Grades: Spurs vs. Rockets - Feb. 1

[timvp]

It was a tale of two halves at the AT&T Center on Wednesday night. In the first half, the Rockets dominated the action and were able to build a 19-point lead. To begin the third quarter, Houston was still giving the Spurs fits.

Thankfully, in the middle of the third quarter the defense tightened and the offense caught fire. The Spurs held the Rockets without a field goal for six minutes in the third quarter and were able to trim a 14-point deficit to four points heading into the fourth.

In the final stanza, it was a one-possession game most of the quarter until Matt Bonner drained a three-pointer to push the lead to five points with a minute left. The Rockets never threatened again and the Spurs escaped with a 99-91 win.

While the comeback win was fun to witness, the total lack of energy and focus coming out of the gates was troubling. With the Rodeo Road Trip approaching, San Antonio desperately needs to find some consistency if they are going to survive this stretch.



Tim Duncan A+
This was a throwback game for Tim Duncan. With the Spurs circling the drain, Duncan started doing work in the low block and kept pounding away until he carried the team back into contention. Eschewing his jumper, Duncan remained in the paint all night and made the Rockets pay for not sending more help his way. When he wasn't scoring on the block, he was getting to the line. Defensively, he also played really well. None of the Rockets bigs got much going in the paint and Duncan was the main reason. Overall, this was just a classic case of Duncan having an amazing will to win. He richly deserves that night off tomorrow.

Tony Parker B+
Tony Parker was scratching and clawing throughout the game. The Rockets were making things really hard for him but he kept attacking. In the second half, he finally cracked their defense and started to create for himself and others. Defensively, when he was mentally engaged, he was really good. However, he did have some mental lapses on both sides of the court -- especially in the first half -- and that brought down the level of his overall performance a bit.

Richard Jefferson C-
The good news: Richard Jefferson continues to be aggressive with his shot. The bad new: Everything else. His defensive was embarrassingly bad at times, especially when it came to transition and closing out on shooters. He didn't bother to grab a rebound or do much of anything other than shoot.

DeJuan Blair C+
Defensively, DeJuan Blair deserves some of the credit for helping shut down Luis Scola. His activity on that end was evident by the four steals he recorded. On the offensive end, Blair was a liability. He wasn't getting open, he was making poor decisions and was basically just getting in the way. Those four offensive rebounds were the only positives for Blair on offense tonight.

Kawhi Leonard D
Last game, Kawhi Leonard had perhaps the best outing of his young career. Tonight might have been the worst. In his limited minutes, he helped allow Kevin Martin to get off to a sizzling start. Offensively, he hesitated at times and then was too aggressive at other times. As has been the case all season, Leonard is in desperate need of a niche on the offensive end.

Gary Neal B+
Typically, you don't want Gary Neal to use up as many offensive possessions as he did tonight. However, with most of the role players struggling to create offense, Neal's aggression was needed. It was often unsightly but he helped generate enough points to be an asset. On defense, he wasn't very good overall but he did draw two charging fouls that played a sizable role in the comeback. On the play right before Bonner hit his crucial three-pointer late in the fourth, Neal drew a charge in transition against Courtney Lee.

Danny Green B
Through three quarters, Danny Green was having a bad game. Roy Williams, Green's college coach at North Carolina, was sitting in the front row and Green seemed to play like he was too excited. Even the simple plays were difficult for Green. But then the fourth quarter began and everything changed. After missing his first five shots, Green hit all three of his field goal attempts in the fourth and also created a handful of opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he went from being a liability to being a disruptive difference-maker. Green's fourth quarter was so good that it made up for his ugly play up until that point.

Matt Bonner A-
This had to be the best game of Matt Bonner's life in which he only made one field goal. Defensively, his ability to help out on screens might have been the main reason why the Rockets struggled to score in the second half. He just kept reading the plays exactly right and helped keep Houston from getting the ball where they wanted it to go. Bonner also did great work on the boards on that end. Offensively, he didn't do much but that one shot he hit was the biggest bucket of the game.

Tiago Splitter B+
In Tiago Splitter's 17 minutes, he did good work. When he got an opportunity on the low block, the result was usually a basket for him or a good look for a teammate. His pick-and-roll game was really good, especially with Parker. On offense, the only problem is Splitter doesn't get the ball enough right now. Defensively, he defended Scola well and whoever else he matched up against. He rebounded, hustled and was consistently in good help position. It was just an all-around solid night by the Brazilian.

James Anderson B-
With the Spurs down, Pop turned to James Anderson. And while Anderson didn't play quite as well as he did the last time he got extended minutes, he definitely played a role in jump-starting the team. Defensively, he was active and was successfully able to chase his man around screens. Offensively, though he missed all but one of his shots, Anderson was creating opportunities by running the floor. Like Bonner, Anderson picked the right shot to hit: a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter that helped shift the momentum.

