Reply With Quote
Finally you got
With a 117-112 victory over the Kings on Wednesday night, the Spurs put the finishing touches on an impressive sweep of a stretch that saw San Antonio play six games in eight nights. While it wasn't pretty, especially on the defensive end, the overall effort by this squad was so commendable that I really can't complain.
While the Kings never led in the game, the score was close virtually the entire night. After Isaiah Thomas hit a three-pointer to cut San Antonio's lead to one-point with 7:05 remaining in the game, the Spurs went on a 10-4 run over the next three minutes to finally get some separation. That run included two points and two assists from Tony Parker and two hoops by Tim Duncan.
This current six-game winning streak has the Spurs 2.5 games behind the Thunder for first place in the Western Conference. And suddenly, the Spurs are only 4.5 games behind the Bulls for the best record in the NBA.
There's still a long ways to go but the Spurs are starting to look deep and quite dangerous. At the very least, it's fun to be a Spurs fan right now.
Tim Duncan A-
Considering that Tim Duncan has struggled to produce in back-to-back games this season, his performance against the Kings was better than expected. Defensively, he took on DeMarcus Cousins and did a really good job. He forced the burly headcase into a number of missed shots and turnovers, while offering adequate help elsewhere on the court. Offensively, I thought he got better and better as the game progressed. At first, Duncan wasn't moving very well but by the end of the night, he was a machine -- both scoring and passing the ball. All in all, Duncan had a much more well-rounded outing than he had against the Suns and he was arguably the main reason why the Spurs were able to pull out this victory.
Manu Ginobili B+
Playing in his first back-to-back since Feb. 15, Manu Ginobili looked strong. Perhaps the highlight of the entire game was the fact that Ginobili was able to finish off the Kings with a pair of high pick-and-rolls in which he just shredded Sacramento's defense. Seeing him have that much energy late in the game tells me Ginobili is starting to feel healthy. Offensively, he was a little bit loose with the ball but more than made up for it with precision shooting and great playmaking. As I've said a lot lately, Ginobili's feel for the game on offense is as good as I have ever seen it. Defensively, he wasn't as lively as he was against the Suns but he wasn't a liability.
Tony Parker B-
Tony Parker was playing in his fourth game in five nights and it was obvious he didn't have his legs. Defensively, he wasn't doing anything to thwart rookie Isaiah Thomas. Parker wasn't completely horrible on that end but he definitely was just going through the motions. On offense, it was difficult for him to get to the basket and he had to resort to passing from the perimeter more than usual. Thankfully, Parker found a way to make some plays and finished with double-digits in assists for the 11th time this season. Though he didn't play very well, I thought Parker's performance was gritty considering the cir stances.
Kawhi Leonard A-
I don't even know what to write about Kawhi Leonard anymore. I've run out of superlatives. The fascinating aspect of Leonard's play right now is he's making it look so easy. During the winning streak, he's averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in while shooting 55.9% from the floor, 42.9% on three-pointers and 88.9% at the line. I love that he has been extra aggressive in recent games. Sure, he'll make more mistakes playing that way, but it's also the only way he'll continue to grow as a player. Against the Kings, Leonard's defense was also very solid. His main opponent was Tyreke Evans and he shut him down.
DeJuan Blair B
Give credit to DeJuan Blair for playing hard during each of these six games. The execution was rarely perfect but it wasn't for a lack of effort. Offensively against the Kings, Blair was above average. His passing was excellent and he played a cleaner than usual game on that end. Defensively, Blair wasn't much of a factor. And honestly, for him that's a good thing. When Blair can blend into the background on defense and avoid standing out as a huge liability, that's a good thing.
Danny Green C
Coming into the game, Danny Green said his legs were tired. After watching him play, I believe him. He wasn't moving very well on the defensive end, didn't help out on the boards and was far from a disruptive force. Offensively, Green hit enough shots to help out but he wasn't creating anything extra. Even though his lack of vigor was understandable, this is another example of Green not helping his cause if he wants to remain the full-time starter.
