Game Preview #20: Charlotte Bobcats @ San Antonio Spurs
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 10, 2009 9:37 PM CST
in Game Previews
Email
PrintSo we beat a Kings team pretty unconvincingly. Tonight, we're going up against another below .500 team. Will we play to their level or hand them a beatdown like we're supposed to?
I'm going to stop making epic previews until the Spurs get their shit together. Like 12-game win streak-get our shit together. So for now, your pre-game entertainment is a slew of meaningless statistics of which experience I'd like to call "stats-gasm". They are as random as the Bobcats giving hell to unsuspecting championship contenders.
Bobcat Blues
- Ever wonder why the Bobcats SBN blog is called Rufus on Fire? Well, the scientific name for a Bobcat is Felis rufus. Betcha didn't know that.
- Bobcats can take down prey animals that are eight times their own weight. They routinely kill deer and sheep in parts of their range. (see: Denver Nuggets)
- Average lifespan in the wild: 10 to 12 years (I worry for the Bobs' lifespan with Michael Jordan managing the franchise)
- If a bobcat thinks that it is in danger, it will stay in its home for days at a time without ever coming out. (so that explains Charlotte's 1-8 road record... wait, the Spurs are 1-5 so I should just shut up)
- Bobcats should not be mistaken for lynx, although both are closely related. (do not, however, hesitate to compare the Bobcats to the WNBA's Lynx)
A rare photo of a Lynx in the wild. Notice the beard-like fur on its face.
- Average age kids stop believing in Santa Claus: 8
- Assuming Rudolph was in front, there are 40,320 ways to rearrange the other eight reindeer.
Random Stats of the Young Season
PER Madness
- Tim Duncan is currently 3rd in PER in the league (1st among "Centers"... bleh) with 27.62, Manu Ginobil is 26th (4th among SGs) with 20.56, and Tony Parker is 38th (7th among PGs) with 19.48.
- Matt Bonner has the fourth highest PER on the team with 18.13 and ranks 15th among power forwards (somewhere, Fred Silva's head explodes)
"Don't mess with me. I have the fourth highest PER on this team, dammit!"
- DeJuan Blair is 5th in PER among rookies with 16.68
- Statistics show that one out of four people have mental illness. (I think it's more of a 1:2 ratio when talking about PtR members)
- A different scoring leader each night (from Elias Sports Bureau and ESPN)
Richard Jefferson scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Spurs to a 118-106 win over the Kings. San Antonio has had a different outright scoring leader in each of its last five games; Matt Bonner, Tony Parker, DeJuan Blair and Tim Duncan did it over the previous four games. That matches the longest streak of its kind for the Spurs during the Gregg Popovich era. Parker, Duncan, Beno Udrih, Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry took turns leading the team in points over a five-game stretch in April 2006.
- Of the 240 million television sets in America, 2 million are located in the bathroom. (Watching Spurs games in the loo is probably normal, after all. Not that I'm saying someone actually does it.)
Turnover Watch: Maybe it's not as bad as we think?
- The Spurs are 9th best in the league in limiting their turnovers (14.1 tpg), but rank 29th in forcing the other teams to turn the ball over
- Based on John Hollinger's stats, the team's Turnover Ratio (percentage of a team’s possessions that end in a turnover) is 10th best with a 23.7 rating.
- The Spurs average 12.8 TOs in wins, and 14.3 turnovers in losses.
- The most lopsided turnover comparison in a game so far this season was against the Mavs in a loss, where San Antonio committed 18 TOs to Dallas' 5. (that game was very close and went into OT)
- Turnover composition: 13% (32) came from offensive fouls, 41% (105) on bad passes, 43% (109) on ball handling, and 4% (9) on other kinds of turnovers.
- The longest dump ever verified was produced by an American, who produced a staggering turd over a span of 2 hours and 12 minutes. The toxic waste was officially measured at 12 feet, 2 inches. The offender has been banned from 134 washrooms in his state.
A Final Salvo of Random Stats-gasm
Totally unrelated, but 20 games into the season, a T-Mac slant is in order.
- The Spurs currently rank 3rd in the league in Rebound Rate (percentage of missed shots that a team rebounds)
- Gerald Wallace leading the league in rebounding might be the craziest statistical abberation in the history of the NBA.
