PtR QuickCap: Duncan Gets Help, Spurs Win Game

by Tim C. on Dec 17, 2009 1:09 AM CST in Game Previews

It's amazing how those two things go together.

Yeah, this is going to be very short.

How it Happened

Much like last night's game against the Suns, Tim Duncan was on a completely different level than anyone else in the game... in the first half. The Spurs were pretty lazy on defense for the first half of this game, allowing 49 points on 50% shooting. The offense was pretty bogged down too, with Timmy providing almost half of our first-half points by himself. Our defensive specialist helped a bit, and Tony Parker made shots in between his 5 turnovers(He seriously needs to cut it out with losing the ball off his knee in the paint). Once again, the Spurs had no answer for Monta Ellis, who ended the night with 35 points. George Hill made a couple of great plays to close out the half well, but the Spurs still ended up down by two.

In the second half, the Spurs started playing much tighter D, and even closed out on shooters(where was that last night?). That defensive effort, combined with some offensive help for Timmeh from one of the other members of the big 4, let the Spurs cruise out to a 9-point lead at the end of the 3rd period. This was one of the few games where our starting 5(who also started the third) had the highest +/- number on the team. Tony seemed to key in on rebounds during the second half, finishing with 8 for the game to go with his 12 points. The bench unit didn't suck in the second half, and managed to keep the lead, which was even extended to 12 during the 4th quarter.

5 Spurs ended the game in double figures. One good thing to take away from this game is that the Spurs won without getting good shooting from beyond the arc(5-18), and despite commiting 20 turnovers. Not the prettiest way to get the W, but just imagine what the score would have been like if those 2 issues were corrected. A win is a win - now, let's get another one on Saturday.

Your 3 Stars

Tim Duncan - Nothing to see here, move along. This is getting very predictable. 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 1 smile that could melt the Antarctic ice cap. And if not for that smile, nobody would have noticed his performance.

Keith Bogans - All 3 of these guys were part of the defensive lockdown in the 3rd quarter, but Keith was doing his thing for his entire 24 minutes. He also contributed 13 points on only 5 shots, including an impressive drive to the basket that seemed to catch everyone off guard.

Richard Jefferson - Rage started out quietly, but joined Duncan and Bogans to provide good offense in the second half. A couple of pretty reverse dunks, coupled with good jump shooting, gave RJ 14 second-half points. I even saw him playing defense and contesting shots. Good job, RJ.

George, Manu and Tony had decent games too... but there's only 3 stars allowed.

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Comments

nice recap Tim C.

and 1 smile that could melt the Antarctic ice cap. And if not for that smile, nobody would have noticed his performance.

I remember he smiled after taking Anthony Randolph to school on a play.
I was hoping Timmy was telling Randolph something like “if you come play for us, I’ll teach you some of these moves” or “Next time, I’m charging you for the lesson”.
The Warriors just had absolutely no answer for Duncan, I know not many teams do, but this one just seemed unfair.

Missed 3’s I can live with, at least from certain players (not RJ, he should be slashing), but the turnovers, what a nagging concern.

Am I being biased here, or has Blair just been more consistent than Dice lately?

When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.

by the little o on Dec 17, 2009 1:30 AM CST reply actions

Blair’s been cutting into Dice’s minutes. Now if only Dice could play well enough to steal some of Bonner’s.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 17, 2009 1:37 AM CST up reply actions

I would like Blair getting Dice’s minutes and Dice getting Bonner’s minutes and Bonner getting Yawn’s minute??

Sparking!!!

by sparking!!! on Dec 17, 2009 1:47 AM CST up reply actions

ah…the question mark…forgot to remove them

Sparking!!!

by sparking!!! on Dec 17, 2009 1:48 AM CST up reply actions

Bonner’s not that great, but I’m sure giving him Yawn’s minutes is just cruel. Although there are plenty of people here that would agree with you.

When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.

by the little o on Dec 17, 2009 2:23 AM CST up reply actions

Is there photographic evidence of last night’s smile?

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Dec 17, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

After Timmy put the sick spin move on randolph he was wide open and flushed it… barely.

I think he realized that he almost got rejected by the rim and had a laugh with RJ about how close he was to an embarassing rim self-stuff.

The smile was off the charts though. I’m looking for a picture. I pretty sure this was the dunk.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

by BigFresh on Dec 17, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

Duncan Gets Help, Spurs Win Game

It’s amazing how those two things go together.

Then I guess the primary objective the next offseason would be to get players who would help Tim Duncan on rebounding, defense and scoring.

You know, players like Dice, Bogans and RJ.

I dunno why, but RJ isn’t impressing me at all. I get being “not too impressed,” but I’m “not impressed.” IGotta figure that one out.

"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 17, 2009 2:01 AM CST reply actions

I know we allowed Monta Ellis to get 35 points, but he did this on 31 shots and he had the lowest +/- of any player with a -14 ( He also played the most, 44 minutes). Magette on the other hand, had 21 points on 8-10 shooting.

