Friday, March 19th, 2010...8:28 pm
San Antonio Spurs 147, Golden State Warriors 116
Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson got himself ejected from the game with 2:42 remaining in the first quarter. His team mailed it in long before that.
Between the quick-hitting inbounds plays, one pass layup lines and Matt Bonner keeping the spirit of Tony Parker’s teardrop alive, the San Antonio Spurs scored the most points in the history of the Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan era.
“We didn’t compete at a level needed to even have a chance against this team,” Warriors coach Keith Smart said. “I’m not even saying to probably win it, but you need to have a very high competitive level from the very first quarter to have a chance to make them have to play with Duncan on the floor just a little bit more.”
Tim Duncan was able to get the best of both worlds, rest and rhythm, sitting out the entire second and fourth quarters while posting 17 points (8-8 shooting), six rebounds and five assists in just under 14 minutes of play.
The Spurs went to Duncan early and often, getting nine points on four shots and two assists from their star forward in the first quarter. Not that the Spurs felt Duncan needed any extra motivation or confidence.
“Tim doesn’t need anything (to get going). He just plays,” Popovich said. “He has bad nights like anyone else, He doesn’t need to do anything special, he knows who he is.”
The Spurs also got a chance to look at several players who are still trying to prove themselves and find who they are, fulfilling one of the goals mentioned in our game preview.
Somewhere in the back of his mind I’m sure Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is hoping tonight turns into a veritable D-League All-Star game with Ian Mahinmi (10 points in 12 minutes against Orlando), Malik Hairston, and whoever suits up between Cedric Jackson and Garrett Temple getting at least a quarter of playing time.
Ian Mahinmi checked in towards the end of the third quarter and produced another double digit scoring game (12 points, six rebounds in 13 minutes) against a heavily depleted Warriors frontline.
Hairston, continuing to solidify a spot in the rotation, showed he has more than enough ability to finish at the rim, even if it took very little effort to get there for most of the night.
“We just had fun, we shared the basketball,we were aggressive and shot the ball well tonight,” Hairston said, going so far as to joke about a reverse dunk. “I took a page out of Richard Jefferson’s book-I’ve been watching him for a while and he said he came up to me and said I’ve been studying him too much.”
It was a fun moment in what will be a rough stretch through the rest of the season.
“We basically have the tough 15-the last 15 games are going to be rough so it’s good to get a win and have time to rest a little bit,” Manu Ginobili said. “We have a really rough back-to-back coming up in Atlanta and Oklahoma City. They are both good teams, strong at home, so we are going to have to do very good against them.”
32 Comments
March 19th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Great to see Timmy getting his rhythm back. I know Pop says, “he just plays”, but I was really starting to get worried there. He (dare I say it) “declined” like this last season after the All-Star break, and I thought it was happening again. Albeit, it was against the Warriors’ frontline, but still, it’s always nice to go for 8-8 shooting.
I’m glad they won this one big too. They definitely needed some kind of confidence boost after that Orlando game. Let’s see how they fare against the Hawks.
March 19th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I never thought I’d see a Gregg Popovich coached team score 147 points. Is this a sign of the apocalypse?
Anyway, it was fun to watch players at the end of the bench lighting it up like the Dream Team.
This game was total “Spurs fan porn.”
March 19th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
While I loved the outcome of the game, I would have easily preferred making 25 or even 30 points less this game and making 25 or 30 more in the Magic game.
March 19th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Temple didn’t look too bad, but then again it was against terrible GS defense. I think this was a great game - giving key players enough minutes to get themselves going, and at the same time resting them for the majority of the game. I hope they can start off some sort of a momentum from this, and get themselves in high spirits for the tough games to come.
March 19th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
The Hawks, for what it’s worth, just got done with their OT win at home against the cats. Joe Johnson was back from ankle injury to shoot 7-21 with 5 TOs, but did save the day in the 4th and OT.
They play a back-to-back game against a playoff team (the bucks on the road) the next night, just like us.
March 19th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
1. Spurs letting Finely go was greatest move of season. Opened up spots for other players. I think Malik has equaled Finleys production in like 2 games.
2. What would our team be like with Malik having 60 plus games of experience.
3. Mahimini is making the most of his time. Starting to look like he is finally get comfortable out there.
4. Parkers injury has been a blessing. Similar to when Kobe went out, role players are learning they can contribute.
March 19th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Chalk it up to one more win against the league’s bottom 1/3, which we have the best winning % in the league against (not saying a whole lot). We got back to backs against playoff material. Time to get after it! We’re all rooting for the Spurs.