- Another in-depth statistical analysis of DeJuan Blair's short but stellar college career.
- The average person eats 8 spiders while asleep in their lifetime.
- New Jersey's 0-18 start reset the record for poorest start to an NBA season. (yeah, everyone knows this already but I just wanted to rub it in)
- 82games.com has the Parker-Bogans-Jefferson-McDyess-Duncan 5-man unit with the highest +/- of any 5-man combination that the Spurs have used so far with +26.
- A BAM unit of Hill-Mason-Finley-Bonner-Blair is second with +15, while our supposedly "most talented" unit of Parker-Ginobili-Jefferson-McDyess-Duncan registers a -12, the worst +/- out of the ten top five-man units used.
- Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people.
- Tim Duncan ranks 26th in All-Time Rebounds with 10,728. To crack the Top 25, he has to surpass Dolph Schayes who has 11,256 boards.
- More impressively, Timmeh is already 11th on the All-Time Blocks list with 2,153 swats. He trails Alonzo Mourning, who has 2,356 blocks.
Smile, Timmy! You're on PtR camera!
- At any random time, approximately 0.7% of the world's population is drunk. (I'd rate the PtR populace much higher than that)
- So far, 68% of our attempts have been jumpshots, 29% were near the basket, 2% on dunks and another 2% on tip-ins. Benchmarking it with our championship seasons, in 2003 it was 63%-29%-6%-2%, and in 2005 we had 64%-31%-3%-2%. So yes, we are shooting a little bit more outside this season.
- And lastly, based on various sources, an average 54.1% of all statistics are made up and 40% are completely useless to any relevant conversation.
The Bobcats are waiting. Let's move.
(thanks to Google, Basketball Reference, 82games.com and ESPN for the stats. My apologies for using them blasphemously)
 Charlotte Bobcats @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: December 11, 2009, 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN Southwest
How They Stack Up
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Matchups
|
||
 Tony Parker I Can Has Passing Skillz? |
Point Guard Raymond Felton is a decent point guard with decent numbers who's always subject of multiple trade rumors. Shows you how loyal MJ is to his Tar Heel guys. On the other hand, what Tony wants, Tony gets (and that's not just basketball stuff). TP all day. Advantage: Spurs |
 Raymond Felton Trade Bait |
|
||
 Keith Bogans Boganvillea |
Shooting Guard It's a homecoming of sorts for Captain Jack, who helped put up one of the banners in the rafters. I'm hoping he'll be on our side just for tonight. But if S-Jax heats up, the Bogeyman will be in for a long night.Advantage: Bobcats |
 Stephen Jackson Captain Jack |
|
||
 Richard Jefferson Dunk-thlete |
Small Forward Gerald Wallace has been a scary good player this season. How scary? He's 1st in the league in rebounding (12.4 rpg) and he's a small forward for chrissake! He's also one of the best defenders in the league at his position. This should be a good test for RJ offensively, so let's see how Rage follows up on his one-game revival.Advantage: Bobcats |
 Gerald Wallace Crash |
|
||
 Tim Duncan Prizefighter |
Power Forward Because Boris Diaw's hair is ugly, Tim gets the automatic ATS white box. On a more serious note, Tim Duncan is awesome. Just thought I'd rub that in on Diaw's face. Advantage: Spurs |
 Boris Diaw French Invader |
|
||
 Antonio McDyess SAM I Am Not |
Center No CPunk3 means lesser eye-in-the-sky opportunities for Tyson. Injuries have also been limiting him, so I don't think he poses such a big threat compared to when he was playing Scooby with the NOOCH. Old Man Dice FTW. Advantage: Spurs |
 Tyson Chandler No-Fly Zone |
|
||
 Manu Ginobili Mr. 4th Quarter |
Bench & Role Players I fear for the safety of Charlotte's bench when the BAM is unleashed. Advantage: Spurs |
 Flip Murray Strictly A Scorer |
|
||
 Gregg Popovich The Student |
Coach Much respect to Coach Brown. Let's just fuhgeddabout New York, okay? Advantage: Tied |
 Larry Brown The Mentor |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
|
||
 |
Other Factors
|
|
 |
Intangibles A Larry Brown-coached team always seems to play better than what its collective talents suggest. Advantage: Bobcats |
 |
|
Mojo The 'Cats are riding high after their conquest of Denver. They've shown that despite their record, they can hang with the better teams in the league. I don't know if that Kings win restored some of the Spurs' mojo, but I hope it did. Advantage: Bobcats |
|
|
Winner Despite some of Charlotte's advantages, the Spurs are just flat out the more superior team - on paper, at least. If we don't take care of business tonight, it'll surely hurt. Prediction: Spurs by twin digits |
|
Keys To The Game
|
Last Time They MetWe demolished the Bobcats on our home floor last March 10, 2009. RoMaJu still had his shot back then (21 points, 5-8 on threes). |
Strength of Schedule
