Oliver's Twist: Santa Remembers Spurs In Phoenix

[duncan228]

Oliver's Twist: Santa remembers Spurs in Phoenix
Richard Oliver - Express-News

When Christmas dawns Thursday, it will find the Spurs far from the home hearth, rolling out of bed in Phoenix and preparing for a nationally televised showdown with the Suns.

It won't be the jolliest of times, what with the locals hoping to deck the halls of US Airways Center with the viscera of San Antonio's finest.

Other than Gregg Popovich's snow-white beard, the closest thing to Santa in those parts will be Shaq, so chubby and plump that neither reindeer nor elf would feel comfortable around him at mealtime.

Still, it is the Yuletide, and gifts are in order. Here's a few for our champs to find under the cactus:

For Tim Duncan: The complement of Ian Mahinmi, healthy, matured and fulfilling expectations. Soon would be nice.

For Tony Parker: A growing appreciation for Roger Mason Jr. He's the open guy in the corner with the sweetest jumper on the team.

For Manu Ginobili: Steve Nash and Jason Kidd trying to cover you. And failing, as always.

For Matt Bonner: A relief pitcher's mentality. There will be nights like New Orleans. But there also will be days like Oklahoma City. Keep firing, Rocket.

For Roger Mason Jr.: See Parker, above.

For George Hill: A continued lack of intimidation. The points and defense are nice, but a defining moment this season came last month against the Bulls. After Andres Nocioni hammered you on the shoulder to stop a drive, a flagrant foul, you responded the next time down the floor by taking it right back at him for a baseline layup. And smirked. Beautiful.

For Bruce Bowen: A long and gorgeous twilight.

For Popovich: A continued fine beard. From one hirsute, seasoned gent to another, I think it looks smashing.

[tp2021]

Damn Ian.

[T Park]

@ the comment on pop and his beard looking "smashing"