I think the main problem now with this team is how incapable they are of putting together the effort for a whole game, we’re getting away with winning games in which we’re good for one or two quarters.
We’re not anywhere near being a team that can just switch it on for one quarter and win games that way, not that that’s a good habit to have. We get wins against mediocre teams this way, but against better teams, in which a full effort is required, we pay for it.
It’s these brief flashes of competence that keep me from offing myself.

"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"

by Hipuks on Dec 17, 2009 4:30 AM CST reply actions

There can only be one conclusion. The loss of Zombie is hurting us!

by LionZion on Dec 17, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

he does have really low TO numbers as a Spur

by BlaseE on Dec 17, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Yup

It was a pretty ugly game overall I though, (turnovers as usual etc.) the Spurs really looked like they were on the back end of a back-to-back on the road. Thing is the warriors looked even worse! Of all the games I have watched this season this Golden State team had to be the least impressive. And that said, I think the 2 main reasons the spurs got the win are
A. The Warriors had no answer for Duncan on either end of the floor and he proved it in the 2nd half. At least he was fun to watch.
B. Monta Ellis aside, the Warriors really put a “JV” team out on the floor. I understand the injuries don’t help much, but without any depth at the 1 and 5 they really looked like a team that is lucky to have won 7 games to me. I thought the Spurs really “played down” to their level and were bailed out by timmey

by finn ball on Dec 17, 2009 4:48 AM CST reply actions

Really, I think our defense was lucky…
being at this game, I kept holding my breath so many times in the second half only to be relieved when Warriors players (especially Radmanovic) would miss an open jumper. The only aspects that were really amazing were our interior defense in the second half and defensive rebounding. The Spurs forced the driving guards and forwards to the outside of the basket and allowed Duncan 1 on 1’s with them in the paint, which led to a bunch of big time blocks. It was times like those that you really recognize how amazing he is defensively.
Once again though, our guard situation was horrible, and was only saved by some outstanding offensive production of Bogans. The dude hit shots that he should have, and cut around the rim and perimeter. This was by far his best game so far with the Spurs. Jefferson really also showed his true colors. He powered a resurgent team in the 2nd half and allowed the offense to go through him at many times (I think this is really key for the Spurs to allowing Duncan more rest), while being able to knock down shots and aggressively drive to the hoop. He did what the Spurs brought him in to do: when Ginobili and/or Parker aren’t playing well, he picks up the offensive slack. Blair had some big time rebounds and solid defense too. One thing that stood out still, was the turnovers. 20 turnovers….its just completely unacceptable.

Oh, and Duncan had what I think was the play of the week: Warriors had a 3 on 1 against Duncan, CJ Watson gives it to Maggette near the hoop…Maggette goes for the big jam….and the ball is in the stands. When the fast break started, I thought “great, another turnover leading to fast break points”….Duncan made a perfect clean block to singlehandedly stop a 3 on 1. Greatest NBA player of the decade indeed.

by Aaron Can on Dec 17, 2009 6:07 AM CST reply actions

Duncan

That block Tim had on the 1-on-3 was awesome. Easily the best defensive play of the game.

by finn ball on Dec 17, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions

easily the worst offensive play of the game too. There’s a reason why so many Warrior fans don’t like Maggette. Ellis, or Curry would’ve passed. Duncan, though still great, got lucky there.

When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.

by the little o on Dec 17, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

One thing to note is that all of Parkers TO came in the first half. Hopefully something happened in the locker room at the half that made him take better care of the ball.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Dec 17, 2009 6:27 AM CST reply actions

Pop beat him with his leather belt.

"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 Dec 17, 2009 6:42 AM CST up reply actions

First thing, manu has a higher to rate/min played than TP.
Second “[Jefferson] He did what the Spurs brought him in to do: when Ginobili and/or Parker aren’t playing well, he picks up the offensive slack” but the problem is that he seems to cause them to play worse than usual, so I don’t think that he brings anything overall.

by biolb on Dec 17, 2009 8:11 AM CST reply actions

interesting perspective……RJ causes TP and Manu to play worse…….

"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

by Joe deLarios on Dec 17, 2009 8:17 AM CST up reply actions

We know Manu is going to turn the ball over. The thing is Manu usually makes up for it on the defensive end like his block on Randolph and other intangibles. He is usually a net positive in terms of turnovers/defensive stops.

Tony is the starting point guard and is supposed to facilitate the offense (especially in light of his defense). His turnovers aren’t as forgivable. If he wants to be the wild card off the bench, I’ll be more tolerant of his TO’s. Until then, he gets more scrutiny.

