PtR Quick Cap: Spurs Run Over Christmas Deer 112-97

by Tim C. on Dec 26, 2009 10:54 PM CST in Game Previews

That was a nice surprise, wasn't it? The Spurs finally played with a purpose, and sustained the effort long enough to ensure a comfortable win, giving us an old-fashioned "boring" Spurs blowout.

BOX SCORE

The Spurs got off to a slow start in the first couple minutes of this game. But, the Bucks got off to an even slower start, and the score was 15-4 after the Spurs started making things happen for a couple of minutes. This was partly because the Spurs were playing good, smart defense, and partly because the Bucks couldn't hit the broadside of DeJuan Blair. Speaking of Blair, he was a monster in the first half, with 6 points and 8 boards in about 10 minutes, IIRC. Also, we might need to talk about this Tim Duncan guy. He had 16 points in the first half, on the way to another great road game. Also, some French guy played less sucky than usual, so there was that. The Spurs defense looked good for most of this game, as the were quick to challenge most shots that Milwaukee took.

The second half was more of the same. After struggling a bit in the first few minutes, the Spurs got everything clicking on offense and really poured it on in the third quarter. Antonio McDyess was literally hitting every shot he took, and the Spurs outscored Milwaukee 33-23 in the quarter. The defense continued to impress, including some nice work by George Hill against Brandon Jennings. Manu Ginobili seemed to be the guy who revved up the offense, getting several assists in the third. In the fourth, the Spurs traded baskets with the Bucks for a while before putting in the "scrubs", who did just enough to keep the game out of reach for Milwaukee.

A few random observations:

The Spurs turned the ball over 16 times, which is still too much. Gotta keep working on that. I liked our 7 steals, though.

31 assists on 46 field goals, which is a great number. I loved the ball movement tonight - even when we missed, we usually had good looks at the basket.

We won the rebounding battle 42-30, and Pop stayed with two bigs for the great majority of the game. Coincidence? I don't think so.

The Spurs' 4 Stars

This is pretty tough. A lot of guys did a lot of things right in this game, so there will definitely be some people left out. But, 4 guys really seemed to shine brighter than the rest.

Tim Duncan - The man continues to dominate. 26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and a +/- rating of +30. Just another day at the office for the best big man in the league.

Antonio McDyess - Dice made it rain tonight. Aside from one shot where a bad pass got him out of rhythm, he hit every single jumper he took, effectively giving the other guys the ever-important spacing needed to work at maximum efficiency. 14 points and 6 boards in 17 minutes. Not bad, old man... not bad at all.

Manu Ginobili - Manu's line is pretty confusing. On the one hand, his +/- tonight was -8. On the other hand, he had 13 points on 5-6 shooting, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. It's nice to see Manu have such a good game, after his recent struggles. It's amazing what happens when he plays decisively.

Tony Parker - Credit where credit is due. Tony played a very effective game tonight, even though his jumpshot wasn't falling again. 16 points, 8 assists, 6-7 from the line, and only one turnover earned Tony this spot. Update: Watching the game again on DVR, I observe him doing a great defensive job on Jennings - props, Tony.

Check out BrewHoop for the oposition's take.

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Comments

Now we know what happens when you give our opponent the edge in every single category in the game preview.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by J.R. Wilco on Dec 26, 2009 11:39 PM CST reply actions

it was indeed a nice game and a very nice game preview by LD.

by blackhawkconvoy on Dec 27, 2009 1:23 AM CST reply actions

You’re a tireless workhorse, Tim, and I meant that to be a compliment. I don’t know where we’d be without your efforts.

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Dec 27, 2009 7:57 AM CST reply actions

Winning is FUN! Let’s do it some more!

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

by Lauri on Dec 27, 2009 7:59 AM CST reply actions

well up next is the Knicks

shouldn’t be too hard.

Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.

by KA1Z3R on Dec 27, 2009 8:12 AM CST up reply actions

Except that the Spurs’ flight out of Milwaukee was delayed last night and they didn’t get to NY until 3:30 in the morning. . . .

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

by Lauri on Dec 27, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions

And NY is 7-3 in their last 10. No joke.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 27, 2009 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

Haislip made a 3

possible SF option? He’s got the speed and athleticism. Just a thought.

Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.

by KA1Z3R on Dec 27, 2009 8:52 AM CST reply actions

This was a blast! Our drive to Milwaukee was easier than we thought it was going to be, given the amount of snow that both Illinois and Wisconsin have received in the past 2 days. But we planned accordingly and had plenty of time to spare.

We found the Bradley Center with only a few wrong turns, since neither my pal, nor I had ever been there, and quickly took in the surrounding area. This part of the city was fairly nice looking, but very “compact”, close together. We parked in a parking garage, for an amazing SIX DOLLARS. I will park in Milwaukee any day of the week! How do you argue with six bucks?! (Pun very much intended.) We walked a block or two over to Rock Bottom [a bar, brewery, burgers, tv’s on the walls- not sure if they have them in SA, or surrounding areas, either ;-) ]. Upon entrance, my Duncan jersey was visible under my now unbuttoned jacket, we were told that the Spurs’s Scetion in in the back of the restaurant. Hardy har har. We laughed it off and were seated.

After two good beers and burgers, we walked to the Center, and were very very surprised to see as many Spurs fans as we did. There was many more Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker jerseys than I expected. I even saw a Gervin 44 t-shirt on a man. Richard Jefferson was booed to no end all night, especially after that foiled attempt a dunk. I was tempted to barter with a few fans to try to leave him, and take Kurt Thomas back. (I really think Richard is unhappy playing with the Spurs. He didn’t look alive out there, and confused as usual.)

The Bucks’ halftime show is fantastic! Honestly, the best I’ve ever seen! (Chicago Bulls, take notes.) The cheerleaders came out and danced, then they had these guys in deer suit jumping off the trampolines and doing these great dunks, and then…the cheerleaders themselves, Santa outfits and all, dunked! It was great!

Then the second half started, the lead shrunk, then increased again, and again, and then Pop pulled the starters, then we held onto 15 and won. Thank goodness! Duncan was fantastic, as we all know he is. He annoys other fans so much. I heard plenty of “Why do they leave him open all the time?!”, and “Why do they just let him think about the shot for 3 seconds before he shoots it??” all night, jumper after jumper. My favorite was “Duncan’s gonna have to work for it tonight! Makin’ all that money…etc etc.” Game over.

The arena was probly about half full. I plan on doing this again. A great time was had by all. Well, except the Bucks fans.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Dec 27, 2009 11:25 AM CST reply actions 1 recs