Stephen Jackson B+
After his trade to San Antonio, Stephen Jackson told anyone who would listen that he just wants to win. Wednesday night proved that he wasn't lying. Jackson played a very smart game in all aspects. Defensively, while he gave up a few penetrations, he was usually quite good on that end. On offense, Jackson took what the defense gave him and didn't force anything. One missed shot and zero turnovers in 28 minutes of play? That's stunning efficiency for a player who has never been known to think twice.
Boris Diaw B-
This was the first time that Boris Diaw struggled on the defensive end while in a Spurs uniform. He was giving it his all but he was caught out of position a few times. A couple other times Diaw simply rotated to the wrong player, which is obviously something that he will eventually learn to correct. Offensively, even though Diaw didn't hit a shot, he was still an asset. His passing continues to be a beautiful fit in San Antonio's offense.
Gary Neal C+
Gary Neal visited both extremes while in Sacramento. At first, Neal was terrible. He couldn't dribble. He couldn't shoot. He shot selection was bad. His defense was putrid. But then Neal hit a difficult floater at the end of the third quarter ... and that ignited him. Over the course of one minute early in the fourth, Neal poured in seven points. Once his jumper started to fall, his defense improved and he seemed to get more comfortable in his skin. I'm not sure if his struggles are related to his injury, the footsteps he's hearing from Patty Mills or if it's simply just a random slump.
Tiago Splitter C
It was good to see Tiago Splitter back on the court after missing four games due to back spasms. Though his effort was laudable throughout, Splitter just didn't play up to his standards. Defensively, he got pushed around a lot and didn't do a good job protecting the rim. Offensively, he missed some shots he usually makes and his rolls to the basket weren't nearly as brisk as usual. Physically, Splitter looked stiff and he exhausted quickly. Let's hope he can quickly work himself back into shape and that his back will completely heal before the playoffs.
Patty Mills B+
Following Neal's disastrous first stint as backup point guard, Pop switched to Patty Mills in the second quarter. Mills didn't disappoint. He has never been afraid to shoot and his first shot as a Spur resulted in a made three-point field goal. He followed that up with a long two-pointer and a layup -- all in a span of three and a half minutes. So far, Mills is as quick as advertised and his outside jumper looks very smooth. Even though he's short, he has a quick release so he should be able to get it off consistently. And while I haven't seen any ball-handling issues, Mills' court vision does appear to be limited. All told, I'm happy with what I've seen out of him.
Pop A+
Five wins in six nights. Six wins in eight nights. That's all that can be said about Pop right now. In each game, he had a different set of players available to play. (Even against the Kings, the coaching staff had predetermined that Matt Bonner wasn't going to play more than a couple minutes.) Pop made it look easy but to work in three new players while the pieces to the puzzle constantly changed required quite a bit of high-level coaching. I thought he made a mistake by going back to Neal in the second half, yet Pop was absolutely right. Plus, I loved the closing quintet of Duncan, Leonard, Jackson, Ginobili and Parker. I hope we see a lot more of that.
Finally you got
Solid grades.
Duncan got so far into Cousins' head it wasn't even funny. The shove to the chest as he was running the court on the break for a dunk was the barn burner, Cousins couldn't think straight after that.
I hope Mills turns into the Spurs JJ Barrea just someone speedy who can give you points in different ways, and tough defense.
Matt: 0 minutes........+3
the King!
Thanks timvp!
And I agree, watching that closing lineup execute was beautiful.
A huge improvement of Parker, Hill, Ginobili, Jefferson, Duncan to say the least. Much better defensively and especially in the rebounding department.
I don't trust patty's quick trigger finger. Didn't like any of those shots he took. This team has enough guys to pour in points now
Disagree. Rewatched the game this morning and all shots he took were open.
