Game Preview #73: Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 31, 2010 6:51 AM CDT
in Game Previews
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PrintSo we lost to the loserest, sorriest team in the league. I don't know wanna talk about it. Let's just move on to the next game, shall we?
After the jump, a pathetic attempt at making comics...
LatinD linked to this comic-style recap from Clutch BBS and I thought it was hilarious. swgeek was kind enough to find the application for us so using my downloading skills, I hooked up my computer with it and you can see the results below.
I know it kinda sucks, but hey. You just have to indulge me. Maybe I'll not do this ever again.
***Some of the text might be hard to read and I don't know how to make large-size pictures. Maybe clicking on the photo will help for a clearer view?
via i43.tinypic.com
So much for the first installment. Good luck to me if I should keep that up. Anyway, now for the real preview.
 Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: March 31, 2010, 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSNSW (SA), FSNHOU (Hou)
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 George Hill Learning By Doing |
Point Guard Hill had a tough night against Devin Harris the last game, so I guess it's safe to say the young buck still has much to learn, although he did play a good game. Still, I won't discount the competitor in him, and I'm sure he badly wants to improve on that performance. Aaron Brooks, meanwhile, has probably assumed the mantle of leadership of this team with the absence of Yao and Battier. I say rightfully deserved, because he's one heckuva player and PG, and has significantly improved his numbers across the board from last season. He should provide another good test for Albatross. Advantage: Rockets |
 Aaron Brooks Speedy |
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 Manu Ginobili Back Spasmic |
Shooting Guard I hope the injury was just minor and Mr. Ginobili's back to his wrecking ball ways for this game. If he is indeed back on track, our chances of winning exponentially grows. If not, then you know what happened during the Nets game. ::shudder:: Jermain who? Taylor is a rookie who's played sparingly this season for Houston, but has started the last two games and played pretty well. The dude was a scoring machine back in college, so no doubt he can contribute a few buckets. Let's hope he's not the "random unknown guy who always plays well against the Spurs" tonight. Advantage: Spurs |
 Jermain Taylor Unknown Rookie |
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 Richard Jefferson Good at Hiding |
Small Forward I'm quite disappointed at RJ during that Nets loss. He had all the opportunity in the world to take over the offense, and he did play a good, aggressive first half. But in the second? He just disappeared. That's really not gonna cut it, Peanut. Trevor Ariza will give Jefferson fits while guarding him. I just hope that offensively, he won't be as lucky with his three-pointers. Advantage: Tied |
 Trevor Ariza Has A Ring |
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 Tim Duncan Needs To Rest |
Power Forward Sorry, Timmeh. I'm gonna have to give the WVATS white box to Scola this time. ::sniff: ::sob:: Meanwhile, I'm hoping that somebody gave Tim a copy of that Dan Shaughnessy article. That piece was a shamockery of epic proportions. Advantage: Spurs |
 Luis Scola Shoulda Woulda Coulda |
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 Antonio McDyess Shot |
Center Dice is pretty much living up to his age, but still has solid games here and there. C. Hayes is a banger and a workhorse but thankfully, not as offensively better as the ex-Rocket Carl Landry. Nobody wins. Advantage: Tied |
 Chuck Hayes Not really a center |
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 DeJuan Blair Rookie Wall'd |
Bench & Role Players Chase Budinger's playing really well of late after Kevin Martin went down, and Kyle Lowry often poses trouble for the Spurs. The Rockets don't really have a reliable bench outside of those two but hey, our bench sucked against New Jersey and RoMaJu, as streaky as he's been might also be out. It's not looking good unless Bonner or Bogans catch fire or Blair turns Beast Mode on... ::gulp::... Yawn plays? Advantage: Spurs |
 Chase Budinger Curly Blonde |
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 Gregg Popovich Bring back the Beard |
CoachHouston is out of the playoff race, but Adelman still has his team playing hard and playing together. Dangerous times for the Spurs these next few games. Advantage: Tied |
 Rick Adelman Former NBA Finalist |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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Manu should be back in the lineup. That's all I need to know. Advantage: Spurs |
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Mojo |
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It's six feet under. Advantage: None |
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Winner: |
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| We'll probably win, unless Pop wants to lock up the 8th seed... which isn't remotely impossible from happening, mind you. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleThis is the first of our last four home games, and first of a two-game homestand. We got the Orlando Magic next with only a day's rest in between. The Rockets hit the road in their next four games, beginning with this one. Last Time They MetThe Spurs and Rockets last played on February 26, losing 104-109 on the road. George played well (26 points) but three of our starters stunk it up real bad, scoring a whopping total of zero. |
Some Other ReadingRocketsThe Dream Shake - Almost similar to PtR. The members here are both crazy and funny - good stuff. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: Best damn TrueHoop affiliate out there. Always a must visit Spurs site. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired by FSNSW in San Antonio and by FSNHOU in Houston. If you have cable or satellite, you'll have to look up your individual channel. And of course, there's always League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games 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 poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com for more assistance. NBA 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). |
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Comments
Hah. Nice to see you put the program to good use. I also installed it, but I haven’t had time to do much with it. Good work, Davis.
