Monday, February 8th, 2010...1:52 pm
Jackson: Bynum Likely Out, Bryant in Doubt
Via ESPN:
Kobe Bryant did not participate in the team’s shootaround and spent the time undergoing “diagnostic tests” on his sprained left ankle, according to Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Andrew Bynum, who suffered a bruised right hip that caused him to sit out the second half of Los Angeles’ win in Portland on Saturday, is probably not going to play, according to Jackson.
Given all the “if healthy” chatter we here about the Spurs and Celtics, I wonder why we don’t hear more about the Lakers injury woes. Bynum and Gasol have both missed time because of injuries, and Kobe’s metacarpals seem to be made of shattered glass. Now his ankle is giving him trouble.
None of their injuries appear season-threatening. And I’m not a fan of focusing on aspects of the game outside of the players’ control. But as a Spurs fan, my ability to sense the ominous has grown more finely tuned over the last few seasons. I can’t help but think that we’ll look back later this season and, with our hindsight, understand today’s report to be an instance of foreshadowing.
67 Comments
February 8th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
This annoys me.
Because this mean a win would mean nothing. And a loss utterly devastating.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Wait… do you mean forshadowing the Lakers downfall? I like the sound of that.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Going back two seasons (’07-’08), I’ve not understood why the Spurs were labeled as the “old” team in the title hunt when Boston’s big-3 have plenty of miles on their legs, and key LA players (Kobe, Fisher, Gasol) do as well, though Gasol’s has been accelerated by his international play since he never won a single playoff game prior to joining LA.
If any of these respective teams’ big-3 players (swap Artest, who is 30, for Fisher, now that the younger Ariza has departed) can not go full strength in the playoffs, they won’t even make the Finals much less win a championship.
I hope Phil keeps running his guys into the ground, for this season and beyond.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
So with Bynum and Bryant out this game would mean virtually nothing. I guess we could use a patsy game to help this pitiful team build some momentum.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
A win would mean nothing ANONYMOUS??? A win is a win is a win… We have already had the “measuring stick” games, and we didnt like the outcome. This is a win against a quality team on the road… what about that means nothing? I guess they just let anyone post in here…?!!!
February 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Bynum and Bryant out would probably mean Odom, who is the Laker’s version of Richard Jefferson, scores 38.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@Mr. Anonymous - I understand what you mean but, this Laker team finished off the Blazers in the 4th Q at Portland the other night without Kobe, thus doing something our Spurs didn’t do two nights earlier. Though I’d prefer Kobe play, a win is a win. I don’t recall anyone asking the Lakers to give back their late season close win in SA last year when Timmy was playing hurt and Manu was out. Or the WCF the previous season when Manu was at best 50%.
Nobody cares. Just win the game. The other guys’ problems are for him to work out.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
A win regardless of who is on the court builds the necessary momentum needed for a late season run. If the Lakers suck it up tonight, it means extra rest for Duncan and Parker and opportunities for Jefferson to figure out how to play basketball. A loss would be extremely brutal and the news would be how much the Spurs suck. Win the game, then let’s talk about Denver.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
To me, this means that if the Spurs lose with those two out they need to do something. Because if they can’t beat a depleted Lakers team then what chance do they have against a healthy and play-off ready version? A loss here means that changes need to happy to either bolster up the roster for next season or to try and blockbuster your way into a play-off run.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Graydon,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Everyone knows that one of the biggest keys to winning a title is health and you’ve got to get lucky sometimes to have a mostly healthy squad going into the playoffs. the Lakers were mostly injury free last year. Already, I think everyone on that starting lineup has missed time on more that one occasion. The Lakers’ luck may be out in 2010.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
They could trot out Kurt Rambis, Sedale Threatt, Vlade Divac, and AC Green and I would still be happy with a win!
Beating the Lakers is always sweet..
Always.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
A win is a win. We need the W for the standings.
We are also aware that beating them doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things since 2 starters will be out. But you know what? The Lakers are my 2nd least favorite team and beating them always makes me feel good.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
the reason why we don’t hear much about the lakers injuries is because despite them, they are still winning unlike the spurs.
also, i agree with Mr. Anonymous, this is getting annoying. i would rather see the spurs get blown out by a full-fledged (albeit injured) Lakers than win a game (which if past games are any indication) that will be close against a Lakers team without Bynum and even Bryant. it will be even worse if we lose this game.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Spurs and Celtics injury woes are all you hear about the teams because that’s the narrative from ESPN and the national media to explain why these teams aren’t doing well and it gets repeated every time they don’t do well. Since Pau came back, only Kobe’s injuries are getting any attention, and it’s often in the context of what they were already saying about the kobe’s greatness.