If your open you shoot.
Thanks for the grades and writeup Tim.
Thanks for the grades.
Nice to see Matty getting some rest.
And you're right, what else can you say about Leonard. Just awesome!
I don't know what it is, but diminutive guards always seem to go off on us.
Thomas last night, Nate Robinson, JJ Barea and my all-time favorite pest Earl Boykins.
Mills is quick. He's sorta spastic but in a good way. He was the only one who was sticking with Thomas too. His shot looks sweet.
Diaw's passing is even more beautiful in person. A few times I thought he dribbled into trouble and the next thing I knew the ball was with someone else and they were scoring. Looked lost a couple times but he's very crafty.
Kings fans have been paying attention to Leonard. Those around me kept groaning when he'd do anything. Open shot: groan. Steal: groan. Defend Evans: groan. He makes it look so easy.
Ginobli looked fluid and his vintage self with attacks to the basket. Please stay healthy for the playoffs.
Jackson is aware of everything that's going on and was constantly calling out defensive assignments. He didn't rush anything and just played a very smart game.
Splitter looked tired but that's to be expected. Had some nice moves but trouble finishing. Very active and showed no signs of any back trouble.
I was so happy to see Neal have that little burst of offense. Hope that gets him going.
Not a bad thing to say about Duncan. It's always a pleasure to watch him play.
Thanks a lot, can't really take much from that game given the schedule aside maybe from Kahwi shooting the 3 ball better than anyone could have expected.
That said the burning question right now imo is : can Diaw get enough corporate knowledge in the short practice time coming up to move up to starting PF or at least 2nd and closing PF.
Hollinger thinks that Diaw was strictly signed as an insurance / 5th big.
Do we have a repeat of last year and Blair benched for a veteran (Duncan Diaw) or does Pop go twin tower (Duncan Splitter, sounds really unlikely against anyone but LAL and MEM maybe) or do we roll with Duncan Blair like kamikazes.
If Diaw starts, do we have enough playmaking in the first unit to have Manu come off the bench so that there's always either TP or Manu on the court?
I am going to say it....I love Leonard!
Good grades. Also, lol @ Bonner's +3. He plays not even a minute but still manages to get his positive +/-.
Like you guys I'm amazed at leonard, I loved george hill but I see why we made the trade. Manu and Diaw passing is just incredible. The depth is crazy. Sky's the limit!
'Well said, timvp. It won't be long before Kawhi reaches "essential" status. He's already replacing RJ's minutes....so the next stage for him is having people notice when he is goes to the bench to rest for a few minutes.
players going under screens led to another scrub getting his career night
pop cant ever get an A as long as he keeps allowing this
spurs will either play martin/lowry or lawson/afflalo in the first round if they hold onto 2nd seed
mostly quick guards who get to the basket
if spurs let them get hot from midrange well be seeing a first round exit again
James Anderson: 0 minutes - (-5).
Bonner owns the plus sign. Everyone else just rents it.
Considering they have Jimmer taken at 10 and Leonard was taken at 15
(I know acquiring Jimmer was part of a multiple team deal and unloading Beno, but still they could have had Leonard, Biyombo...)
I had forgotten whom Patty Mills was and where I had really seen him. Then I realized he had played on that really good Saint Mary's team a few years ago.
I like what he might be able to do for us. Looks like a real steal for the Spurs front office and hopefully go about furthering our depth at that combo PG/SG role and fill a similar role to that held by George Hill at some point (probably next year). Though Mills might be a little better at running the show and not as good at the SG spot. Time will tell.
For less than a million, well worth the gamble.
nice writeup
That's exactly what I was thinking after watching Mills defend Nash for a couple of minutes, he just won't give up on defense, he's a pest full-court pressing opposing PGs and making them work harder to get to their sweet spots.
Great write up! Thanks! I believe I'm paraphrasing you when I say, 'it's a great time to be a Spurs fan!'
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