Pop A-
Usually I'd complain about Splitter playing only 17 minutes but tonight Bonner actually deserved to be on the court. When Bonner is hustling, rebounding and playing tough, I have no problem rewarding him. Pop sticking with a struggling Green rather than going back to Jefferson turned out to absolutely be the right decision. Pulling the plug on Leonard was called for, as was playing Neal big minutes. All in all, I can't really complain about anything Pop did tonight … well, other than that time he motioned to Green to back off of Kyle Lowry and Lowry responded by hitting a three-pointer in Green's eye.

[Robz4000]

God, been waiting for this. Great write-up! Tim and Tony were absolute beasts tonight. They need to play like this more often, especially on the road. Glad you mentioned Blair's D on Scola. His offense was horrid, but at least he kept Scola from going off like usual. If he had there's no way we climb back into this game. Leonard really didn't do much wrong, Martin always has a way of making ridiculous shots fall, most oftenly against the Spurs; can't really teach a way to defend that.

You should've given Bonner a solid A tbh. When's the last time we saw such a good game out of him sans the other night? Hope he can keep it up. Jefferson honestly deserved a D. Although he shot a bit more aggressively, his lack of effort everywhere else is deplorable, and he was part of the energy issue in the first half. Glad he didn't play in the second half.

Neal was Nealing with it like usual. Green's grade is warranted, but I don't think he was all that bad in the first three quarters, other than some dumb fouls/mistakes. Anderson needs to get minutes like this every night, period; time for him to sink or swim for good. Same with Tiago, time to see if him and Duncan actually can work together (although, as you mentioned, with Bonner doing as well as he did he needed to remain in the game). There are times where I truly question Pop's sanity, then in the end I just second-guess myself. At any rate, I'm glad to have him as our coach.

Even though they shat the bed early, this was definitely one of the best wins this season. Just like the Dallas game, but the team managed to pull out the comeback in the end.

[ElNono]

Thanks for the writeup, LJ

[cheguevara]

Matt Bonner fan

[Cane]

Good stuff. Parker looked much better in the 2nd half and looks like an all star. Duncan was able to abuse the Rockets frontcourt as he should, hopefully he can take the post work and gets a break from the ASG...

Did Scola get hurt in the game though? He only played 24 mins which is down from his average of 30 mpg, but I don't remember the announcers saying anything about why he wasn't on the floor. Maybe McHale put him in the doghouse.

[Caeman]

I'm a firm believer that when Matt touches the ball (but doesn't shoot) then all the guards need to be rolling towards him to receive the ball back. If they don't then Tragic is sure to follow.

[Dex]

Pop A-
Usually I'd complain about Splitter playing only 17 minutes but tonight Bonner actually deserved to be on the court. When Bonner is hustling, rebounding and playing tough, I have no problem rewarding him. Pop sticking with a struggling Green rather than going back to Jefferson turned out to absolutely be the right decision. Pulling the plug on Leonard was called for, as was playing Neal big minutes. All in all, I can't really complain about anything Pop did tonight … well, other than that time he motioned to Green to back off of Kyle Lowry and Lowry responded by hitting a three-pointer in Green's eye.

Edit: was Martin, not Lowry.

I think Pop had the right idea. Green was playing Martin out near the half-court stripe and was virtually begging to be drove right around, which would have probably ended up in an even-more-open look for another Rocket after the Spurs rotated to help. Spacing Martin was smart...Green just retreated a step too far back. He was hanging behind the three-point line instead of staying outside at the top of the arc. If he stands outside the stripe, I doubt Martin puts up that 30-footer...and even though he made it, it's still hard to call that a quality shot. I'll take a rushed, semi-contested long-three from a moderate shooter over an open shot every day of the week...if he makes it, you just tip your hat and get back on D.

After the play and ensuing timeout, it looked like Pop was telling Green the same thing...space him, but still contest the three-point line. I wouldn't blame Green for being frustrated though....he tried to take his coach's advice, and got burned for it.

[Borosai]

Matty's just moving the bowels he's supposed to move.

[jjktkk]

Solid writeup Tim, thanks.

[silverblk mystix]

Pop A-
Usually I'd complain about Splitter playing only 17 minutes but tonight Bonner actually deserved to be on the court. When Bonner is hustling, rebounding and playing tough, I have no problem rewarding him. Pop sticking with a struggling Green rather than going back to Jefferson turned out to absolutely be the right decision. Pulling the plug on Leonard was called for, as was playing Neal big minutes. All in all, I can't really complain about anything Pop did tonight … well, other than that time he motioned to Green to back off of Kyle Lowry and Lowry responded by hitting a three-pointer in Green's eye.


You guys are masochists.

You never learn that Bonner is fools gold. So he had a good game....

Well he in' plays extended minutes EVERY IN' GAME!!!!!! If you play a chimpanzee the same minutes Bonner gets the Spurs would have the best record in the in' league.

I can't wait til the playoffs when Pop and "Matty" break your in hearts again...

Now you are getting all these other sheep in here to forget all about the last three post seasons and already I see the "if Bonner plays like tonight...I don't really mind....ad nauseum....

17 IN MINUTES FOR TIAGO

Pop is a in moron.

[Invision]

You mad Bro?