Now everybody has to wonder why kobe continues to play through the regular season without rest, when he’s clearly hurt, and that’s becoming the story. Should make more room for mention of the injuries to bynum, gasol and the others.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I am not on board with the idea that this game would be worthless. Injuries are part of the game. Jackson’s “asterisk” statement included the idea that a full season carries with it all the risks of injuries. I guess that statement has come around full circle to stare him in the face.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Spurs have managed to lose against bad undermanned teams this year. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it again.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
This is bad news, Spurs lost to Nuggets w/out Anthony, and Trailblazers w/out Roy and Oden. Spurs losing to Lakers w/out Bynum and Kobe would be pathetic.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Kobe didn’t play last game. This broke a streak of 245 or so (don’t remember the exact number) straight games played by Kobe. To think that a few games after a streak of 245 is “foreshadowing” anything is a bit presumptious at best.
This is a great thing for Kobe and the Lakers. Through 2.5 grueling seasons, 2 trips to the NBA finals, 1 NBA finals victory, a whole offseason of the Olympics and a gold medal, and every game played so far this year (and in both corresponding regular seasons that led to the NBA finals), Kobe is taking a few games off. I would leave it at that. A slightly sprained ankle won’t hold this warrior down for long.
And it gives time for his other nagging injuries to heal. Bynum on the other hand scares me a bit. Hopefully he is fine.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
doggydogworld,
To compare Jefferson and Odom should be a crime. They are nothing alike. Odom is a 6’11” point forward who can do absolutely everything for you. Score points, rebound with the best of them, dish out assists and initiate your offense. In the game against Portland with both Bryant/Bynum out, Odom went for 10 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block, with only 1 turnover. Please do not compare these two. Odom has a knack for not showing up for every game, but when he does show up he is a monster.
Oh, also is defense is awesome, especially since he can guard almost any position (can’t guard the 1 spot). Last year he had one of the highest adjusted +- in the LEAGUE. That means, when he was on the floor vs when he was off the floor, his team did better than almost any other person in the league. Jefferson, on the other hand, and as i mentioned over and over during the offseason as a base for why he wasn’t very good, had a NEGATIVE adjusted +-. That means that his pitiful team actually played better with him off the court!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I agree with some of the other comments. We don’t hear about the Laker’s injuries because they are winning games in spite of key players missing some games (unlike the Celtics and Spurs).
February 8th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Who cares about them ??? No-one cares when my
beloved SPURS are banged up so why do care if they are.These are the games to get it all started
get a run going,get some confidence!!!
GO SPURS GO!!!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Pop yelled at Jefferson about 1 minute in the game, then took him out. Love it, HE SUCKS!!, we could totally trade him would and get someone who knows our system just as much as he does (since he doesn’t seem to get it), but can be better offensively.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
geeez, so far we’ve managed to give up 9 point twice in this game and is only 3 minutes into the second quarter.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
9 point leads*
February 8th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
guys, Pop is fed up with Jefferson, you could see when he missed the wide open 3. Jefferson provides nothing for this team, bad defense, non-existent offense. What has happened to Timmy lately…
February 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
The Spurs are reminding me of Montgomery Burns…
February 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I’ve been pissed at Jefferson for some time now, but now I am beginning to feel sorry for him. He is playing with no confidence and has played progressively worse as the season’s gone on. He either needs a breakout game or a new start somewhere else. ALL of his stats have gone down EVERY month this season. It’s a disturbing trend.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Anyone else catch the in-game mic picking up Timmy yell “he grabbed my fucking arm!”
made me laugh..
February 8th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Jefferson sucks… he can’t shoot his way out of a bag
February 8th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I overall feel very sad for this Spurs team. This is the end of team, there’s just no way this team will win a championship. PERIOD. We need to trade and start rebuilding, feel bad that Timmy will not go out on a high note, but he isn’t playing all that well as of late. I would get rid of all players on the roster except Manu, Parker, Hill and Blair… all others can go….
February 8th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
JT, why would you keep Manu? He can’t make a shot to save his life. He has one good game out of 15 and will be 33 yrs old by next season?
