El Conclusión: San Antonio Spurs 104, Dallas Mavericks 87

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Dallas Mavericks 87 FinalRecap | Box Score 104 San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan, C 33 MIN | 6-18 FG | 3-4 FT | 12 REB | 3 AST | 15 PTS | -8

Had some trouble shooting over the length of Brandon Wright and Ian Mahinmi at times, but did a great job on the boards. Especially on the offensive end where he pulled down four. He took a couple hard shots, but had the last laugh when he was able to channel that frustration into a ferocious dunk.
Kawhi Leonard, SF 27 MIN | 6-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 8 REB | 0 AST | 12 PTS | 0

Allow me to focus on a specific play for a moment. Matched up on Dirk Nowitzki, Kawhi absolutely smothered one of Nowitzki’s drives, blocking the shot, grabbing the ball, and racing down the other end for a coast-to-coast layup. That about sums up the awesome potential of Kawhi Leonard.
DeJuan Blair, F 19 MIN | 4-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 8 PTS | 0

I’ve been a little rough on DeJuan over the past couple of games, so I’d like to just point out the beautiful work he does in the pick and roll and with his interior passing. I simply wish the dominant rebounding rates he displayed as a rookie would reemerge.
Manu Ginobili, SG 28 MIN | 4-11 FG | 1-1 FT | 7 REB | 7 AST | 11 PTS | +19

Has a much lighter burden in carrying the scoring load, which allows him to play like a supremely talented role player, which when all added up can carry just as big an impact as a 30-point game.
Daniel Green, G 36 MIN | 7-19 FG | 4-4 FT | 6 REB | 6 AST | 18 PTS | +6

When it comes time to negotiate his contract odds are Danny Green will pull out tape from the first quarter tonight. His energy was absolutely infectious from the opening tip, setting the tone early in the game.
Stephen Jackson, SG 22 MIN | 4-7 FG | 1-2 FT | 8 REB | 1 AST | 10 PTS | +17

Stephen Jackson may no longer have the burst to turn the corner off the dribble every time, but he has enough size and footwork to create separation to get off a good shot anyways. Played good, hard nosed defense. And I really liked a foul he gave after Manu already fouled a driving player to make sure the Mavericks didn’t get an “And One”. This team has an edge.
Matt Bonner, PF 26 MIN | 5-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 14 PTS | +17

Blew a dunk, which only Matt Bonner would seem to be able to do. But on a team like this, with so many passers and moving parts, he showed his worth. Just as vital as his hitting shots is the fact that he keeps the ball moving. It never stops in his hands. And on a team with so many talented shooters and cutters that can sometimes register five assists for Bonner.
Boris Diaw, PF 16 MIN | 1-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 2 PTS | +20

This might be the only two point, three rebound game I will ever grant an A this season. But his defense on Dirk Nowitzki was absolutely brilliant, especially given the circumstances (having just arrived in San Antonio yesterday). More importantly, Diaw did not seem lost at all on either end of the court. His addition may have pushed the Spurs already considerable basketball IQ through the roof.
Gary Neal, PG 29 MIN | 3-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 8 PTS | +4

Lost Jason Terry at times, but hit some big shots. Not a bad outing for Neal, but certainly one that gets lost amongst all the standout performances on the team.
James Anderson, SG 2 MIN | 0-0 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 PTS | +5

Incomplete.
Eric Dawson, F 1 MIN | 3-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 6 PTS | +5

I didn’t know he could shoot? Did you know he could shoot? That was one hell of a minute to close things out.