March 19th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Looking at the Hawks-Cats box score, it really is funny how the +/- stat works sometimes. It’s clear the Cats need somebody to step up and be the reliable fifth for the quartet of Felton-Jackson-Wallace-Diaw.
Together with stand-in Theo Ratliff (31 minutes; hi Theo!) they played 211 of 265 available minutes and handily beat every lineup they faced - but the Cats somehow lost the game in that 54 minutes of bench play.
Jamal Crawford led the Atlanta bench with a +/- of +21:
Crawford 37 min +21
Evans 18 min -2
Pachulia 13 min +8
Joe Smith 8 min +10
Teague 8 min +8
There’s no denying Crawford’s the leader when that 2nd unit hits the floor, and those are the lineups that got the Hawks back in the game in the 2nd and again in the 4th. But Crawford had an awful night every other way you measure it:
5-18 shooting, 4 FTA, 4 reb 3 ast and 4 TO!
What a stinker! But whenever he was in the game they were winning, and he was one of the bigger parts of his lineups (even if he wasn’t the best part).
March 19th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Spurs are in a strong stretch. The Cleveland loss was just another in along line of unfortunate giveaways this season, but the Orlando loss was the true exception and only time they’ve not played well. Even against GS, there were some easy misses at the rim. This team is getting the looks they want regardless of opponent. Just make the open shots and the wins will continue to pile up.
March 19th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Great comments.
DanielB, good points. Not realistic to expect the SPuRS to run the table in this stretch, and Pop will not try to win both. I’d prefer to win in OKC.
dmc465, hilarious.
Ian, a year ago, people on this site were screaming to add Corey Maggette’s defense skills.
SpursfanBayArea, smart stuff.
Colin, interesting data. Is there a team with a similar record that fares much better against the top teams and much worse against the bottom dwellers? What I’m getting at is, ALL good teams feed on the weak but their play versus the best sorts out the top teams. Im not sure what to make of my perception that the SPuRS have dominated the bottom dwellers while only winning 25% of the time against the best teams-Lakers, Denver, Dallas and Utah. EPSN has data for wins v below .500 teams, so a team like Denver, who beats the bottom half only 74% of the time, might be inconsistent enough to be vulnerable for an upset. This stretch will be more defining than the Rodeo Road trip. Right now, the Spurs are just consistently average-too experienced to lose to a bad team and too old to beat a better one.
March 19th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
@Chillfan
Good post. I think the Spurs ARE that team that fares the best against the worst and the worst against the best (more or less). I’m really just highlighting the fact that the Spurs don’t play well against the top 12 teams in the league as evidenced by very key losses in their record. We beat the teams we are supposed to like clock-work, but I’m really rooting for an intervention that reverses that trend……..and no the answer is not to pin more of our hopes on Mahinmi and Hairston. While each displays a good particular skill set, Hairston more so, neither is or will be a difference maker in a 7 game series.
Get more stops, hit more shots and don’t turn the ball over……over-simplified, yes, but the game is simple. Score more and defend better.
March 20th, 2010 at 4:54 am
I don’t think Hairston or Mahinmi will see much playing time during the playoffs, which is to be expected. I’m just happy to see these guys getting some burn, finally!
Also, looks like unless we completely blow it, the 7th seed is ours. (Portland doesn’t have it easy the rest of the year either). So that’s really not too bad. Denver in the first round, either Dallas or Phoenix in the second.
Denver is a good team, who knows if we could beat them, but at this point who says we could beat anyone in a playoff series (except the Suns)?
March 20th, 2010 at 6:06 am
And we shot 17-32 from the charity stripe.
Not being a downer, was thrilled to see the win. Just saying it could’ve been higher.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:32 am
@Chillfan
Thanks for the kudos.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:34 am
7th seed is ours? Portland plays 4 weak teams so 46 wins are basically in the bag. Another 3 wins vs. their 8 remaining strong opponents puts them at 49. They swept the Spurs this year, so San Antonio needs 50 to hold the 7th seed. Spurs must go 3-0 vs. weaklings then go 6-6 vs. the following:
Lakers twice
Cavs
Magic
Mavs
Nuggets
Celtics
Hawks
Suns
Thunder
Rockets
Grizzlies
Spurs are well below .500 against teams of this caliber, so 6-6 will require vast improvement.
