Tony Parker Returns Tonight

[alchemist]

just read this on rotowire, great great news!!!!

[ElNono]

I just cant wait for the unavoidable thread after Manu scores 'only' 24 points tonight...

[phyzik]

[dbestpro]

It must have been the SPAM he ate.

Spurs Parker As Manna.

[spurtilldeath]

Sorry, I didnt see the thread from TIMVP. My bad...please merge. Thanks.

[Kermit]

spam poops.

[urunobili]

[boutons_deux]

Temple must be peeing in his pants.

Good luck, Temple!! (it's only SAC, but we need ever W)

[Express-News]

Will the express news give credit to Spurstalk when they scoop the story?

[tlongII]

I think Sacto's going to give you a tough game tonight. Hill's out and Parker's playing limited minutes... It's not going to be easy for you to get into your offense. I see the game being in the mid-80's with the Kings having a shot at a W.

[NFGIII]

This is going to be interesting as to how Pop integrates TP over the rest of the regular season. Did TP notice how RJ's play elevated when he was given the ball more? You bet he did but can he do the same and still be TP? What is the starting lineup going to be come PO time? Manu starting or off the bench?

As of now this is really good news. Even though TP is coming back from injury his presence will help stablize the PG position. I really didn't like the prospect of just Manu being the sole playmaker. He has played lots of minutes and it looked like he was going to be asked to play even more. A tired Manu in the POs isn't a good idea.

Can't wait to see what happens. And Temple starting is really strange - as HarlemHeat37 previously stated. But if that gets under Mason's skin and makes him want to step up and show that he can be productive then so be it. This team needs all players to step up and help get a higher seed.

[ffadicted]

yes, attaboy tony, fast healer!!!
Maybe that's why he was smirking a lot during the interview about hill's injury, he knew pop would pretty much have to play him lol

[RC's Boss]

I'm ready!!!!!! B/C other than the game vs. the lakers, Duncan's number's have been LOW! He needs his pick & roll partner back. Manu makes Jefferson and Blair better, which is fine for the bench, but Tony makes Tim's numbers skyrocket!

[Bartleby]

I think Sacto's going to give you a tough game tonight. Hill's out and Parker's playing limited minutes... It's not going to be easy for you to get into your offense. I see the game being in the mid-80's with the Kings having a shot at a W.

Maybe, but I really doubt the Spurs let this one get away from them. The memories from the Nets game are still too fresh.

[boutons_deux]

Slomo must be on Easter Break.

[Gooshie]

I am assuming Temple starting has to do with Pop feeling more comfortable with him starting out on Evans instead of Mason. Personally, I can't stand the thought of Mason trying to guard Evans, so I like the move.

[SenorSpur]

I mentioned this as a possibility in the Hill's injury thread, it seemed logical..good to see the Spurs pushing hard for a better seed..the TP haters are going to be maaaaad..

Temple starting over Mason?..that's extremely strange IMO..

Temple's ballhandling is even worse than Mason's, and he's looked poor in every facet from what we've seen so far, although it's a small sample size..Temple also hasn't even been playing lately..I'll have to see it to believe it..maybe it's to get Mason going again?..

It is an interesting decision, but I can kind of understand it. While Mason is the superior shooter, he cannot get the basket well and has a terrible handle. On the defensive end, Temple is far superior to Mason. I'm sure Pop likes his length.

All that said, starting Temple alongside of Manu makes some sense because Manu can help offset and limit any of Temple's miscues.

[SenorSpur]

I am assuming Temple starting has to do with Pop feeling more comfortable with him starting out on Evans instead of Mason. Personally, I can't stand the thought of Mason trying to guard Evans, so I like the move.

Me too.

And hooray for the return of TP.

[SenorSpur]

yes, attaboy tony, fast healer!!!
Maybe that's why he was smirking a lot during the interview about hill's injury, he knew pop would pretty much have to play him lol

...and I just thought that chesire cat-like smirk was simply his Frenchie smugness.

[Spurs Brazil]

GREAT news

Welcome back Tony

[MannyIsGod]

Nice. Hope to see him play extremely well. I'm excited.

[tothrowed]

i hope the people on this team dont get timid with parker and duncan in there and try to give em the ball on every play

[Bruno]

Yep, Temple starting is for defensive purpose against Kings small backcourt of Udrih/Evans. Manu will be the PG on the offensive end.

I can see Parker playing more than 30 min tonight. He has been able to stay in shape during his injury and he is at 100%. The only thing that could limit him is if he has a protection on the hand.

[HarlemHeat37]

I understand the defensive strategy, it just seems strange to me that Pop would go with Temple this late in the season over Mason, I'm sure Mase won't be too happy..Temple's D has been very poor so far as a Spur, even though he has a defensive reputation..hopefully he steps up with the added pressure tonight..even with Mason's horrible D, the Spurs recent defensive resurgence has been more about the team D IMO, but hopefully it's a good move..

Hopefully he steps up though, I can't stand seeing Mason on the floor at this point, he's too much of a liability..I still think this is a move to motivate Mason IMO..

It's going to be scary whenever TP drives in the lane and somebody slaps down, but it'll be exciting to see him out there..I assume he's going to have a lot of his speed and quickness back with this long rest..has he spoken about his PF and other injuries recently?..

[Flux451]

Hopefully Curtis or Alonzo are activated also. Crossing fingers that everyone can remain healthy.

EDIT:

I love how introverted the SPurs org. is about injuries and returns. No one saw this coming. TP back tonight, awesome. I look on ESPN and it says Johnson will be back with Hawks in two days.