Professionalism pays off for Spurs reserves
Mike Monroe
Long after most Spurs practices have ended and the Big Three have either headed for home, or reported to the athletic trainers for some sort of treatment, the players at the end of the bench remain on the team's practice court for intensely compe ive, round-robin, one-on-one games.
At stake is nothing more than bragging rights for 24 hours, but the games are an exercise in professionalism for players like Ime Udoka, Jacque Vaughn, Malik Hairston and Fabricio Oberto.
Udoka had played 10 minutes in the five games that preceded the Spurs' back-to-back home games against the Mavericks and Trail Blazers on Tuesday and Wednesday. He logged slightly more than 29 minutes in those two. His defense contributed to holding both teams under 40 percent shooting.
The one-on-one games contribute to his being ready for the opportunity.
“If you're not getting the time on the court, you've got to make it up somehow,” said Udoka, who had six points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals against the Trail Blazers. “There's no way to simulate real game action, but if you play one-on-one like that, it also helps you get some energy and frustration out and work up some sweat.”
Injuries to Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan created opportunity for Udoka, and he was ready to take advantage.
“We've got a group of character guys,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “(Ime) earns his money. Whether he's playing or not, he's ready to play. Guys like him and Jacque, and Fab, when he was sitting, do what they're supposed to do to be ready to help their teammates. That's just a tribute to their character.”
After having a regular place in the game-night playing rotation last season, adjusting to spot duty isn't easy.
“You just have to accept that one night you might not play at all, and another night, you might get significant minutes,” Udoka said. “You have to mentally prepare yourself for it.
“It's not what you'd like. It's not ideal. But if you keep your mental side right and you're ready for all situations, all it takes is one game to get back in the mix.”
Udoka gained a spot in the Spurs' mix last season because of his defensive tenacity and toughness. With Duncan's right knee ailing, his defensive traits are useful to the Spurs.
“We're a smaller, quicker, scrappy team,” Udoka said of the Duncan-less Spurs. “That's how we've been the last two games, out there hustling, and getting each others' backs. That's the one thing Pop has commented on, both at halftime and after the game: the defensive effort.
“That's what we're going to have to do to make up for the lack of scoring with Tim out.”
great story..if spurs keep playing with this kind of intensity, the fifth one is going back to Spurs. It is actually what spurs lack before, keep fighting and playing with high intensity...I guess Duncan should rest his knees and manu should take his time resting and get ready for playoffs. I believe in this team. You should too...
Hope Pop can give the youngins more time with the combined 55-60 mins between Tim and Manu up for grabs tomo.
The Spurs are playing at such a high level. No doubt professional pride to show what they are capable of in the absence of Timmy and Manu are fueling their drive. These last few games just prove what Spurs fans know -- the team plays best when under adversity. When lesser team would find an excuse to unravel, this team pulls together and achieves greatness. One can only hope that the team maintains this focus and cohesion when the 2 big guns return. Having a healthy Big 3 will mean reduced minutes for some of the guys. Perhaps ther may be a bit of complacency and they won't take their opponents as seriously as they do now. Still, this is a special moment in the season when the Spurs have rediscovered themselves and are playing their best BB. And fans are loving it.
Spurs reserves got TD and Manu's backs
Thats a long article, almost long enough to kind of dismiss the FACT that Dallas ing sucks.
NBA Scoreboard lists Udoka having no steals.
Should I be surprised?
dude.. i got emotional reading this... they really thrive when they see a teammate struggling or going down... god i love the Spurs...
Those practice videos that spursdotcom posts usually show guys like Fab and Ime after practice putting in the extra time. Its good to see its paying off. I loved Ime's defense last night.
That 's true, but the Spurs have LOST to lesser teams with and without a complete big 3 this season. No win against the Mavs (or any team for that matter) is insignificant.
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