Spurs notebook: Veterans afforded rest in back-to-back

[Kori Ellis]

Spurs notebook: Veterans afforded rest in back-to-back

Web Posted: 12/11/2005 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...k.32f7291.html

ATLANTA — For the second time in as many nights, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich chose to give one of the team's older players the evening off.

After not playing Robert Horry during Friday's victory over Boston, Popovich held Nick Van Exel out of the lineup Saturday. In both cases, Popovich told the players before the game they likely would not play.

"With a back-to-back, I'd just like to get those guys some rest," Popovich said.

Before the season began, Popovich said he wanted to avoid overworking Horry and Van Exel and would probably look for opportunities to get the pair some extra rest. He planned to hold Horry out of the Nov. 21 game in Sacramento until a late rally by the Kings prompted him to use the veteran forward for the final three minutes.

Popovich said he looked at matchups in deciding whom to rest. With the Celtics playing a trio of bulky big men, he used Nazr Mohammed and Fabricio Oberto instead of Horry. The Hawks brought Tyronn Lue — whose quickness might have made for a difficult evening for Van Exel — off the bench, so Popovich used Beno Udrih to back up Tony Parker.

Udrih went 0 for 4 in 10 minutes.

Willis watches: Former Spurs center Kevin Willis visited with the team Saturday night.

Willis, who played last season with Atlanta, remains unsigned. He turned 43 on Sept. 6, but said he's not ready to retire.

"I haven't called to say I'm done yet," Willis said. "No way. I could play this year for sure."

Willis lives in Atlanta and has continued to work out while waiting for a team to call. His men's fashion business also has seen a e in sales since the NBA implemented its new dress code.

"That was a blessing in disguise," he said. "I'm going to keep plugging away at it."

Patient Duncan: Tim Duncan didn't officially take his first shot of the second half until 5:50 remained in the game.

Atlanta had something to do with that. Zaza Pachulia and Josh Smith took turns guarding Duncan, and the Hawks also tried to run another defender at him when he started to make a move.

Duncan's teammates "didn't overlook him," Popovich said. "They were aware he was on the court."

Ginobili tweaks wrist: Manu Ginobili banged his right wrist after getting knocked to the court. He had it iced after the game, but said the injury wasn't serious.

Hot Hawks: The Hawks shot 28 percent in the first quarter then made 29 of their 52 attempts (55.8 percent) the rest of the game.

"Our weakside defense was bad," Parker said.

Atlanta also did a better job of moving the ball.

"I hope this was a learning lesson for our young guys," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "It was fun to watch."

Briefly: The loss prevented the Spurs from securing their best record after 20 games. Their 16-4 mark is the same as last season's. ... The Spurs made only 12 of 22 free throws. Duncan and Ginobili accounted for eight of the misses. ... Former University of Texas guard Royal Ivey has started the past four games for Atlanta. ... David Robinson sat courtside with his son. Robinson made the trip to Atlanta with the team.

[Kori Ellis]

Ginobili tweaks wrist: Manu Ginobili banged his right wrist after getting knocked to the court. He had it iced after the game, but said the injury wasn't serious.

I know that Manu plays hard, but damn, take some vitamins or something. He gets banged up enough to have something noted in the paper after almost every game.

Willis, who played last season with Atlanta, remains unsigned. He turned 43 on Sept. 6, but said he's not ready to retire.

"I haven't called to say I'm done yet," Willis said. "No way. I could play this year for sure."

I wonder if some team will give him a chance. There's some really bad big men in the league at the end of benches. I'd think he could get a job.

[Leetonidas]

Kevin Willis is still around? I would love to see him at the end of the bench again.

Anyone remember that three-pointer from half-court he hit against the Lakers? Good times.

[Rummpd]

Why does a reserve need rest on a back to back - Pop is taking this too far IMO?

[ducks]

the regular season means jack except for seedings
and the spurs played 100 games last year
no use overworking the players at around 20 games
spurs want them ready in june
I would be glad to take a loss this early in the season to make sure horry and nve have something left in JUNE

[LittleGeneral]

Anyone remember that three-pointer from half-court he hit against the Lakers? Good times.

Reminds me of a Jerome Kersey shot in the playoffs a few years back for some reason.

[boutons]

"take a loss this early in the season to make sure horry and nve have something left in JUNE"

The Hawks assures absolutely nothing for June.

[GoSpurs21]

Why does a reserve need rest on a back to back - Pop is taking this too far IMO?

cause they're old...really old