PtR Quick Cap: Spurs bench mauls Hornets in 113-96 scrappy doo-ing.
The Hornets got out to a quick 12-6 lead. Manu Ginobili, coming off the bench, and the rest of the second unit took over and it was 39-20.
Yep, they went on a 33-8 run and pretty much iced the game right there, and cruised to the 113-96 win(box score). For the first half, the Spurs bench outscored the Hornets bench 30-0. Yes. 30. To. ZERO.
This game would have been much worse if Chris Paul hadn't played great. He tore it up, but could never get his team back in the game.
For the Spurs, this game was about showing off their balance. 9 players had between 9 and 17 points. Tony led the team with 17 points and 6 assists.
Matt Bonner led the team with 29 minutes played. Tim only played 22 minutes and had 9 points and 12 rebounds. Of course, he's already behind 1 to DeJuan in the double-double race.
All in all, a great across the board win by the good guys. There were a lot of good stats in this game, but I'll leave those to the stat crew.
Your 3 stars
- DeJuan Blair: 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in 22.5 minutes. John Hollinger has now been set on fire. Dare I say, en fuego.
- Tim Duncan: 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists.
- Manu Ginobili: 16 points and 4 assists. But most importantly, because he had his thing going. Some of his stuff was ridiculous tonight.
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28 minutes for Bonner is 10 minutes too many.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Look at the brightside. Matt played a lot but we still blew out the Scrappy Doos. Just imagine if his minutes go down.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
He got so many minutes because of the blow out. He would be sitting if the game was close.
Going for the first even year championship!
Exactly, if Bonner plays for 20+ minutes. It’s a good sign. We’re not treating this as life & death situation.
We still have our reserves.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
The official NBA box score has him at 28 minutes and 52 seconds. I’m thinking Bonner playing 29 minutes in a blowout win is OK.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
not in a blowout. He was still playing in the 4th when all the important guys were on the bench[except Manu]
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
Hm, I’d have to check how many garbage minutes he played. Didn’t seem so many to me, though.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Bonner played just over 3 minutes in the 4th quarter.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
You had to be there
Bonner played very well tonight – his defense was much improved. He earned those minutes tonight, (and so did Finley).
Maybe. But I remember West abusing Bonner in at least two plays. Like he always does, every single time.
I don’t care how hot he might be from 3 – we have other shooters. Bonner shouldn’t play so much against the Hornets or other teams with athletic 4s that have good-to-great midrange jumpers. I already shudder at imagining him going against Dirk.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
If this team stays healthy, i think it will wear other teams down. Have not been impressed with the lakers bench over the years and I know we are just getting started, but whoa
And to think that we still have Ian, Bogans, Haislip waiting on the sides
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Blair outplayed Duncan. Someone’s starting job is definitely in peril.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
we need to trade that slacker while he still has some value. who’s with me trading him for Lebron, Wade or that black Canadian dude?
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Best damn 2nd unit in the NBA. nuff said
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:32 PM CDT reply actions
Could add:
..by far? Is there any other bench that is close?
Going for the first even year championship!
Magic & Celtics can compete. Some say Lakers but I differ. They’re overrated, imo
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions
+1 to both of you on that. I think we are deeper than Orlando as well, because our second unit is more versatile. We have more scoring than they do off of their bench. Only the Celts are as solid deep in the bench.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
when rashard lewis will be back
the second unit will be something like
jay williaws
mickael pietrus
ryan anderson
brandon bass
marcin gortat
I don’t think there is a better second unit
I’m not that high on them. Good, yes. Very good as a bench, yes. But spurchief is right, they don’t have any scorers. I think I would take ours. But that assumes Manu is part of the bench.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I was just about to post the same sentiment, Wayne. Manu changes everything. He’s the guy who can score when everything else come apart and the play is broken. None of those guys on ORL’s bench can do that consistently. Plus, he’s a good defender as well.
In fact, if you want the defensive 2nd unit out there, sub Bogans and Ratliff for Mase and Blair, move Dice to the 4, and it’s still pretty formidable.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
Not saying you do this Wayne but I know alot of Spurs fans do: Count Manu as a starter since he gets starter minutes but then when it comes to comparing benches with other teams also count him as a bench player as well. Can’t have it both ways.
