not sure if it's been posted already
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns
SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Spurs forward Tim Duncan sat out Tuesday night’s game against Minnesota in a move aimed at keeping the All-Star fresh for the playoffs.
Coming off a loss Monday night at Oklahoma City, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he wanted to limit the number of back-to-back games Duncan plays down the stretch.
Duncan missed three games in late February with a right quad injury. His scoring average of 15.1 points in the nine games since coming back is about five points below his average before the injury.
The Spurs have three more back-to-backs the rest of the season. Popovich suggested that doesn’t mean Duncan will sit out a game in each of those sets.
Duncan to sit out Spurs-Wolves
By Mike Monroe
Acknowledging some concern about Tim Duncan's sore knees, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decided to have his All-Star power forward sit out Tuesday's game at the AT&T Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the second game of a set of back-to-back games.
"Timmy will sit tonight in the back-to back," Popovich said. "He doesn't love it, but I just think it's important for him to be fresh and healthy for the end of the season. I think one way to do it is to limit the number of back-to-backs you play in down the stretch. That's what I'm doing."
Duncan sat out three games, from Feb. 24-27, with tendonosis in his right quadriceps. He returned for the Spurs' March 1 game at Portland, and had not missed a game since.
Popovich said Duncan's knees have bothered him at various times this season, but stressed that Duncan would have preferred to suit up for Tuesday's game.
"From time to time, Timmy's knees will bother him and it will affect his lay to some degree," Popovich said. "For the most part, he's had to deal with that more than people would know, and done a great job with always being there for us. I'm just forcing him to sit."
We'll be fine...More time for Gooden.
I'm happy with the move. Still doesn't give SA an excuse to lay an egg tonight. If anything we should see Gooden play more minutes than ever.
good move, hopefully we respond well tonight.
I hope so. It leaves a bitter taste to lose Duncan in a game that we chose to lose. Hopefully his teammates feel the same.
Tim deserves a break for this game! Btw: Am I the only person that forgets the NBA during march madness and does not watch a game until after?
One of the best decisions recently!!!
We're going to see this from here out. I hope it will serve what Pop wants it to, keeping Duncan as fresh as possible for the Playoffs.
I'm glad Pop made it clear that Duncan has been dealing with this, "more than people would know." If I read one more post about Duncan being bored, lazy, or not caring, I think I'll explode.
Can't complain about the move. Duncan appears to be at about 75-80%. Without him near 100%, the Spurs can kiss their championship hopes goodbye. Heck, they can kiss their second round hopes goodbye.
And@ those who said Duncan has been "not focused", "soft", "loafing" or whatever.
great move, i cant wait to see gooden go off
Can't complain about the move. Duncan appears to be at about 75-80%. Without him near 100%, the Spurs can kiss their championship hopes goodbye. Heck, they can kiss their second round hopes goodbye.
And
The Spurs have won a championship with Duncan not at 100% before and i know they can do it again.
The emergance of Parker as a Superstar and the return of SUPERMANu would cover up for a 85% Duncan. Also add the fact that the Spurs have another low post option in Gooden.
Duncan is much more injured now than he was in 2005.
@ Gooden making up for an injured Duncan.
but but but they have to have manu not duncan just ask the media and popCan't complain about the move. Duncan appears to be at about 75-80%. Without him near 100%, the Spurs can kiss their championship hopes goodbye. Heck, they can kiss their second round hopes goodbye.
And
Damn... We should’ve won last night.
Good move though.
TD is really hurt now
I hope he can be fine in the playoffs
I agree. And I think the knees are harder to 'play through' than the ankles were.
I'm fine with Pop decision but now it's going to be a tough tough game tonite.
Tim didn't look good yesterday. He was walking gingerly. You could notice the discomfort.
actually Tim was great yesterday, until the 2nd quarter when everyone decided to suck. I see him being back near 95% towards the end of the season.
Duncan is much more injured now than he was in 2005.
Of course Gooden cant fill the shoes of Duncan. Thats not what i was implying. Another low post option was all i said. Something Duncan hasnt had before.
As far as Duncan being more injured. Yea i would agree but lets see how he looks come playoff time.
What's even more troubling is that Gooden's been dealing with nagging injuries as well, so there's no telling how he's going to hold up over the long run. If he's putting ice bags on his groin after 15 minutes of PT, then how he going to manage playing 30+, if needed.
Injuries have definitely been the recurring theme of this season, and it doesn't look like its going to change going into the playoffs.
Why do you think I said he's been our most consistent player this season. It's obvious to most Duncan fans that he is not 100%. When he was feeling better he was dominating. I still question him when he stops to complain rather than get back on defense like the last game, but Tim's effort is pretty tough to question.Can't complain about the move. Duncan appears to be at about 75-80%. Without him near 100%, the Spurs can kiss their championship hopes goodbye. Heck, they can kiss their second round hopes goodbye.
And
I'm very happy with this decision. Very tactical and aims for the bigger picture.
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