Five Things We Saw

  1. The Spurs now have an army of 6-6 to 6-8 guys with athleticism, length, and versatility to throw at Dirk Nowitzki, with Duncan waiting right behind them. Defensively they smothered Nowitzki to the point that, at the end, he simply had enough and took a cheap shot at Kawhi Leonard before exiting the game. Even better, when the Spurs go small, there is no one to hide Nowitzki on anymore. He spent the better part of a couple defensive possessions running around everywhere trying to keep up.
  2. While the Spurs still have some questions in the middle against teams like Memphis or Los Angeles, don’t think that the Spurs added size on the wings wouldn’t have made a huge difference in the Memphis series last year. From Green to Jackson to Leonard, and even Diaw, the Spurs have added gritty defensive players that rebound well as a team and have enough versatility on offense to make teams pay for over-rotating. This might also be the best passing team the Spurs have had.
  3. Stephen Jackson’s production, 10 points and eight rebounds on 4-7 shooting is easy to quantify. What’s not are the intangibles and electricity he brings specifically to this team. There was a moment he picked up his dribble all alone at the three-point line, surveying the shot. For that second the entire AT&T Center actually gasped and you could feel the anticipation in the crowd. Even though the shot didn’t go in, the moment sent chills.
  4. One of the reasons that Diaw looked so comfortable for his first game here with no practices is that Tony Parker and the French national team runs many of the Spurs sets. Popovich also credited him with having a gifted basketball mind and all around skill set.
  5. Between Boris Diaw and Stephen Jackson, and to some extent even Danny Green, you can see the difference a good environment can have on a role player. Before coming to the Spurs, Jackson and Diaw were dreadful and Green irrelevant. But in San Antonio, with defined roles where they’re not asked to step outside of their respective abilities, they can absolutely flourish. So much of who succeeds and who doesn’t on the fringes of NBA rosters is all about circumstance.
  • MS

    GO SPURS GO!

  • LPspursFan

    good win…was glad to see Diaw look so relaxed right off the bat

    i’m really liking this team…

  • http://twitter.com/nfauerso nfauerso

    My first in person spurs experience in a couple years (I live in Seattle). Great win. This team is so much better than last year’s. Really tough, resilient, other teams going on runs doesn’t phase them. Can play smothering defense. Great athleticism. Love Green and Leonard (Leonard in particularly just seems so naturally a spur.) And you can just feel Jackon’s happiness and energy being back. We love him and I think he loves being here. I really feel like Spurs are title contenders.

  • Hobson13

    Diaw was matched up with Dirk for around 6-8 possessions. I don’t ever remember a Spur playing Dirk that physical and forcing so many terrible, off-balanced prayers. It was truly impressive to see a guy (who looks a twinkie shy of 270lbs) play so well against someone who has been so unstoppable vs the Spurs. Diaw may make a big difference for this team in the playoffs.

    Three weeks ago, I thought this team was first round fodder, but the winds seem to be shifting. It seems like I have said this in years past, but I think this Spurs team with the additions of Leonard, Jackson, and Diaw may be the deepest and most talented Spurs team I’ve ever seen. My concern is that the Spurs have only 20 regular season games to weld this giant together. Jackson and apparently Diaw are both familar with the Spurs system, but can we make it work in only a few weeks with a limited number of practices? I have a feeling the team will only get better the longer they play/deeper they go into the playoffs.

  • Talking out of my Pass

    You can see how good a teammate Jackson is when he is happy, always getting off the bench and high fiving the players coming out of the game and constantly encouraging everyone around him.

  • imwithstupid

    Great points Jesse, I really can’t agree more with #5. What happened with with Boris, everyone was talking about him being fat and slow

  • Titletown99030507d

    Boris Diiiiiaawwww! Did a number on Dirk. I like what I see on the defensive side and he’s a good passer as well. Wonder why he didn’t look lost out there it’s probably because Tony runs the same offense with his French team. Smart move Tony. If Diaw continues with this kind of play on defense that will be huge in the playoffs. Also love Stephen Jackson’s play tonight as well as Kawhi’s and Green’s play. Man that was small ball taking care of business tonight on defense. Those 4 guys can bring the defense oh my. Wow Pop has a load of talent on this team and he’s going to have fun using it in the playoffs once everybody is healthy and ready to go. GSG! I’m getting that feeling again. That championship feeling.

  • Titletown99030507d

    Just days after Bowen’s jersey retirement and we see someone like Diaw pull off Bowen like pressure on Dirk. Nice.

  • NYC

    I’m looking at the highlights on nba.com and this looks like a game that was scripted for a movie. Everything was there: passing, defense, dunks, blocks, steals… The entire team was on the highlight reel. Unreal. This must have been just a morale killer for the Ponies. Sucks to be them.
    Go Spurs Go!