Just call me The Profit
Yes we can. Haha. Yeah, it gives you the best of both worlds.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 29, 2009 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Manu should be mentioned ALL THE TIME, Manuwar. Don’t make me get Argentine up in here. :)
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
Yes. There is Manu 1, Manu 2 and so on. A god must not be limited to one role only.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn we looked solid tonight. I’m still pissed my idiot boss decided to show the Yankees game on the restaurant big screen instead of the Silver and Black. I mean, who watches baseball anymore?
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
We may get beat by a few teams in the starting unit. But the second wave will overwhelm the opposition. Destruction comes in waves – The Texan Tsunami.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:34 PM CDT reply actions
Mmmmm, me likey the way that rolls off the tongue! Or maybe I’m just a sucker for alliterative nicknames lol
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Oct 28, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I got it bad too.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
This team is STRONG
This is going to be a fun season!
"There's a thin line between to laugh with and to laugh at." - Richard Pryor
according to a lakers fan on a (music-related) forum i post on…the nuggets and jazz are both better than the spurs. of course, that doesn’t matter, cos the lakers are so much better than them anyway.
free george hill!
by sleep research facility on Oct 28, 2009 10:38 PM CDT reply actions
I grant that Nuggets & Jazz at full strength can hang with us. And I agree, they can do us a favor by beating the Fakers. But I still want to face them in Finals, in that way, victory is sweeter.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey buddy...
did you reciv my message?
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
yeah, I wil be sending an email shortly.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks...
Great win for us…. today!
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
Absolutely, I wish it could have been closer. I don’t want us to be too complacent. Though, I don’t see that happening with the all the new guys around eager to prove themselves.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
I also wished that RJ played better but there’s always the next game. Maybe Yawn, Hairdog and ’Slip will play tomorrow against the Bulls
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
If its the Bull, they can be my starting five. Just to mess things up a bit
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, pretty crazy.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I think so, yes.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Wayne
hope he plays tomorrow… great win. Our starters should have fresh legs tomorrow.
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
O that would be gorgeous!
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:57 AM CDT up reply actions
yup!
we got zero blocks but still we won that’s all that matters
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
Ok. Time for bed. Thanks Wayne for the Quickie. Night all
Going for the first even year championship!
Expectations....
Ok, just finished watching the game. Had to tape it because I could not see it live.
Things I’m Trying to Keep In Mind So I Temper My Own Expectations:
- The ball movement was a little rusty, especially in the first half.
- Several plays broke down because guys weren’t sure where to be.
- The interior defense was atrocious.
- DeBeast is going to struggle guarding guys with size.
- Manu, while he played well, did not look fluid; he’s not back, but he’s not far either.
- TD was a non-factor; I cannot think of another Spurs game where he played and I ever uttered those words.
- Too many 3s.
- The Hornets? They suck. This was not a test.
And yet, even with all of that, I found my expectations soaring after this game. This was Game 1! Imagine how much better these guys will look after Game 40.
- Think about RJ’s athleticism on a 3-on-1 fast break.
- Think about our second unit being the 5th or 6th best team in the West.
- Think about Blair when he learns proper post position defense.
- Think about McDyess getting consistent open looks from 18 feet.
- Think about Tim’s scoring average dropping a bit, but his assists going through the roof.
- Think about a healthy Manu Ginobili.
- Think about Mase and Bonner as spot duty guys.
In other words, I am desperately trying to chill my expectations down to a minimum, but after tonight, it is hard. On a warm-up-game kind of night, they absolutely dismantled a playoff-caliber Western conference team. This team has more potential than ANY Spurs team I have ever seen. Potential only means “they have not done anything yet”, but the ability, talent, and desire are there. This could be an amazing season to watch.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
by spurchief on Oct 28, 2009 11:04 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
good summary. You shouldn’t have done that. now, I’m trying hard to temper my wild-eyed optimism again to guarded optimism.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s my problem – it WAS guarded optimism before the game. Now it IS wild-eyed optimism. I just keeping thinking about a 2nd unit on the floor most teams. Hill, Mason, Manu, Blair, Dice (or Ratliff). I’ll take those guys against just about anyone’s 2nd five guys all day.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
Umm, I meant “about a 2nd unit on the floor against most teams”. In my googly-eyed optimism, I can’t even type correctly.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
It’s a case of Blairinitis
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
must..keep giddyness..under..control. i’m bummed i wasn’t able to see the game but it was a great outing. my only question is why didnt mahinmi, haislip or hairston play if it was a blow-out? thanks, i’ll take the response off the air.
We need to have an official nickname for our bench. I saw “The Black Curtain” over on SpursTalk, and loved it.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
I saw that too. Not really a fan of it. I think we need something with the word “crushing” in it. Or something similar.