[Blake]

I can't wait til the playoffs when Pop and "Matty" break your in hearts again...

so you can't wait for the Spurs demise.

you're a wonderful fan, tbh.

[Robz4000]

Pop A-
Usually I'd complain about Splitter playing only 17 minutes but tonight Bonner actually deserved to be on the court. When Bonner is hustling, rebounding and playing tough, I have no problem rewarding him. Pop sticking with a struggling Green rather than going back to Jefferson turned out to absolutely be the right decision. Pulling the plug on Leonard was called for, as was playing Neal big minutes. All in all, I can't really complain about anything Pop did tonight … well, other than that time he motioned to Green to back off of Kyle Lowry and Lowry responded by hitting a three-pointer in Green's eye.


You guys are masochists.

You never learn that Bonner is fools gold. So he had a good game....

Well he in' plays extended minutes EVERY IN' GAME!!!!!! If you play a chimpanzee the same minutes Bonner gets the Spurs would have the best record in the in' league.

I can't wait til the playoffs when Pop and "Matty" break your in hearts again...

Now you are getting all these other sheep in here to forget all about the last three post seasons and already I see the "if Bonner plays like tonight...I don't really mind....ad nauseum....

17 IN MINUTES FOR TIAGO

Pop is a in moron.

Dat sum mad? We're not saying we approve Bonner playing over Splitter, but if Bonner's actually being productive, on top of Timmy playing balls-to-the-walls and more than likely not playing tomorrow, it's best to just save Splitter to on the Hornets tomorrow.

[Blake]

Tim Duncan -

I can't say I've seen him play at this level in at least the last 30+ games, maybe longer.

His post moves were quick and he was moving incredibly well around the basket. He was in at least 2007 form tonight......maybe even 2006......

[jjktkk]

Now you are getting all these other sheep in here to forget all about the last three post seasons and already I see the "if Bonner plays like tonight...I don't really mind....ad nauseum....

17 IN MINUTES FOR TIAGO

Pop is a in moron.

Lol, Tim is a shepard? Lol, whose the moron?

[MI21]

Tim was doing work against a very good defender in Dalembert, who has given Tim issues before. Thought he was going a bit quicker on the block and I even seen a left hand hook. Very nice!

I thought Parker really picked up the defense in the second half, it was reminding me of the Parker of 05/05 defensively. Very solid.

I really think Green is progressing well. If he wasn't such a spark, I would say start him, but I think the bench needs him. He isn't fantastic at any one thing, but he is pretty good at nearly everything (fighting screens withstanding). This was another solid game for him.

Blair seems to be a bit more active defending the post which is nice. Offensively though, he seems to be losing more hop, speed and agility each week. Worrying.

RJ, gtfo you worthless chump.

[MI21]

Btw, anyone notice Jefferson seems to show more intensity cheering from the bench than he does on the court? Dude can be counted on to jump up and punch the air when a team mate does something good. Ask him to box out hard and rebound or close out correctly, er does nothing.

[Sean Cagney]

Btw, anyone notice Jefferson seems to show more intensity cheering from the bench than he does on the court? Dude can be counted on to jump up and punch the air when a team mate does something good. Ask him to box out hard and rebound or close out correctly, er does nothing.

I agree, can't stand that dude personally.

[angelbelow]

Btw, anyone notice Jefferson seems to show more intensity cheering from the bench than he does on the court? Dude can be counted on to jump up and punch the air when a team mate does something good. Ask him to box out hard and rebound or close out correctly, er does nothing.

Haha, no one can question his off court professionalism.

Bonner's finally giving more effort on defense, maybe he's finally in shape or his injury healed.

Glad the Rockets cooled down, their shooting in the first 2 quarters was a bit ridiculous and luckily it didn't last all game.

[ChumpDumper]

lol silverblk meltdown

[Cry Havoc]

Confused why Gary Neal only gets a B+ when he and Duncan were the only players who could hit anything for a long stretch there in the 3rd. Guy balled tonight. And that no look pass alone to Duncan underneath was sick.

[Brutalis]

We won because we got home cooking and got the calls. Nothing else to say about it.

[therealtruth]

Dat sum mad? We're not saying we approve Bonner playing over Splitter, but if Bonner's actually being productive, on top of Timmy playing balls-to-the-walls and more than likely not playing tomorrow, it's best to just save Splitter to on the Hornets tomorrow.

As much as Pop likes to manage the regular season at some point he is going to have to get serious about roles and rotation. And like we saw last season with Dice starting doing it later in the season can cause problems.

[Darkwaters]

As much as Pop likes to manage the regular season at some point he is going to have to get serious about roles and rotation. And like we saw last season with Dice starting doing it later in the season can cause problems.

With this condensed season though it's kind of hard. Depth is the ultimate strength right now - without it our guys would just get burned out way too often. While playoff roles and rotations are important, right now I think it's better to play as much of the bench as you can while still winning.

[benefactor]

Very nice win. Good to see them not mail it in after such a horrible start. The Spurs youngsters have shown some pretty impressive resiliency this year.