  • Titletown99030507d

    Is Patty Mills going to be on the roster once his visa issues are taken care of? And who’s going to leave the team if he does come? Eric Dawson sure played hard in that 1 minute and 22 seconds. Is he gone too.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WBPW327T6XAZCCFQY25HBG6RE4 Cristian

    After Dirk was hitting those fade-aways over Blair at the start I thought the was gonna lit us up for 30+. Then we threw Jack, Bonner, Leonard and Diaw at him and it was the best defense I ever saw on Dirk. Simply Superb. The Spurs kept trying to replace Bowen. Well they didn’t find one guy, but they’ve managed to put together some pieces that add up to a Bruce.
    And the offense is just incredible. Everyone can score. Nobody is a liability on offense. All this team is missing now is health.
    Looking at the standings, we seem to have that No.2 seed locked. The Lakers games will decide it. We have two at home, so we need to win those. 4 games ahead in the loss column, if we go 2-1 against the Lakers, that makes 5 plus the tie-breaker. There’s no point in trying to catch OKC, even if we have the tiebreaker on them. I think Pop would play the whole Austin Torros team in the last two road games of the season if he could. Also, we won’t have a better record that MIA or CHI. So we need to lock-up that No.2 seed and Pop can rest our main guys lot’s of games. We need Tony and Tim fresh and healthy and Manu in shape and in rhythm for the playoffs. Everyone and everything else will fall into place if our Big Three is at full strength.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=173600134 Ryan McShane

    With the 2nd 10-day contract signing of Dawson, rest of season (?) signing of Diaw, and two-season (?) signing of Mills (assuming visa issues are resolved), the Spurs are at 15. They don’t have to cut anybody, and Dawson will automatically be cut unless the Spurs sign him for the rest of the season. Spurs FO will have something to think about with his 82 second outing.

  • Deeds130

    Boris just didn’t bring it in CHA because they had no real chance at winning (no Jax, no Wallace) and he was uninspired. That may be low character, or it just may be human nature when you’re smart and experienced enough to KNOW you’re on a losing ballclub. And maybe Silas’s comments woke him up combined with landing on his best friend’s team, along with Jax, in a winning environment reminiscent of his PHX days (when he, Marian & Nash got to the WCF without Amare)… I think we’ll see an inspired player.

  • bongp.

    Saw the game from start to finish, and here is my take on what transpired:

    SANS injuredTony Parker and Tiago Splitter, San Antonio was like a multi-headed monster against arch rival Dallas at the the AT & T Center Friday night.
    Behind a well-balanced attack and flashes of their vintage stingy defense, the Spurs outclassed the NBA defending champion Mavericks, 104-87, to fortify their hold in the Western Conference.
    Parker (hamstring) and Splitter (back spasms) cooled their heels but their absence were hardly felt as six San
    Antonio players shot in double figures, led by Danny Green’s 18 points while evergreen Tim Duncan had another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
    So effective was the San Antonio’s switching defense that it forced Dirk Nowitzki to a miserable shooting night as the Dallas ace went 5-of-21 from the floor on the way to a 16-point effort.
    Driven to frustration, the usually cool Nowitzki hacked Spur rookie Kawhi Leonard late in the fourth quarter to cap an abysmal outing against the Mavs’ Texas nemesis.
    In what appeared to be another inspired front office move, Boris Diaw made his debut in the Silver and Black after he was acquired from Charlotte, which bought out his contract, and helped in shackling Nowitzki while scoring two points on top of three rebounds, one blocked shot and two turnovers.

  • Bob

    I don’t think standings really matter. Rhythm and health are the most important things as far as the playoffs.

  • Deeds130

    Diaw may help us considerably against DAL, but I was never as bearish on LAL as the media has been, and they got clearly better at the trade deadline, and MEM has Z-Bo back… we DO need Blair to rebound better, and we especially need Pop to incorporate Splitter much more! Over the years, we’ve added DJB, Tiago, and now Boris, and yet we still see Bonner as our #2 big?!? I can live with that tonight against DAL, but I want to see Splitter get more conditioning and team experience… Pop, don’t repeat your mistakes of last season with Tiago!

    In other news, I lauded the RJ to GSW trade as addition-by-subtraction, since it opened room for KL and Green. But, Jackson is the anti-RJ in terms of presence and gumption… just as Blanchard proclaimed “this team has an edge”, I can’t help but feel he gives us something we haven’t had since Timmy’s early days when SuperMario Ellie was a Spur: a hugely emotional leader who truly hates losing as much as he loves winning. Only Jax is a more talented baller than Ellie was. I feel like thanking Jax for his passion and presence in Silver&Black.

  • theghostofjh

    Wow, a lot of excitement on this board tonight. I’m truly not intending to be a killjoy but it was just one game. A home game at that, a place where we’re 19-4 this season.

    That said, it was an interesting game to watch because we played 9 players 16+ minutes even though we were minus Parker and Splitter (and Mills). It was an impressive display of depth against the defending NBA champion Mavericks. And the fact is, this will be our calling card in the playoffs. If we are healthy, and stay with playing 9+ players significant minutes in the playoffs (and, despite a good game tonight, keep Bonner’s minutes well-under control), we could be a tough out in the West.