Going for the first even year championship!
Meat grinder?
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
Closer. Maybe something that show they are a group, gang, team….
Going for the first even year championship!
Come on, that would scare the carp out of mothers.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Where’s the carp? I’m waiting…
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:31 AM CDT up reply actions
motha with carp. this is perfection!
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 6:47 AM CDT up reply actions
How about “6th best in the West”?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 11:29 PM CDT reply actions
Ya know what else I dig? Two stats I like to look for in a box score:
- How many players in double figures? It indicates balanced scoring and ball movement. Tonight: 5 guys in doubles and 3 more with 9. That’s 8 guys with 9+ points. Wow.
- What percentage of field goals made were assisted? Again, indicates ball movement and guys getting open looks (or layups/dunks). Tonight: 29 assists on 45 made field goals. That’s 64%, friends. When the NBA average is well under 50% (the Hornets tonight were 17-39 or 43%), you’re doing some things right.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
Actually, there were 6 players in double figures, and 9 with 9 or more. Which further proves your point.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
Crap. I’m so hyped up, I’ve lost the ability to read a box score. I’m going to go take a Valium and go to bed.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
I tried that. Didn’t work.
Going for the first even year championship!
by Sh!fty on Oct 28, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
classic repartee
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Doesn’t it feel good to have a vicarious feeling of accomplishment on something that you have absolutely no bearing upon? Completely gratifying, indeed.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 28, 2009 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
nope. it’s simply incredible!
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 6:48 AM CDT up reply actions
yup
our team did make a couple of mistakes teams like utah denver or the lakers would have taken full advantage of. It’ll take a while for everything to be resolved, and I am happy that we don’t play the fakers until january I think. I wouldn’t miss that for anything.
great start to a long season
a win is a win so there’s that — a couple newbie thoughts (i agree with spurchief)
- definitely concerned about the interiorD as it was nonexistent
- Blair had some rookie fouls but had 1 helluva nice 1st game
- Manu had his magnificent moments!
- worst game in some time for Duncan — announcers wondered if he could jump
- Jefferson looked out of synch early on but that should dissipate
- too many 3s but they were wide open on so many (NO was not good tonight)
- the 2nd unit is definitely top 2 or 3 in the league so that’ll pay huge dividends — the starters seemed off this game but they usually start off slowly so we’ll see what happens — the rest they receive from the subs will go a long way over 82 games
Nice game, congrats.....
The last two days have confirmed a lot of suspicions…..
1. The Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, and Magic are going to be good, real good.
2. The Hornets and Mavs will once again be……..overrated.
3. LeBron + Shaq < LeBron alone
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
by pslakerfan on Oct 29, 2009 12:00 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It's only 2 days
…but I would agree to all 3 points. Even before tonight.
Going for the first even year championship!
- Duncan is taking the back seat or maybe even the bus driver role until all these new guys get out of school….Playoff Duncan and Regular Season Duncan are two different beasts. Playoff Duncan is a beast Blair can’t even comprehend yet. Duncan only took one Duncan Banker and made it. He also had 3 assists and 12 rebounds in his limited minutes. Good enough for me.
- The ATT Center was like a playoff atmosphere. The crowd was high voltage.
- 3 points allowed off turnovers and 14 points scored off of turnovers!
- More offensive boards, more defensive boards, more assists, and more points in the paint
- I don’t want to be the team that plays the Hornets next…they are better than some of your comments are giving them credit for (oh shit, its the Kings the night before they play us…that is going to be hell for the Kings)
- We started Bonner, and the NOOCHIES started offensively by having West attack him almost every possession and we went down 12-6. Bonner played well on the offensive end but NOOCH was exploiting him to start the game.
They should have replayed Bonner’s cork on Shaq just to give an illusion of defence
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Following all these comments from the iPhone is tough.
Still enjoying the exhilaration from yesterday’s game.
Not to be a Debbie downer but, like Blase says, we can’t
be doing the “dig a hole with Bonner” and ask the subs to bail us out
plan in against the top four good teams. Pau will attack bonner for FSM
knows how many points in 5 mins. I am completely down with
any way Pop uses Finley. But, Bonner loses his shot. I don’t know.
I just am not able to come around on that guy other than on situations where
he gets open shots with nobody running at him.