The every other day schedule continues. After this game, we embark on a three-game Western road trip in a span of four nights. Tiring days up ahead. The 'Cats are coming off two days' rest after a home victory over the Nuggies, and is on the first leg of a Texas back-to-back. |
Some Other ReadingBobcatsRufus On Fire - The Bobcats SBN blog is actually one of the places I like visiting. David Arnott is doing a heroic one-man job in running the site, and his pre-game Pump Up music choices are cool. Queen City Hoops - This is the TrueHoop affiliate blog for Charlotte. Orange is a pretty nice color if used in the right amounts. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: I do wish Tim and Graydon would write more, but unlike us here at PtR, they have lives. Still, TBDTNOTP - The Best Damn TrueHoop Network Out There, Period. |
Other Things of Possible InterestHere's a throwback moment from funny man Bob "Bobcat" Goldthwait on the Arsenio Hall Show. Old school.
|
Where to Tune In
TVThis game is not on national TV, so for those of you staying at home, you might want to read on below... OnlineAs always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance. Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
75 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I will never ever understand html, ever.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 10, 2009 9:50 PM CST up reply actions
Cool, the white boxes are back.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 2:40 AM CST up reply actions
Your unbelievable previewing effort.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Nah, I had better ideas but decided against it. This one’s a hack job. But thanks, man.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 10, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions
- The average person eats 8 spiders while asleep in their lifetime.
BS
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
- Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people.
This too.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
11:30 PM? Really this time? STEEEERRRRNNNN
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
It depends on the country. Here, it’s probably 8 cockroaches.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions
If a single ipis approaches the immediate vicinity of my mouth, I will scream like KG after making a meaningless layup in the first quarter of a preseason game. And cry like Iverson in his Philly press conference.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 12:09 AM CST up reply actions
You are flat out wrong. This is almost epic.
- Matt Bonner has the fourth highest PER on the team [after Tim, Manu and Tony] with 18.13…
There’s our big four right there.
One of which is crazy.
- Statistics show that one out of four people have mental illness.
Oh and I’ve been waiting for a previewer to dub the Philippine time as something other than. I was ready for the stereotypical “Where dogs are a cook’s best friend” or “Uncle Sam’s b*tch,” but Pacman country is about right.
"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
Aww… we made CNN again. ::blushes::
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 10, 2009 11:13 PM CST up reply actions
Really, I don’t understand how any human being is capable of mass murder of such epic proportions. So sad.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 10, 2009 11:22 PM CST up reply actions
Someone sent me gruesome images from the incident. That was just fucked up. Beyond sad.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 12:21 AM CST up reply actions
Even more depressing, the government seems to be pulling strings to allow the guilty parties to get out of this mess scot-free. That’s just really like spitting on the people’s faces and telling them to go fuck themselves. I can’t believe it.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 1:11 AM CST up reply actions
But enough about Donaghy.
Seriously, that Maguindanao shit is messed up.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 1:25 AM CST up reply actions
Mass murder by a crazed political warlord.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 14, 2009 2:38 AM CST up reply actions
I am not from the Philippines and have never been there but I have to ask, do you think that most Americans think of the Philippines as you put it
"Uncle Sam’s b*tch"? Do you think of the Philippines that way?
I know that the history between our two countries is very complicated and far from perfect so I guess I am not really asking from a government to government perspective but more from an everyday people to people one.
I’m just curious and I don’t mean to get into politics here and what ever you answer is fine with me.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
People come from opposite ends of the spectrum. Many believe in the “inherent” superiority of concepts, items, and whatnot that comes from America (perhaps representative of the West, in general). Others abhor anything that has to do with America in our country.
Still others can’t decide either way but would love to see snow.
