Duncan and Manu logged 38 minutes tonight....

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Now, I'm happy as for the win over a very solid Hornets team, but is anyone else somewhat concerned with these guys logging big minutes for this early in the season? I mean, yeah it's post ASG break, but considering Manu usually averages 29-30 minutes a game, and has been a bigger focus on the offense than ever before I just hope he doesn't burn himself out come April/May.



So are all these minutes due to the lack of bench production?

Maybe when Tony gets in rhythm we can get see more balance with Gino and TD's minutes?


Nice to see SA on a nice little win streak

[loveforthegame]

I'm hoping tonight was due to the fact Pop wanted the game. He's been using the bench and they've been providing in one area or another. Tonight, however, he hardly used them.

Finley's been playing well but I noticed he had a wrap on his right calf. Maybe injured? Of course, that wouldn't make sense to sit him a quarter at a time with no way to warm up.

Horry, Stoudamire, and Udoka are providing some nice minutes.

Bonner is finally getting a few minutes again but not much to prove anything.

Vaughn barely saw time and when he did it was a mess.

The West is tough and it will come down to the wire but at some point you figure Pop will have to get Duncan (Thomas will help) and Ginobli some rest before the playoffs.

[AFBlue]

Until Tony starts to shoulder more of the offensive load again, I think you'll see Manu spending ALOT of time on the court.

Getting Brent back would also allow for more rest for Ginobili as well...

[td4mvp21]

Well remember, we were playing horrible and without Parker so we needed those guys to play big minutes. We are starting to play better but still not the best we can. I expect there will be plenty of games for the Big Three to rest, specifically Duncan and Parker. I think they are ok for now, but if they start showing signs of fatigue, Pop should lay off a little. Then again, homecourt advantage could make or break a series.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I'm also hoping Pop has to up the minutes because there was a point where we were 2.5 games out of a playoff spot, so Pop had to become a little bit more risque' with the minutes to insure some wins due to the tight west race.

[duncan228]

Duncan's minutes have been bothering me for a while now.
I know Pop has had to do what he needs to, especially when Parker was out.
I'm hoping it settles now.

The one thing that helped me was reading a quote from Duncan that he feels good on the court and the minutes weren't hurting him.
I have faith that they know what they're doing.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I think Pop is thinking this year is different and isn't going to be as conservative as the years before, and if you really think about they're still under 40.

Still I'd like to See Tim and Manu play 32-35. I think Manu's three ball has allowed him to conserve a little more energy, because I noticed he hasnt' looked as winded like he was when he scored 37 in the Mavs and Jazz games..

If it helps you feel any better Tim said he wasn't affected, on one of his comments in the last week.

[ducks]

Manu Needs Tp To Get Back 100% Soon
Otherwise He Might Already Be Spent
Big Game But Got To Keep Him Minutes Down A Few
Mike Finley Landed A Egg Tonight
Manu Needs Him To Go Off So He Can Be On The Bench A Few And Rest And Be Ready For Playoffs

[ElNono]

Lose 4 games and you're out of the playoffs. Ask NO, that lost 2 in a row and went from 1 to 5 seed. Once we get to 55 wins and clinch a spot in the playoffs, Pop will tune down the minutes.

[greens]

You know...normally I don't like when TD and Manu play that many minutes...just because I want them to have a ton of energy left for the playoffs...

BUT it seems to be that Manu especially is not having much trouble with bigger minutes...He has been playing 38-40 minutes for a while now...and has been getting 44pts, 46pts, 30pts, etc...So it looks like it doesn't bother him...And TD too has been doing exceptionally well...

Yet, I don't know...because you do want them to be fresh for the playoffs, it's a long journey...

I'm also super excited that Tony is back! He looked pretty good in the last two games being back. And his minutes were bigger tonight...

As for the line ups, it looks like today's line up is working...Udoka/Stoudemire/Finley/Horry are playing so much better lately, off the bench.

[Hemotivo]

Manu Needs Tp To Get Back 100% Soon
Otherwise He Might Already Be Spent
Big Game But Got To Keep Him Minutes Down A Few
Mike Finley Landed A Egg Tonight
Manu Needs Him To Go Off So He Can Be On The Bench A Few And Rest And Be Ready For Playoffs

iagree

[boutons_]

Pop wanted to win

[smeagol]

Manu Needs Tp To Get Back 100% Soon
Otherwise He Might Already Be Spent
Big Game But Got To Keep Him Minutes Down A Few
Mike Finley Landed A Egg Tonight
Manu Needs Him To Go Off So He Can Be On The Bench A Few And Rest And Be Ready For Playoffs

Stop capitalizing every ing word.

It's hard to read you posts as it was, don't add another complication . . .

[san antonio spurs]

Pop wanted to win

Exactly. This season is really different from the others because the margin of error is so slim. Tonight the hornets were the 1st seed and at the end of the game they are now the 5th seed.
Tony needs to be healthy enough and the bench has to produce more so Pop can rest some of the starters.

[m33p0]

spurs can't afford to lose too many games down the stretch this year that's why they're playing more than their usual share of minutes. if the spurs could win enough games to secure a top seed, look for pop to reduce their minutes... even sacrifice the last couple of games even if it is against the jazz.

[WalterBenitez]

I'm hoping tonight was due to the fact Pop wanted the game. He's been using the bench and they've been providing in one area or another. Tonight, however, he hardly used them.

Finley's been playing well but I noticed he had a wrap on his right calf. Maybe injured? Of course, that wouldn't make sense to sit him a quarter at a time with no way to warm up.

Horry, Stoudamire, and Udoka are providing some nice minutes.

Bonner is finally getting a few minutes again but not much to prove anything.

Vaughn barely saw time and when he did it was a mess.

The West is tough and it will come down to the wire but at some point you figure Pop will have to get Duncan (Thomas will help) and Ginobli some rest before the playoffs.

Those kids and Thomas would provide quality minutes, keeping the level of intensity and scoring (I hope so).

[Deimosfobos]

Lose 4 games and you're out of the playoffs. Ask NO, that lost 2 in a row and went from 1 to 5 seed. Once we get to 55 wins and clinch a spot in the playoffs, Pop will tune down the minutes.

This...

The west is harder than ever... there are 7-8 teams really close, we can't afort to lose to many games this year. Get to the playoffs first, then start resting the players.

[TDfan2007]

I'm not too worried. Tim is the best conditioned player on the team after Tony so I doubt the extra 3 minutes are affecting him much. But the extra minutes for Manu do bug me since the guy plays like the tazmanian devil for every second he's on the floor.

[ChuckD]

No one on the Spurs is averaging over 35 minutes...again.

[ducks]

pop knew the spurs only play two games this week that is why he played them as many minutes

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I think people here are overlooking an important point. Manu's recent surge in scoring has come from his ability to rely more often than not on his jumper. The reason Manu hadn't been able to play as many minutes in the past was because of his reckless style of play. He'd slash to the rim and get murdered. Now, with him shooting the lights out, I believe it will allow him to play more minutes. This is a good development people.

[Solid D]

Manu won't feel the extra minutes until the Summer Olympics. It's Pop's contribution to Team USA's success in Beijing.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Manu won't feel the extra minutes until the Summer Olympics. It's Pop's contribution to Team USA's success in Beijing.

I'm actually considerably worried about this. Not because of the Olympics which are important in their own right, but what about next season? I don't think Manu can possibly keep playing the minutes he's playing right now, AND play in the Olympics, AND be back at %100 next season. I really do think Manu should retire from international play, god knows he's done enough for us Argies.