We need a solution at center other than Bonner to
start. Please.
great win
ok so im here in iraq just got thru watching the game on armed forces network, wow the spurs looked great i mean they started off slow but they did awsome especially blair…i cant wait for the season to come to an end i cant wait for the playoffs
WHY IS THE SKY BLUE.....BECAUSE GOD LOVES THE INFANTRY
we’re just starting and u already want it to end? you’re getting too far ahead. Let’s enjoy the ride, man. It’s sweeter that way
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 29, 2009 2:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Guess who just got home from work? If you guessed me, you are correct-sir.
Yay! Spurs win! What did I miss? Anything good? Do we have a bench mob or what?
It is what it is.
We are who we are.
We did great..
Balir had a double-double…
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
In 21 minutes played. Niiiice.
It is what it is.
We are who we are.
by SinCitySpur on Oct 29, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Am I the only one that dreads seeing Bonner on the floor? i love the spurs but that guy jacks up an ill advised shot almost every time he touches the ball. Not to mention the abysmal defense he plays. He’s like the guy in a pick up game that just hangs outside the arc jacking up three’s. Nobody likes that guy.
Perhaps he played a little too many minutes, but I don’t think he’s that far off from what we should expect. In most pick-up games, people don’t really know their teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, and therefore people usually expect more out of their teammates. This results in much disappointment and later on frustration when you have to help out on D (at least for most people).The Spurs know exactly what to expect. Bonner only has one strength and that’s shooting the 3. Pretty much everything else is a weakness. If he’s open, he has to shoot it, otherwise, there’s no point of having him on the floor. They’re not ill advised, Pop has already warned Bonner that if he doesn’t shoot, Pop will raise the temp on the AT&T center to alarming Muddbutt levels and bench him. In pick up games,
Bonner played well today, but his defense was bad. Overall though, I’d say he was a positive contributor to the team, and that’s what you want from any player. I will admit though, it’s about how he plays against the elite teams, so I don’t know how that will turn out yet. .
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions
hmm… actually, i take it back, his defense wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. So he played really well tonight.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Surprisingly, one of the things that I’m also glad about from today’s game is that Blair’s pick-n-roll defense cannot be any worse. It seemed like Pop just let the NOOCH offense pick him apart, and let Okafor dominate him on the offensive end. I hope that this was all part of Pop’s plan to fuel some defensive desire into the rookie by letting the Hornets exploit his defensive weaknesses, and not a result of Pop getting drunk after that first half, and forgetting about the game.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
ehh? Plan of the Pop? oh Part of the Plan right?
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
respect
already gettin some cred http://www.sportsbs.net
I thought Bonner played pretty damn well. He made buckets, got a nice bounce pass assist to the Beast, and even schooled someone to the hole. I can’t remember who it was, though, probably Hilton Armstrong. Anyway, people need to lay off on the Red Rocket, or he’ll throw a moldy sandwich at you.
by Manu ex Machina on Oct 29, 2009 1:34 AM CDT reply actions
One of my favorite stats of the night:
Offensive Rebounds
NOH: 5 BST: 5
dammit, tied for this game.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
you forgot to mention how many loose rebounds (off and def) slipped out of Blair’s grasp. Lucky NOOCH.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions
and you forgot to remind me to mention it.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions
and you forgot to remind me to remind you to mention it!
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions
so this is how you don’t remind me for how I don’t remind you!
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Did anyone go to the Pat Green concert (Spurs after party)? Was he drunk or is that the way he normally is?
Every time he appeared on the scoreboard screen he looked/acted hammered.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Oct 29, 2009 8:08 AM CDT reply actions
NOH Recap
Agree with most of the above. What impressed me the most was the overall offensive balence. Jefferson didn’t score much, but his overall game, especially those tip passes, were excellent. I expect he’ll be in double figures more often than not. If I was an opposing coach viewing the scouting tapes I’d probably stick to straight up defense and never double team the SPURS. They have just far too many weapons. CP3 played a good game, but the SPURS cut off his assist numbers and that made a BIG difference. I thought the starting five looked a little weak on defense, but the bench (ie: the 2nd to none crew) is going to make opponents keep their starters on the floor for longer than their coaches would like. You can’t come up with a specific defensive plan against the SPURS because they go 10 deep with offensive options. Hill did a great job running the offense, Mason played well, Manu was …Manu, McDyess did great, Blair proved that he has NBA scrappyness even if he needs to refine his defensive skills; and Jefferson is going to get a lot of love from his teammates for his passing. I think Bonner did OK, but he really hurts us with his lack of rebounding and interior defensive. He just can’t stop other teams 4/5 players. If he is going to stay a starter I think three rebounds in 28 minutes is not good enough. It puts too much of a load on Duncan. Again I think the fact that so many players contributed on offense will pose big problems for the opposition, but we’ve got to pick up our defense if we wan’t to beat the likes of LA and Boston.