March 20th, 2010 at 7:46 am
For the sake of clarity…
@ Colin and duaneofly
Guys, help me out with this…I have struggled with it for quite a while.
This team is running Mcdyess and Blair at center. As a casual observer, seems that line up wont do very well against the elite of the west and not so well against the not so elite in the west.
Mahinmi is athletic. He has good feet and quickness for a 7 footer. He is a decent free throw shooter, rebounder, and blocks a few shots. Definately capable of changing shots comming toward the rim.
Malik Hairston is extemely talented and actually has the type of skill set that we have sorely lacked on this team.
He moves well without the ball, seems to always be around the ball. He plays defense with a sense of urgency, rebounds, and again, jumps out of the gym. If he is crowded, he can put it on the floor and get his shot or attack the rim, with force.
Yet, Pop plays Bogans, who I feel brings absolutely nothing to the table. Ever!
As for Mason, he is better than Bogans. He has struggled of late with his shooting, but that is to be expected of a guy like Roger. Most shooters are flow players. Need time in the flow of the game to be effective.
So, my question to you gentlemen is..
Is there a possibility that this team could be better by increasing the minutes of Mahinmi and Hairston? If so, why not play them?
also,
Whats going on with Pop in reference to Hairston? Is he in denial or what? Does anybody really feel that Bogans should be playing over malik? If so, for the love of sanity, please explain why.
I need help….Anybody…
March 20th, 2010 at 8:38 am
“Spurs Fan Porn” Priceless
March 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Re: Mahinmi and Hairston
With Malik, I think you’re finally starting to see him get into a regular spot in the rotation, especially with Tony out-and he’s doing something with the minutes, albeit against inferior teams. His drives have been simple, even if he has made some difficult finishes at times. So it remains to be seen if he can still get to the rim against better defenses. To this extent, maybe a lesser version of Richard Jefferson would be a good offensive comparison.
His defense has been okay-good in man-to-man situations, but you also have to realize he’s fared poorly in team defensive concepts. He still needs work on pick-and-roll and dribble handoff situations. And Bogans, never a favorite of mine either, has played some better basketball as of late.
I think the Spurs were right in sticking with Mason as long as they did because if he would have been able to break out of his funk, the Mason we saw last year would be a bigger boost than anything Hairston could give us in this year’s playoffs. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s just not meant to be. So I’m glad to see Hairston getting some run.
That being said, you have to realize that assuming Parker comes back for the playoffs, the Spurs are going to run their best players big minutes with Parker-Hill-Ginobili getting first priority. Richard Jefferson, likewise, is able to absorb huge minutes without being worse for wear. So really, there’s probably not going to be anything but spot minutes for Bogans or Hairston should we get into the playoffs.
In regards to Mahinmi. Yes, he’s seven feet tall and very mobile (not explosive). He even seems to have a soft enough touch. But his instincts are simply horrible, especially around the rim, where most Ian fans think he would help out the most. He doesn’t have great timing blocking shots or awareness…which is why you see him pick up so many fouls. Fouls that put teams in the bonus early. Again, if you’re looking to compete this year, it’s better to get Bonner, McDyess and Blair geared up for the playoffs because their ceilings for this season are higher.
March 20th, 2010 at 8:52 am
@Ballhog
….see Jesse Blanchard’s post (especially Mahinmi). Pretty much echoes my sentiments about what the rotation should be in the playoffs.
March 20th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Malik’s pick and roll D will improve with experience. He really needs a better jump shot, though, or a least a reliable corner 3. He’ll work hard this summer and be in the rotation next year.
Ian must be a really nice guy. The others really go out of their way to get him shots when he’s in.
March 20th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Spurs fan porn =
Spurs win by 30+, shoot over 50% from the field,
every player scores, someone gets a season high, eight players in double figs, low turnovers, great ball movement, monster blocks, reverse slams… oohhh yeahhhh…
Now if they could just do that to a team over .500.
March 20th, 2010 at 11:32 am
With a few extra wins this team could get as high as 5 seed. That makes a substantial difference in my opinion than battling at #7. Of course a #1 seed that makes it to the Finals one year could always lose in the first round the next year.