    One thing that I think deserves unqualified excitement is the “rapid” development of Kawai Leonard. This kid is becoming an absolute beast. As a 20 year old rookie in a super intricate and demanding Spurs system, to be as productive as he’s been on an increasingly consistent basis is nothing short of spectacular. His game is incredibly instinctual, intelligent, and workmanlike for a guy that would be a junior this year at San Diego State. He may or may not have a big impact on this year’s playoffs, but his future is looking shockingly bright just 70% through his strike-shortened rookie season. As I watch him play this year. a streaking “diamond in the rough” comes to mind, seemingly after each and every game.

    Finally, there are now signs that we may be able to compete defensively in the playoffs. This has come about from a variety of angles. A quicker, more explosive Duncan than we’ve seen since 2007. The signing of Jackson, a guy with experience, toughness, and an edge — just what we needed. The development and maturity of all of our young guys from a year ago (Neal, Green, Blair, and Splitter). The emergence of our #1 draft pick, the aforementioned Leonard. The pick-up of Diaw, which provides additional depth at both ends to a not super talented front court. And finally, a superb job by RC/Pop and company to build the chemistry (through coaching, acquisitions, etc.) needed to play inspiring team offense/defense. We can’t compete with the Spurs defenses of the past, but I think we now have the opportunity to at least get in the game (and this team may be the best offensive team during the Pop era).

    I hope the players all give great effort over these remaining 20 games, with the task of building a defensive culture whereby good, intense defense by several key players rubs off on the rest of the team to the point where consistent effort and results are expected and encouraged from all. I’m proceeding with cautious optimism. These next 20 games will tell us where we’re at. We certainly still have plenty of work to do effectively incorporate all the parts of a pretty intricate machine.

    P.S. Even without Splitter, I’d be surprised to see Duncan in the line-up tomorrow night.

  • Dr. McCoy

    Damnit Jim! You couldn’t have said it any better!!!

  • Justin

    I had doubts with Diaw joining the team with 1/3 left in the season and trying to fit and not mess things up but I never realized that not only was he teammates with TP but also teammates with Capt Jack during the Bobcats’ playoff run a few years ago. And that’s huge for a new player trying to fit in to see familiar faces you’ve soldiered with.

  • ziijordan

    Seeding isn’t the most important thing, health is.

    Having said that, I fully believe we can catch the Thunder and take top spot.
    The Thunder cannot defend if their lives depended on it.

  • STIJL

    Nice write up yourself GoJH as was the OP of Jesse Blanchard. Good read and expression of thought.

    Just a game? Seems like through loss and victory this season the Spurs have seemed to define and redefine who they are and can potentially become after playing the Mavericks. Just as the first loss this season against them propelled the team to new found cohesion and confidence…this victory tonight with the new faces since that loss seemed to inspire the team to an even more cohesive and unified brand of basketball that looks to be set to improve going into the last half of the season and into the playoffs.

  • STIJL

    A needed win being the first of a b2b2b weekend. A defining win
    possibility since it placed more distance between the Mavs and the
    Spurs. A feel good win seeing the newly acquired Jackson and Diaw performing
    so well and with so much clarity without so much as a week of existence on the team. Gotta believe it’ll only get better once they, the teammates and familiarity to the system acclimate to each other.

    I guess the question of Diaw being in shape or out of was answered last night. If he can smother Dirk like that with the added weight from his days in Phoenix…I’d rather him keep some of that weight to help in times in the low post game for the Spurs.

    I’ve got to give a shout out to Gary Neal. I think in the absence of Tony Parker he did a great job of handling limited pg duties. He seems to push the ball quicker up the court now than his first few outings at pg as well as making better decisions and set the tone for inspired play for the rest of the team in this game when the Mavs were making their push in the third and Neal was the only player who seemed to be able to make a shot.

    Now lets see how this cohesion and excitement plays out the rest of this weekend. I for one won’t get too down on the team (as a whole) if they don’t manage to win all these condensed games the next two days.

    As far as Eric Dawson…his play was one of the most inspiring to watch. That was one of the most feel good moments of the game to see the local kid play so well in his brief stint. LOL…His per 36 must be off the charts.