2TNC
I like it. We’ve been looking for names for the bench and I think this one’s good enough to be in the mix.
Liked the recap, jj. Good stuff.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
I completely agree, the second the nun crew. These ladies won’t mind if we steal their title.

hehe, jk. I really like the name though.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
didnt get to watch the game yet (traveling last night and DVRed it), but i think im going to vote for great googly moogly. seems like our boys just put them in the grinder.
i also figured this place to be going monkey-poop over bonner getting the start/playing so many minutes…….fin too. isnt it crazy that our 9th and 10th guys start?
In all fairness… Bonner played well. He actually drove to the hoop and did a nice little hook shot (which went in!!). If he can learn to drive to the hoop & hit the 3’s that will be huge for him.
Manu... The most loved White Boy in the NBA
by Misplaced-Texan on Oct 29, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
MT, agreed. I was surprised by the drive-and-finish, drive-and-dish game he seems more comfortable with this year.
Looks like he’s been working on his game this summer, and not just looking for sandwiches.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
wont be able to watch it until right before our game tonite, so its a double-header for me. but i am looking forward to it BIG time – particularly so since you guys are hyping matt bonner’s night.
A Double Header Sounds Like Fun
I missed a big chunk of the game last night (that’s what can happen when the tip-off occurs while the jrwlings are still awake) so it’s possible that there were many infuriating Bonner-bonehead plays that I wasn’t able to fully appreciate.
You tell me after you’ve fully viewed it.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Dejuan Blair
1st post ever here.
I love the spurs and I thought overall they played superb. Couple critiques.
1. Bonner played too many minutes
2. Dejuan Blair commited several bad fouls too quickly. It was good to see other players coaching him. He then got it under control.
3. ****My main point**** I love Dejuan Blair but did anyone else notice that his man on man defense stunk? He wasn’t contesting shots in the 3rd & 4th quarters. Below average. I think he needs to work on this quite a bit. Maybe he got scared due to the early fouls and held back.
4. Timmy is my favorite NBA player. He didn’t look 100% to me last night.
Okafor, Posey, Songaila and West are all good to really good bigs and definitely all have enough experience to take an undersized rookie. Let’s see how he does against a younger front court in Chicago.
for some time, i have been secretly hoping that emeka okafor would morph into the next tim duncan right about the time we pursue him in free agency. not sure of his contract status or anything like that, but i like his game a lot.
NelsonB, thanks for joining. Hope to hear more from you. I’d like to answer your critiques.
1. It was a blowout. Individual minutes get skewed in garbage time. Let’s see where this is after a couple of months.
2. 3 fouls in the first half, but just a single in the second half.
3. Pop let him go up against guys with polished offensive games, just to let him see what people at his position can do in the league. What a perfect time (blowout win) for him to get the experience.
4. First, we didn’t need him to score last night. Second, when we’d had a few fruitless possessions early in the game, TD’s number was called and he drove the center of the lane and finished with a pretty right-handed hook. Third, he’s not in form yet. Pop made it clear that he’d asked Timmeh to NOT be in shape at the beginning of the season, but to get there as he played the games
Anyway, it was only a single game. Enough to quench a bit of my bball jones while making me hungry for more.
See you around, NB.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
I thought you were DeJuan for a second there. Welcome.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
No, not DeJuan. Also, my last complaint about Dejuan Blair. Read his twitter page. I can barely understand what he types. I mean I have horrible grammar but compared to him I’m an expert. English please!
I agree. Remember though that he is 20 years old and bad grammar is a like a requirement at that age. Specially on the Internet. Check Finley’s for proper English.
Going for the first even year championship!
and history lessons
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
and post-mortem lessons
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 29, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
People keep saying Duncan didn’t look quite the same and that Bonner didn’t rebound enough…I don’t think there were that many opportunities to rebound! Duncan and Blair snatched just about every single one out there, plus it’s easier to rebound if your man is not the one shooting/attacking the basket, which is what happened just about every time Bonner’s man had the ball.
Cut him some slack, he did what he needed to do…put the ball in the hole and use up minutes so that our stars can be fresh for tonight’s game.

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