March 20th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
idahospur, Pop is not going to expend any effort-that would risk injury-to get those extra wins. I see them at 6-7, and who do we want to play first, Denver or Dallas?
March 20th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Glad to see the Spurs get off on an easy team. As a side note: It’s interesting to see everyone on the Spurs roster (and I mean everyone) get off on the Warriors but Roger Mason. He shot a team low 2-7 from the field. Geez, if you look at his stats month by month for the entire season, you begin to wonder if he is even NBA material anymore. I know last season was probably an anomoly for RMJ but dang he has fallen far. Wouldn’t expect to see him next year playing for Los Spurs.
March 20th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
In related news, the Crips/Bloods Dream Team stomps all over the Little Sisters of Mercy JV squad.
March 20th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Was good to see the guys enjoying themselves after that Orlando let down. More importantly, the way the guys are starting to play together, I think the Spurs will be formidable in the playoffs- next year.
For a successful playoff run next year, we need to do several things:
1) Keep Duncan, Ginobili and Parker (yes, in that order)
2) Keep Jefferson. No one else wants him and his big-ass contract, and now that it’s evident how well he can roll with a healthy Ginobili, I think Ginofferson will provide matchup nightmares for any bench in the NBA.
3) Get a big man alongside Duncan, preferably someone smart, athletic and young. That means getting aggressive with the Splitter deal or hunting elsewhere. To acquire a quality bigman, we might trade Mason, Blair and McDyess or Mahimi. Mason wants out of the Spurs, so no problem there; and The Diceman’s too old. It would break my heart to lose Blair, but if we could trade three pieces for the kind of size and ability to go with Duncan, I say trade Blair’s undersized-yet-awesome ass.
4) Strap Ginobili and Parker into a chair, and threaten great harm to their families if they play
for their respective national teams this summer. The last thing we need is another hobbled backcourt next season.
5) I know this won’t happen. But just in case the Spurs organization is listening to some of the nimrods that post on this page, DO NOT TRADE POP!!!!!!
There, I’ve said my piece.
March 20th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
While no one sees Ian as Duncan II, I think the Spurs would do well to keep him. He is a Anderson Varejao type: tall, athletic, frenetic and enthusiastic. He may never become a first stringer, but I could easily see him as a serviceable back-up. With 20 to 24 minutes of playing time, he’d easily do 10/10/2 blocks and alter a lot of shots.
March 20th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
We crush the weak, we are the weak against the tough and we need to tough the best
March 20th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Jesse Blanchard
March 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Sound post on Mahinmi/Hairston.
Warriors are so utterly pathetic defensively that there’s nothing really useful that can be said in response to that game (at least in terms of our chances THIS YEAR).
I’ll reserve further comments until pre/post Hawk game.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
@ jesse
i would agree that he may have some issues with over-defending and foul trouble, but i think his shot blocking instincts are not as poor as you claim. i have seen him time his jumps well for some big blocks. and more importantly than his offensive numbers he’s put up in limited time, he has always managed a block shot. i see him pick up most of his fouls on putting too much pressure in the post when he’s being backed down.
blair, dice, and bonner’s ceiling may be higher for this season, but we will still lack a shot-blocking, finishing presence. even opposing teams are attacking tim at the rim with good results (vince carter the other night). maybe we won’t give him burn because we don’t want his free agent value to increase. this is a good business desicion and it would also disrupt the chemistry our team has built, though it is still questionable.
you may be right about ian, but i’m still 28′s
biggest fan!
p.s. do NBA teams trim their playoff rosters to 11?
March 21st, 2010 at 4:58 am
This upcoming week will be a true indicator of the Spurs’ realistic playoff ambitions and where they will end up in terms of seeding.
To be honest, I don’t expect anything spectacular… But it doesn’t mean I can’t hope for the Spurs suddenly to become championship material, lol.
March 21st, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I agree with the previous post. The Spurs are playing pretty well, but this is a big week. Manu, Hill, and Jefferson are all starting to play really well. When the Spurs got on a roll earlier in the season, they were exposed by the good teams and got the hell beat out of them. Everything has come full circle and now the Spurs are again playing well and have 4 tough games ahead of them.
If the Spurs hope to climb back into relevancy, we gotta do it starting tonite. This game is the linchpin for the whole week. We lose tonite and we could go 1-3 or maybe 0-4. It will be interesting to see the Spurs sense of urgency. Good luck to the team!!
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