili admits the contraption will make shooting the ball a bit uncomfortable.
"But if it's a choice between that and sitting," Ginobili said, "the choice is easy."
Lineup shuffle: It will be interesting to see how Popovich fills the starting center position in games to come. Robert Horry was a late addition to the lineup Sunday against Memphis — so late that Fabricio Oberto was actually introduced as the Spurs' starter.
It was an unexpected switch, considering Horry had played 11 minutes, seven seconds total in the previous three games combined and hadn't started a game all year.
After the game, Popovich was mum on whether the move might be permanent.
Rest for the weary: With no games between Sunday's victory over Memphis and Thursday's trip to Denver, the Spurs will get a much-needed break heading into the New Year.
The team did not practice Monday and will not practice today. A brief workout is scheduled for Wednesday before the Spurs board their flight for Colorado.
[email protected]