February 8th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Bench Jefferson and his 0 for 5, let Walton shoot a layup on you, and Artest a 3pt on you, and Odom posting up on you for a layup because Pop is dumb enough to play you @ the 4 when the Spurs had the lead and didn’t after you were in, self for the entire 2nd half.
Can we trade Parker? He ended the half 2 for 9, with 4 turnovers! Got scored on by Fisher and Odom with ease.
Will someone tell Hill to stop playing OLE’ d on Farmer and Brown.
At least McDyess is hustling for offensive rebounds.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
well, I think Ginobili provides a lot more for the Spurs than playing, I would like to have him as a bench player if we started to rebuild. He is great getting everyone involved and truly, he brings too much money for the Spurs from overseas…
February 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I’m so f****g tired of watching these overpaid guys, no hustle after lose balls, just embarrassing, as a fan, I deserve more than just a show, play with some balls, swagger, energy and as if you gave a damn.
So damn tired of this season…
February 8th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I meant for the players to just “show” and not “play”
February 8th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Play of the game according to TNT was midget ball by Pop, when the Lakers got 3 offensive rebounds on one possession.
How comical.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
1 Loss Down 2 more to come… Against a team without Kobe and Bynum, wow, this is almost a charity case.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Midget ball fails again. Why is Pop so brain dead when it comes to midget ball? Why play 5 people 6’6″ and under against the Lakers when Gasol and Odom are on the floor? Blair got blocked, what, 4 times?McDyess no 4th qtr run, Bonner no 2nd half run. Has Pop lost his mind?
February 8th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Interesting question. If we had not spent the money on Jefferson and let Hairston take up the roster spot instead, how different would the team look? At this point, I don’t think there are too many people who would argue that RJ’s production thus far (and by “thus far,” I of course mean 50 games into the season) is that much greater than Hairston’s would have been. Certainly RJ hasn’t justified the amount of money the Spurs have spent for him. At a certain point, good talent with high “corporate knowledge” would seem to eclipse high-level talent that stubbornly remains ignorant. Sure, I’m frustrated. But it’s still a legitimate question. Would our starting lineup have been that much worse as Parker/Hill/Mason/McDyess/Duncan? Seriously, seriously doubt it.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Honestly, not even that shocking. Par for the course.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Will the Spurs lose by 15 or 20 to the Nuggets on Thursday?
February 8th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Thoughts:
In what world can Michael Finley guard Lamar Odom? Why does Pop insist on doing this? How does it make any sense at all?
Tony Parker sucked on defense in the second half. Farmar blew by him at least twice, as did Fisher a couple times.
What was up with the substitution pattern? It seems like Pop just randomly puts in Roger Mason or Bogans just to see what happens. And why did he take Manu out with about 7 minutes left right after he had made a three pointer? How does that make sense?
The Lakers’ frontcourt dominated, but often it was because we had a small ball lineup in. Why can’t we keep a center and a power forward in the game at all times? Why can’t Ratliff get any burn?
If both teams are close to full health, the Spurs have close to zero chance of beating the Lakers in a series.
Apparently we have the same chance - zero - of beating the Jazz or Blazers too, since they’ve swept us.
Why even go for the playoffs, we can’t beat anyone good…
It’s been a great run, but I think it’s going to be awhile until our next title, I’m sad thinking it, but what else am I supposed to think?
February 8th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
News flash, if we can not beat a Lakers team that is playing without the Kobe-Bynum tandem and lose to them by more than 10 points there is no way we beat them at full strenght. We will not beat Denver and we will not beat Dallas, Utah … Jefferson is a bust offensively and defensively but to be fair he is not the reason we got beat tonight. The Spurs simply are not good enough and with 30 + games to play I do not see a trade that overnight makes them contenders without giving away some vital pieces. I feel bad for Duncan, he does not have enough help in the low post and as well as he has played he is not the player he once was. Gasol is better right now !
February 8th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
pop must be outta his mind. I don’t know why he is still experimenting this late in the season. And why he puts in romaju just in the 4th quarter. Players that are in rhythm are the ones who should stay in the game in the last 8 min of the 4th quarter. Here’s how our under 8 min lineup shouldve been:
tony, hill,manu,blair,timmy.
there was no reason for playing finley,bogans, romaju in the final 8 min. Finley never even got a shot off. Pop is expecting too much from his seconday like finley, and bogans when he knows they lack the offensive production needed when down 10 points. The small ball simply does not work against a duo of gasol and odom, I knew that without even experimenting. I still also do not know why pop kept rj in the game even though he was shooting below 30 percent from the field.he clearly wasn’t confident enough in his shot. I don’t know if pop is playing hin to get his moneys worth out of rj or what, but if rj isn’t traded by next season for his large expiring contract, then we are out of luck my friends. I posted on this blog about rj and how ineffective he would be and I was right. He had been playing on a loser’s team for too long, and the only reason he had 20ppg was because he took wayy too many shots. I am done with this season and I hope pop learns from the lesson from tonights game.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Well then.
That corner we are suppose to be turning looks like a 20 foot concrete wall.
We need some dynamite so we can blow this thing up.
Still standing pat Pop?
February 8th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
We need a change, anything…
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yjxeotz
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ygwchvs
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ykp8gmd
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yl892fh
February 8th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
My disappointment with our spurs is just beyond measure right now. The bleacher report has an article saying that the spurs will not make the playoffs this season and I’m beginning to think the same too and if they do make the playoffs, it’s going to be another quick first round exit. I just don’t know what the hell pop is doing.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Last thought, as I watch Bonner and Mason play I wonder whether they tried to develop their offensive game over the summer. Bonner does not seem like he made any effort in developing his offensive game.There are no new wrinles. No attempt to develop his left hand or to learn how shoot using the window. No moves with his back to the basket. I understand that is not part of his game but the defense has to respect some other part of his game so that he can create some space when he launches. I wonder how many 3′s he has made with a hand on his face. I dare say very little if any. >He makes his shot when there is no pressure and no one is guarding him. The same can be said of Mason. It seems they both spend their summer just working on their shots and did nothing to improve their all around game. I still can not believe the Spurs did not give Hailisp a better opportunity to beat Bonner given the former’s athleticism.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
The spurs are like those rocket teams with Barkley pippen etc. Great on paper, but the stars have faded a bit and don’t have the right pieces around them to win it all.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Although I don’t think any trades may be practical at this time, I hope they are able to trade Theo. It’s obvious he’s in someone’s dog house.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:03 am
@Zainn - RJ has been in the losing team for only two seasons: his last season in NJ and Milwaukee. With Kidd, NJ was actually a legitimate contender (hard to imagine seeing how bad they are right now). Hell, RJ even experienced NBA Finals as a Net.
I don’t know whether RJ’s having difficulties fitting in/building his confidence, or Pop’s just not utilising him well enough. He’s shooting too many jumpers and not getting to the line enough, and that’s not why the Spurs traded for him. Something’s gotta change with RJ and Dice or we may see yet another 1st round exit (even worse, not even qualify for the playoffs).
February 9th, 2010 at 3:11 am
George Hill had an +/- of -23..next closest was Tim with -14 and 6 more minutes of play time in a 12 point loss. Mentally, George Hill is not there.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:50 am
I love how everyone on here is questioning Greg’s coaching. A couple of years ago he could do no wrong. Last year was a bailout because of injury. Now… ???
Hes only coached having the most dominant player in the league. Now, when he doesnt have him, the “coaching” comes through.
Tony Parker’s 6 TOs last night looked FANTASTIC.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:07 am
So, was it so smart to wait for the rodeo to evaluate when they’ve been playing completely out of character the entire flippin season?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:19 am
George Hill was ineffective because Parker demands to dribble the ball all over the court. Then once he is finished dribbling, he throws it away, or travels… Then he cries like the little girl he is.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:37 am
George is much more effective when Tony is in the game. When Tony sits and George runs the point the offense falls apart.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Terrible , terrible , terrible game!!
RJ is getting worse, Finley and Bogans combine for 0 pts, 2 ass, 2 rebs in 27 minutes, TP played OK for one quarter then throws the ball away several times…….
Why is RMJ not playing anymore??? Why is RJ still a Spur?? Dyess was the only one I saw hustling yesterday. I can’t watch this team anymore!
Get rid of RJ, TP, Bogans, Finley and Bonner and start rebuilding for next season! We will not get it done this year, we just suck too much!!
February 9th, 2010 at 6:08 am
Doggy- are you watching the games?
February 9th, 2010 at 6:15 am
Simply disappointed.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:30 am
This loss goes ENTIRELY on POP!
