duncan228
01-17-2008, 11:50 AM
Hoopsworld. :)
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=6938
Spurs Simply Biding Their Time
By: Yannis Koutroupis
Things certainly have changed in the NBA over the past year. Boston has gone from one of the worst teams in the NBA to having the best record. Utah is just third in their division after making it to the Western Conference Finals last season. Dallas lost their 12th game on the January 14th this season whereas last season their 12th loss didn't come until April 1st. With so many teams falling from contention in just a year, some have begun to wonder if the Spurs still have what it takes to win the championship after showing some flaws early in the season.
Led by the battle-tested and always calm trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili the Spurs have been thought of as one of the best road teams in the league throughout the decade. Uncharacteristically though this season they are just 6-8 on the road, which is largely responsible for some of the questions surrounding this Spurs team.
The injuries to their key veterans have been what has really slowed this team down so far this season. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have both been out for four games this season. Manu Ginobili's left finger injury kept him out for five games. Robert Horry didn't join the club until 18 games into the season, and Brent Barry has missed the past ten games with a torn calf muscle.
In their absence the Spurs looked to some of their young players such as Darius Washington, DerMarr Johnson, Keith Langford, and Marcus Williams to step up and contribute. While some received more of a chance than others, none of them are still with the team. Their inability to earn a spot in the rotation has hurt the Spurs depth so far this season – but that's not going to slow the Spurs down as they begin their nine game road trip.
With the return of Brent Barry on pace to happen any day now – the Spurs will have the same ten man rotation healthy that they won the NBA Championship with last season, along with Ime Udoka. While that rotation does include eight players that are 31 years or older, the fact that Popovich can confidently put in eleven different players will keep their minutes down and keep them from being worn out come playoff time.
The extended road trip the Spurs have every season has always correctly been regarded as the toughest part of their season but it isn't make or break. Last year the Spurs went just 4-4 with the rodeo in town and went on to win the NBA championship. Going 7-2 or 8-1 on this road trip would certainly quiet those who question their ability to win on the road, but it won't affect their confidence when they go play in opposing team's arenas. This team is loaded with veterans who have won hundreds of games on the road throughout their career.
The half-way point is just around the corner. Despite injuries and unsuccessful call ups from the developmental league the Spurs are first in the Southwest Division. They won't be setting many regular season records this season and home court advantage is still up in the air – but the Spurs are just where they want to be.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=6938
Spurs Simply Biding Their Time
By: Yannis Koutroupis
Things certainly have changed in the NBA over the past year. Boston has gone from one of the worst teams in the NBA to having the best record. Utah is just third in their division after making it to the Western Conference Finals last season. Dallas lost their 12th game on the January 14th this season whereas last season their 12th loss didn't come until April 1st. With so many teams falling from contention in just a year, some have begun to wonder if the Spurs still have what it takes to win the championship after showing some flaws early in the season.
Led by the battle-tested and always calm trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili the Spurs have been thought of as one of the best road teams in the league throughout the decade. Uncharacteristically though this season they are just 6-8 on the road, which is largely responsible for some of the questions surrounding this Spurs team.
The injuries to their key veterans have been what has really slowed this team down so far this season. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have both been out for four games this season. Manu Ginobili's left finger injury kept him out for five games. Robert Horry didn't join the club until 18 games into the season, and Brent Barry has missed the past ten games with a torn calf muscle.
In their absence the Spurs looked to some of their young players such as Darius Washington, DerMarr Johnson, Keith Langford, and Marcus Williams to step up and contribute. While some received more of a chance than others, none of them are still with the team. Their inability to earn a spot in the rotation has hurt the Spurs depth so far this season – but that's not going to slow the Spurs down as they begin their nine game road trip.
With the return of Brent Barry on pace to happen any day now – the Spurs will have the same ten man rotation healthy that they won the NBA Championship with last season, along with Ime Udoka. While that rotation does include eight players that are 31 years or older, the fact that Popovich can confidently put in eleven different players will keep their minutes down and keep them from being worn out come playoff time.
The extended road trip the Spurs have every season has always correctly been regarded as the toughest part of their season but it isn't make or break. Last year the Spurs went just 4-4 with the rodeo in town and went on to win the NBA championship. Going 7-2 or 8-1 on this road trip would certainly quiet those who question their ability to win on the road, but it won't affect their confidence when they go play in opposing team's arenas. This team is loaded with veterans who have won hundreds of games on the road throughout their career.
The half-way point is just around the corner. Despite injuries and unsuccessful call ups from the developmental league the Spurs are first in the Southwest Division. They won't be setting many regular season records this season and home court advantage is still up in the air – but the Spurs are just where they want to be.