Spurs Notebook: Bonner Converts His Opportunity

[duncan228]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...k.3e6f0e6.html

Spurs notebook: Bonner converts his opportunity
Mike Monroe
Express-News

When Gregg Popovich declared two weeks ago that he had determined a subs ution pattern he wanted to retain for the rest of the regular season, Matt Bonner wasn't in it.
In the five games that preceded the Spurs' 99-84 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the AT&T Center, Bonner had played only 19:15 total, even with Robert Horry missing two games entirely.

Bonner got 21 minutes in Friday's game and made a meaningful contribution, scoring seven points.

Replacing Tim Duncan at the power forward spot to open the second quarter, Bonner played the whole quarter. He made all three shots he attempted and grabbed four rebounds, his most productive single quarter since the All-Star break.

"Everybody that came off the bench — Kurt Thomas, Matt Bonner, Jacque Vaughn — they're all compe ors," Popovich said. "They come off the bench and do everything they can."

Popovich didn't mention his top "bench" player, but that is because Manu Ginobili is a sixth man in name only, getting 30 minutes a night. He comes off the bench for the sake of giving the Spurs a spark and conserving his energy for key moments.

Nevertheless, Ginobili understands how difficult it is for players who have fallen out of a regular rotation to perform well when they get a rare call, as Bonner did Friday.

"It's not easy for Matt," he said. "The same thing happened to Damon (Stoudamire). When you are out of the rotation, you start losing confidence. Same thing happened to Fabri (Oberto).

"So their confidence level starts winding down a little bit. So when they start again, or they get a chance again, it's not easy to perform at the highest level right away."

With a tough stretch run in full gallop and playoffs nearing, Ginobili said it is important for bench players to be ready when they get the call, even after sitting out entire games.

"It's a tough position," he said. "That's why Pop is trying to keep everybody involved and keep everybody in the rotation. It's a hard job, but that's what we're trying to do."


Top 10: Two-time NBA MVP Tim Duncan made an exclusive list this week as one of the most popular players in the league for the past 10 years.

The NBA Store, located in New York City, announced the 10 top-selling jerseys since it opened in 1998.

Duncan's No. 21 Spurs jersey came in at No. 10.

Not surprisingly, Michael Jordan's jerseys ranked No. 1, followed by Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Duncan.

[ShoogarBear]

Just think how much T-Mac would sell if he ever won a playoff series.

[bigfundamental21]

Yeah, Bonner made the most of his minutes on Friday night. Let's hope that he will answer the call in the playoffs.

[Slippy]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...k.3e6f0e6.html




Nevertheless, Ginobili understands how difficult it is for players who have fallen out of a regular rotation to perform well when they get a rare call, as Bonner did Friday.

"It's not easy for Matt," he said. "The same thing happened to Damon (Stoudamire). When you are out of the rotation, you start losing confidence. Same thing happened to Fabri (Oberto).

"So their confidence level starts winding down a little bit. So when they start again, or they get a chance again, it's not easy to perform at the highest level right away."

With a tough stretch run in full gallop and playoffs nearing, Ginobili said it is important for bench players to be ready when they get the call, even after sitting out entire games.

"It's a tough position," he said. "That's why Pop is trying to keep everybody involved and keep everybody in the rotation. It's a hard job, but that's what we're trying to do."

another leadership trait showing up more from Manu this season. Taking on some of the vocal duties usually left for the coach to say.

[mystargtr34]

Just think how much T-Mac would sell if he ever won a playoff series.

Imagine if Tim changed teams/number like nearly the rest of the list... he would probably jump all the way to 8th