To add, Manu throws some risky passes, especially to Blair so far this season. Soon, a lot more of those passes will be easy buckets and not turnovers, but Blair just isn’t used to playing with someone of Manu’s passing ability yet.

by BlaseE on Dec 17, 2009 8:29 AM CST up reply actions

RJ can help this team, he can finish strong at the basket and a good midrange game.Last night when he got the ball he made the most out of it and he scored. He was demanding the ball but at the game’s last minute, when the warriors made 2 unanswered basket, Parker won’t pass him the ball and he even took a jumpshot which he missed againts 2 defenders. Since Parker has the ball more he needs to make good decisions, on a 3 on 2 fastbreak he lost the ball because he doesn’t recognized his other 2 teammates. Manu and RJ complement each other, Manu with the long ball, RJ driving to the basket and Parker should make this happen, instead he’s forcing plays. Offensively the Spurs are almost complete, inside, outside, midrange, and Parker as a PG should utilize this. If he does this he’ll be a great PG not just a scoring PG that is soft defensively.

by 21td on Dec 17, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions

Parker and Gino are both less efficient than last year (much less in Parker’s case) and RJ produces nowhere what those two did last year (when healthy), so I wonder if RJ brings anything to the table. Parker makes less assists than last year, and many more turnovers, while the options available should be better.

by biolb on Dec 17, 2009 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

OK, so your theory is that the low production and high TO’s from Manu and Parker is RJ’s fault? You do know that of Parker’s turnovers last night, 2 went out of bounds off his leg when he was going to the rim, one was a pass intended for Mason that was too long, and another was McDyess(or maybe it was Blair) having stone hands down low. I don’t remember the other one right now, but none of those 4 had a damn thing to do with RJ. Manu’s also been making sloppy passes, and he tries to force the ball in to Blair a little too often. Nothing wrong with passing to Blair, but you have to recognize when there are two defenders in between you and your target. Manu’s also been missing rotations on defense, which is a lot more troubling to me.

Look, I’m confident that Tony and Manu will turn it around, but I’m still going to grimace at every mistake until they do. I loved what Tony brought in the second half last night, other than the shot that 21td was referencing above. I was impressed that Tony “pulled a Manu” and found other ways to get involved when his shots weren’t falling. I love those guys, and I want them to turn it around, but I’m not going to blame it on RJ off-handedly when there’s no proof. Especially when RJ’s been playing much better for a couple weeks now.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 17, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions

I guess I’ll watch it when I get home. Wins are easier on my heart. Thanks for the recap, Tim.

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by LatinD on Dec 17, 2009 8:17 AM CST reply actions

There are quite a few “must-see” plays from this game.

by BlaseE on Dec 17, 2009 8:21 AM CST up reply actions

the turnovers…my god the turnovers. i’m going to go the optimistic route and hope the high number of turnovers are due to all the new guys “not be used to each other” yet…….

our play has been better in the past week or so and the spurs look ready to take that next step but for the turnovers. good win though. i’ll take it.

by bones on Dec 17, 2009 8:51 AM CST reply actions

i’m going to go the optimistic route and hope the high number of turnovers are due to all the new guys "not be used to each other" yet…….

This only a small part of the problem. The rest is fundamental basketball. You know, the stuff taught back in high school, junior leagues, etc.

No more excuses.

"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 Dec 17, 2009 9:31 AM CST up reply actions

I like the fact that there was some help for Timmeh. That being said, what the hell is with all the turnovers?! This is getting out of hand. I can understand a bad game, or two….even a bad week, but come on Spurs let’s pick this up!

by Big50 on Dec 17, 2009 9:21 AM CST reply actions

Good times

Only 20 turnovers while forcing 10 from GS.
Outshot the Warriors from 3, 2 and 1.
Also won the breakdance …

..and the longjump competitions.

The Charles Barkley 2009/10 Ancestors Count: 3 Grandmothers , 0 Mother Alltime: Reg. 26-0 Playoffs 7-0

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by DOH on Dec 17, 2009 9:40 AM CST reply actions

Once again, the Spurs had no answer for Monta Ellis, who ended the night with 35 points.

I don’t know, I thought we did a pretty nice job. He took 31 shots. 31. Shots. I think I’m okay with that.

by Daniel_B on Dec 17, 2009 5:49 PM CST reply actions

He still made more than half of them.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 17, 2009 6:09 PM CST up reply actions

He’s a damn good player, but I’d let any NBA star take 31 shots to score 35 points if I’m playing against them. It only means less involved team mates and easier to defend.

by xman130 on Dec 18, 2009 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

That is 1.13 points per shot. Ellis averages 1.16 on the season which is almost last on his team. It’s only above Curry (rookie), Radmanovic (new to team), and Turiaf (not supposed to shoot) so I think it’s great to make him a volume shooter.

If he had those numbers on our current roster, he would be between Hairston (1.20) and Finley (1.11).

Our top 4 are Ginobili, Duncan, Bonner, and Blair in that order. I’m not going Haislip who is 1 for 1 shooting for 2 points and leads the team. Last year, it was Manu, Duncan, Parker, and then Bonner. The interesting thing is that all 4 of those players have increased their PPS from last season so far. Jefferson and Dice are only slightly below where they were last year.

by BlaseE on Dec 18, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions