Duncan’s historic night leads Spurs over Grizzlies
They’re the defending NBA champions. They’ve won 50 games (or the equivalent) every year that Tim Duncan’s been in the league. Despite all that, San Antonio Spurs still manage to surprise us. This time, still short staffed and coming off an overtime loss in Brooklyn less than 48 hours earlier, they beat one of the hottest teams in the league in their building and it was mostly due to two guys who should’ve been slowing down this late in a road trip. Duncan logged the fourth triple double in his career (playoffs excluded) and Ginobili did a little bit of everything as the Spurs took down the Memphis Grizzlies, 107-101 Friday night.
Typically, the crucial moments in a game come late, but not Friday night. No, the critical point came in the first 12 minutes when the Spurs pounced on the Grizzlies early, outscoring them 25-14. The ball movement that quarter was impressive to say the least. Seven of 10 baskets came via assist and San Antonio found their 3-point stroke early, making four in the first quarter alone. Two of those four came from Ginobili, who on fire the entire game. All five of Manu’s made baskets came from behind the arc. After that, the Spurs and Grizzlies mostly just went back and forth and every time it looked like Memphis had some momentum, someone with a Spurs jersey on made a big shot, got a key steal, scooped up a big offensive rebound.
The 3-point shooting wasn’t the only thing that made Ginobili stand out Friday night. He was in total control the entire time he was on the court. He also assumed the role of playmaker (seven assists), glass cleaner-upper (not a word, but he was second on the team with six rebounds), and he also played some great defense picking up a couple of steals and a block. It’s early, but so far in December, the super sub is averaging 15 points, five assists and 4.3 rebounds on 48 percent shooting a 60 percent shooting from three. The three-point shooting probably isn’t sustainable, but perhaps Ginobili is starting to find his stroke. He doesn’t need to shoot 60 percent from 3 (however nice that would be), but closer to 40 percent than 30 (he shot 32 percent in November) is so important for the Spurs offense, especially while Patty Mills is out.
I probably just buried the lead, because well, there was so much about this game that was important. At 38 years and change, Duncan’s 14 points, 10 boards and 10 assists made him the second oldest player to ever record a triple double. As the box score suggests, Duncan was a little bit of everything Friday night. In the first half, he was a facilitator, logging seven of those 10 assists. He obviously cleaned up the glass all game, but it was a couple times in the fourth quarter where his work on the offensive glass stood out. Twice, Ginobili drove in to the lane, launched a floater over the outstretched arms of Marc Gasol. Duncan, recognizing the defense wasn’t rotating to box him out, went straight to the rim for the tip-in. Both times that put the Spurs back up double digits. It was just another example of Duncan doing whatever he needs to in order for the Spurs to get the win.
Duncan and Ginobili were both big parts of this win, but the play of Danny Green, Matt Bonner, Marco Belinelli and Cory Joseph shouldn’t go without mention. Each made big plays, particularly in the second half, to keep the Grizzlies just out of reach. I wondered whether this was the Spurs best win of the season so far. Afterall, Memphis is on the short list of best teams in the NBA after the first month and a week. The Spurs were coming off an overtime loss to the Nets Wednesday night where they looked less than great for 3 1/2 quarters. And sometimes, the final game of a road trip is just tough enough motivation wise. I crowd sourced Twitter for some help. Most of you still think the Warriors win on the second night of a back to back last month was better. That’s probably right but this one’s right up there.
One note of concern. Tony Parker left Friday night’s game with a mild hamstring strain. Gregg Popovich said after the game he doesn’t expect Parker to play Saturday against Minnesota. After that we’ll see, San Antonio doesn’t play again until Tuesday and that’s at Utah. Maybe it’d help Parker’s cracked ribs to skip that trip, especially since they play the Knicks Wednesday night. If they chose to keep him out that game, he’d be out until Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, which would be a week of rest and rehab for the hamstring and the ribs.
Last note, don’t count on Duncan and Ginobili against Minnesota. Nothing official was said last night, but both guys logged above their average minutes Friday night and Minnesota is missing three of their five starters. Tip-off from the AT&T Center is 7:30 p.m.