Jefferson was 2-9 but yet played 33 minutes??!?!!
We were getting eaten alive in the 2nd qtr, so bring out Bonner to help guard their bigs? Michael Finley on Lamar Odom? Give me a break. You have 2 athletic shot blockers on the end of your bench and combined they played 0 minutes! You Leave Blair in at the 5 to get consumed by Gasol? So much for your defensive schemes… I dont want to see this season go down in flames!!! Bench Jefferson for a few games, his defense and offense are pathetic! Blair shouldnt get minutes against a legitimate front line unless he is at the 3. We go small all the time, what about going big? Play Tim, Theo/Mcdyess, Blair, Ginobli, Mason/Hill???? That would be a bigger matchup at just about every position…. we need defense, and i am not sure that POP can bring it anymore!
February 9th, 2010 at 6:33 am
The name of this site is fitting. Watching this team play is truly 48 minutes of hell. There is no passion, no sense of urgency they only have one gear.
I know a trade will not correct all that ails this team but they need a shake up something has to change. The chemistry of this bunch just ain’t right. Blow this thing up before it’s truly too late.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:39 am
I live outside SA and don’t have league pass. How come every time I get a chance to actually watch a game I get this?
February 9th, 2010 at 6:44 am
these spurs are like the last stragglers at a party: they don’t know when to call it a night. the front office should have realized last year this core-timmy, manu, and TP-couldn’t win another championship. when they failed to realize it was time to start a new chapter for the organization, they attempted to maintain and support the core by adding role players, including one particularly expensive and underperforming albatros from the bucks. at the end of the day, all players are commodities. hill and blair are investments for the future, and the team should keep them. while some of the other players are relatively worthless (finley, bonner, bogans, antonio, ratliff), the big three have value in today’s market. i say the team should entertain any and all offers with the goal of putting together a new starting five that would be exciting, determined, athletic, and who would go into a game against the likes of the lakers without fear and with a little bit of swagger.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:12 am
This isn’t on Pop; we’re paying Jefferson too much money to sit him on the bench, and if he doesn’t break out of this funk we don’t have any hope anyways.
It’s on the players to play with some pride.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:44 am
I said it the other how this team lacks leadership… the commentators spoke of this yesterday… Pop was giving Tim a speech on the bench last night…. someone needs to get up and say something, but they are all buddy buddy and too nice to say anything.
Tim may have been a leader in the past, but I don’t see it anymore… we need someone getting mad and acting like they give a crap. Timmy’s game has deteriorated big time during the last 20 or so games.. guess he ran out of gas.
Love Blair but he needs a chill pill, as soon as he gets the ball, he goes racing away at the rim… damn boy calm down… that’s a 7 footer in front of you.
I wished I could say that Jefferson even plays decent defense, but they guy sucks in every aspect of the game, not even free-throws for God’s sake.
We honestly need a new coach (yeah you can yell at me all you want)… we have Hairston, Haislip, Mahimmi who were never given a chance, guys that could help our future, but Pop feel loyalty to senior citizens like Finley, Bogans, McDyess.
Why the heck hasn’t Ratliff played, what the heck is he saving him for?
Like I’ve said before…. this is the worst and most boring Spurs team yet!!!
Can someone from SA please hold a sign that says “TRADE JEFFERSON” when you go to the next game…
February 9th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.
They had NO KOBE. NO BYNUM. AND GASOL SHOT UNDER 50%.
How did we lose?
They started Shannon fucking Brown.
Wasn’t the point of Theo to help deal with the Lakers big?
TP nearly had as many turnovers as the entire Laker starting line-up (6 vs. 7).
This is team is absolutely abysmal.
I don’t know why I get surprised any more…
February 9th, 2010 at 11:14 am
To TradeTP - yes, unfortunately, I do watch the games. Sometimes I even rewatch portions if I can locate some pain medication. I see Tony getting George open looks in the corner, which he sometimes hits. Then I see George take over the point, run a comical two-man game with Matt Bonner while scorers like Manu and Blair watch thinking “WTF are you doing?” I see George dribble off his leg out of bounds. I see “defensive ace” George Hill matadoring Jordan Farmar to the rim for open layups.
Don’t get me wrong. I like George. He has a lot of potential. But he’s not a natural point guard and it’s delusional to think the Spurs would improve by trading Tony and starting George Hill at point.
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