  • STIJL

    Yep. Great point and great to have on the Spurs. Two players that were part of a championship run that will probably play as the solidifying agents (along with Manu) on a second unit squad that could be key components of a starting unit of other teams in this league. Throw in Splitter…and the Spurs second unit could possibly be more productive than their first.

  • STIJL

    Don’t know if Dawson could repeat his 82 second performance…but if he looks to remain a solid contributor off the bench…I think the Spurs resign him for the rest of the season.

  • bongp.

    Indeed, Dawson gave a glimpse of his potential in just 90 seconds of action. I just hope that the Spurs find him an asset and ink him the rest of the season, if that is not asking too muchh

  • Bankshot21

    I like the excitement opposed to the doom and gloom that’s followed by a loss. Matt Bonner ois great at what he does and expecting more is where we fail as fans.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/5MPVVB7BAV7NOFOZLCBIJLFD7Q Dalvin

    It is just natural in the sports that you like to win .( who like to lose ) now to compete at high league level such is NBA it must bring out best of you.Jack ,Green Lenard play so hard for Pop ,for team .for god sake no many players can be ,or have that privilage to play with such Stars like Parker or Ginobili also including super starr and legend Mr.Tim Duncan the best power - forward that ever touch basketball ever. This especialy yung guns are so happy to be at this particula winining team. And belive or not ” if ” Spurs can stay healthy & if full roster power they are team to beat .No just on the West ,but over all . So for the rest of the league you watch & bring at on.
    GO SPURS GO

  • Titletown99030507d

    Seems with the last two pick ups our team has gone from a team walking on egg shells in fear of injuries to being transformed into a fully loaded team of soldiers that can be inserted any time if needed in case of minor injuries. Hopefully there are no more injuries after Tony and Tiago come back. How many NBA teams can claim that their entire roster can contribute quality minutes? Who would you say has the deepest bench?

  • theghostofjh

    We don’t have room for Dawson on the active roster. He’s only there for insurance in case of injury. I doubt he’ll be signed unless we suffer a longer term injury to a big, if he’s available at the time.

  • STIJL

    You’re correct. I forgot to include Mills on the roster which he would make 13. What are the rules regarding 2nd year players at this stage of the season? If Dawson proves to be valuable as a bench player for the post…would/could the Spurs assign Mills or Anderson to D-league?

    It would seem the security of having another post player for the playoffs would outweigh having an over abundance of perimeter players on the roster going into the playoffs.

  • Agutierrez

    Don’t forget what Jackson said to the press after the game about Brian Cardinal: “When you can’t play anymore, you try and hurt people. That was a dirty play.” No other Spur would ever have said such a thing and Pop wouldn’t have tolerated it. From Jax I bet he loved it. It sends a signal to the rest of the league. This team has a different attitude and it’s palpable.

  • Lvmainman

    I believe the same thing that the Spurs to be effective in the playoffs, they NEED to play 9+ players and NOT shorten the rotation to play well. Short bursts from multiple players giving all out effort vs. the big 3 saving themselves on some possessions to have gas for the 4th quarter.

  • theghostofjh

    I understand your concern, but 5 bigs should be enough. It may depend on the health of our bigs as we approach the deadline for solidifying the playoff roster. But to be honest, if we have to rely on Dawson for meaningful rotation minutes in the playoffs we’re in big trouble anyways. I don’t think he’s at all ready for prime time.

  • SpurredOn

    Interesting thought that this could be the best Spurs passing team. I always thought the ’04-’07 teams with Barry, Horry, and later Oberto was the best. This group, especially with the improved Parker, may very well be.

  • SpurredOn

    And to think, this Spurs team is .01 seconds away from winning the season series 3-1 despite never playing the Big-3 together in the those three games. They only played together in the one legit loss to Dallas.

  • Tim in Surrey

    That’s why I was so excited when he fell to us. Watching him last year, I never imagined the Spurs would have a chance to draft him but I sure thought about “what if?” a lot. I literally jumped up out of my seat when I read it. Green has been a revelation to me-he always seemed like a nice player who might make a good coach but didn’t have the tools to excel at any one thing in the NBA. I’m happy to admit I was wrong. He’s absolutely a first-rate NBA defender. A great pair of pickups in the off-season.

  • theghostofjh

    “Prior to the victory, Popovich said he may rest Duncan for this game.”

    http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2012032524

    I guess Pop changed his mind, and good thing I suppose because we ended up needing him, especially in the 4th, because our shooting and overall energy were lackluster at best against a depleted yet game Hornet team at the Hive.