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04-15-2008, 01:12 AM
Spurs notebook: Barry back on court after 80-day hiatus
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA041508.04D.BKNspurs.notebook.3ddcadd.html
Web Posted: 04/15/2008 12:22 AM CDT
Jeff McDonald
Express-News
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Before Monday night, it had been a long time since Brent Barry stepped on an NBA court. So long, in fact, that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wasn't sure his formerly injured off-guard would remember to bring the proper equipment.
"I hope he can just remember what sport he's playing before the playoffs begin," Popovich said. "I don't want him to come to the arena with a bat or anything."
Sidelined by a torn muscle in his left calf that healed more slowly than anyone expected, Barry went 80 days without appearing in a game. His hiatus ended with 7:03 left in the second quarter Monday at Sacramento.
He hadn't played since Jan.24, when he aggravated his calf injury in a game against Miami. Barry was traded to Seattle on Feb. 20 along with Francisco Elson for Kurt Thomas. The SuperSonics waived him to create roster space, and he re-signed with the Spurs on March 23.
It took him another 22 days to get his calf in game shape.
Barry's return, just in time for the postseason, should be welcome news for a Spurs team that Popovich says has been "offensively challenged" recently. Barry averaged 7.3 points and shot 43 percent from 3-point range before his extended stay on the injured list.
Brand new Udrih: Beno Udrih has thrived since the preseason trade that sent him from San Antonio to Sacramento via Minnesota.
Udrih, who spent his first three seasons with the Spurs, is averaging 12.6 points and 4.3 assists in 32 minutes per game with the Kings — all career highs by far.
"I like it here," Udrih said. "I was happy to have an opportunity."
Udrih, 25, becomes a free agent at the end of the season. He said Monday he can envision re-signing with Sacramento but would first like to hear the Kings' future plans for him.
Pop 2, Manu 0: For the second-straight game, Manu Ginobili petitioned Popovich to play him. For the second-straight game, Popovich declined.
"I'm winning the battle," Popovich said. "He's not a happy camper. He wants to play badly."
Ginobili has missed three games with a strained groin and could miss a fourth when the Spurs conclude the regular season Wednesday against Utah. He is expected to be available when the Spurs open the playoffs this weekend.
"I felt like I could play now," Ginobili said. "But I understand (Popovich) wants to be cautious."
[email protected]
All I can say is that I want Manu to win the next Pop vs Manu round for the Utah game! He says that he feels fine and is ready to play!
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA041508.04D.BKNspurs.notebook.3ddcadd.html
Web Posted: 04/15/2008 12:22 AM CDT
Jeff McDonald
Express-News
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Before Monday night, it had been a long time since Brent Barry stepped on an NBA court. So long, in fact, that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wasn't sure his formerly injured off-guard would remember to bring the proper equipment.
"I hope he can just remember what sport he's playing before the playoffs begin," Popovich said. "I don't want him to come to the arena with a bat or anything."
Sidelined by a torn muscle in his left calf that healed more slowly than anyone expected, Barry went 80 days without appearing in a game. His hiatus ended with 7:03 left in the second quarter Monday at Sacramento.
He hadn't played since Jan.24, when he aggravated his calf injury in a game against Miami. Barry was traded to Seattle on Feb. 20 along with Francisco Elson for Kurt Thomas. The SuperSonics waived him to create roster space, and he re-signed with the Spurs on March 23.
It took him another 22 days to get his calf in game shape.
Barry's return, just in time for the postseason, should be welcome news for a Spurs team that Popovich says has been "offensively challenged" recently. Barry averaged 7.3 points and shot 43 percent from 3-point range before his extended stay on the injured list.
Brand new Udrih: Beno Udrih has thrived since the preseason trade that sent him from San Antonio to Sacramento via Minnesota.
Udrih, who spent his first three seasons with the Spurs, is averaging 12.6 points and 4.3 assists in 32 minutes per game with the Kings — all career highs by far.
"I like it here," Udrih said. "I was happy to have an opportunity."
Udrih, 25, becomes a free agent at the end of the season. He said Monday he can envision re-signing with Sacramento but would first like to hear the Kings' future plans for him.
Pop 2, Manu 0: For the second-straight game, Manu Ginobili petitioned Popovich to play him. For the second-straight game, Popovich declined.
"I'm winning the battle," Popovich said. "He's not a happy camper. He wants to play badly."
Ginobili has missed three games with a strained groin and could miss a fourth when the Spurs conclude the regular season Wednesday against Utah. He is expected to be available when the Spurs open the playoffs this weekend.
"I felt like I could play now," Ginobili said. "But I understand (Popovich) wants to be cautious."
[email protected]
All I can say is that I want Manu to win the next Pop vs Manu round for the Utah game! He says that he feels fine and is ready to play!