So they migrate to…California. Seriously.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 12:19 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, that makes sense that there is a broad spectrum of views for those living in the Philippines. Thinking back over the years I have probably been acquainted with at least a couple of hundred people from there if you combine work, college, my kids’ school, teams, etc. But as with anyone I am much more apt to discuss the Lakers than geo-politics at the Christmas party.
What prompted my question is that I have a hard time seeing anyone over here (except Hipuks) putting “Uncle Sam’s b*tch” even as a joke – for any country really. Anyway, thanks for the reply.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I just had a chat with activist friends a few days ago. Perhaps that explains why it was one of the first things I thought of.
Perhaps I should’ve gone the “”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqvI2nMUFI" target="new">Where anyone can get a medical license" route instead. But my former pre-med classmates wouldn’t enjoy it too much.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 1:32 AM CST up reply actions
Okay, I didn’t hit preview, but I linked it correctly. Dammit.
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 1:33 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks, like I said I was just curious.
I don’t watch that show (the Lakers usually play on Sunday nights) but it might not 100% accurately reflect everyday life here in the states. :) I figure you always find a mixture of good people and jerks wherever you go.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I don’t understand, based on this preview, we are currently riding a 12 game winning streak.
Always good great stuff davis.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
Hah, it’s subject, I guess. But thanks, O.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 10, 2009 11:57 PM CST up reply actions
I can’t wait to watch this game. The Bobcats are to Manuwar as Blazers are to Tim C. This is mostly because Steve Jax, Wallace and of course California home grown Tyson Chandler. I still want him to be a Spur.
"I will five all over this blog." - JRW
want to go to the Clippers game Sunday? cojones2thewall will probably want to go too
"I will five all over this blog." - JRW
Sadly I cannot. My significant other is coming over after xmas and I’m trying to save as much money as I can. Thanks for the invite though.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Above all else though wouldn’t your significant other want you to be happy? And what would make you happier than seeing Manu, George and BLAIR!!??
"I will five all over this blog." - JRW
I think it’s wrong, guille, don’t worry. 10:30.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Great preview. Magnifique. I’m never doing these again, by the way. Mine are simply too pathetic.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Hey…come on. Don’t…hey…come on now. Yours are…You know, hey, come on.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
by Lauri on Dec 11, 2009 6:29 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
(I need an excuse to post that awesomeness.)
"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
by theonlyromeo on Dec 11, 2009 6:23 AM CST up reply actions
Heh, thought about that but DJ’s not been playing that well for me this season.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 9:18 PM CST up reply actions
bobcats last 10, 6-4 not 4-6
You guys may be better on paper, but being better on paper doesn’t mean much when a lot of the team is banged up or old. It will be a good matchup. Bobcats win by 7…pulling away with some free throws down the stretch.
Oooh, a prediction! You’re a brave man. And good for you for standing by your team.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
just finley is banged up and old….all the other old guys are healthy and none of the young guys are banged up
I really like Charlotte though.
1. I used to like the Charlotte Hornet with Mourning and Bogues and J.R. Reid and Glen Rice maybe? Maybe I’m thinking of another awesome shooter….
2. Larry Brown is awesome and used to coach the Spurs.
3. DJ Augustin is awesome and from UT.
4. You used to have Emeka who wears #50 because Robinson.
5. Gerald Wallace is vastly under-rated. It isn’t Pau Gasol level, but if he was traded to a top contender with established stars…
Thanks for pointing out that mistake, Mr. Mann, my bad. I do like the Bobcats, they’re scrappy and Gerald Wallace is a freak (in a good way), but bottomline for me is that the team has a long ways to go.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 9:13 PM CST up reply actions
Hey that was awesome SNB_D! Thanks, that was one of the best previews I’ve read all season (admiting that I have only read 1 or 2) but still!!!
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Thanks, AG. You should read all the previews, they’re all cool :)
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Featured Stories
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Will Ferrell will run the player intros at Wednesday’s Bulls/Hornets game
- Seattle is still working hard to get an NBA team, but at what cost to Sacramento?
- On Paul Pierce’s incredible, sometimes unlikely, run as a Boston Celtic
- Mark Jackson doesn’t want to hear your excuses/is totally making excuses
- Video: Steve Nash gave himself a great birthday gift
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