I smell death... everywhere.
You should put it to good use. It has some limitations with inserting text but if it’s just a simple comic you want then it works fine.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 31, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks man. It’s called comic life. Just google it :)
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 1, 2010 2:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Quit your day job. This is great. Just like you said: Click once, then click again and you can read it fine. Houston came from behind last night to beat the Wiz in Houston. Luis played 40 min. He has to be worn out, he’s been doing this all year long. Houston’s own red rocket ,Chase Budinger, had a good game from the top of the key. Who shows up for us and who sits for us I have no idea. I have given up expectations for the resurrection.
Did y’all see this?
MoneyMase Goodmorning tweets! I’m headed to shoot around., the mri confirmed I tore the ligament between my pinlky and ring finger.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, we really suck. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 31, 2010 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions
See, I knew I shouldn’t go off on Mason. He has a real injury, not a 5 minute one like Paul Pierce always tends to have.
Remember Paul Pierce’s Willis Reed moment when he was carried off the floor in a playoff game and returned later in the 4th quarter to play? We can pretty much confirm that he is a wuss, right? He is pretty sure every bruise is a break until the pain goes away two minutes later.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, we really suck. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
Fred’s on a anti-Pierce roll today, folks!
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 31, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
in pierce’s defense, he evidently re-injured it and is in doubt for the celtics game against seattle. so maybe its a little worse than it appeared.
also, anyone who gets stabbed 11 times a month before the season starts, and then plays all 82 games, by my reckoning probably doesn’t deserve to be called a wuss.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 31, 2010 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
He reacts to pain in an embarrassing way. You cannot convince me otherwise. This is a pattern, not a one time occurence.
Plus, he has the most disgusting game of any all star. He can’t jump so he uses his big butt to get his old man shots off. It reminds me of Charles Barkely after he lost his ups, only Pierce never had ups so he’s been doing this crap since he was 21. He singelhandedly makes Celtics games 20% harder to watch. And people say the Spurs played ugly ball. Please, Pierce has the most unaesthetic game ever.
Also, did everyone hear him claim to be one of the best shooters in NBA history after he won the three point contest this year? WHAT!?! Paul, you and Bonner rank up there in the ‘shots that are so ugly I can’t believe they ever go in’ scale.
There are many reasons to hate this guy; I hope he ends up a Laker. I could turn this into a book if that happens.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, we really suck. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
wow. ok. glad you got that off your chest.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 31, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Remember Paul Pierce’s Willis Reed moment
This worked for his team as a charm and earned him a ring and the MVP of the Finals. How can you blame someone for being a genius?
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
It was the Lakers’ fault for falling for his bulsh.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Who cares who’s fault was it? He did what was needed for his team. This episode arguably changed the game and changed the series. You could feel the different energy after Pierce came back. In this sense, it was an equivalent of Fisher’s 0.4s shot and other great plays in the playoffs.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
Kondor, have you ever agreed with anyone? Now you are defending Paul Pierce? Seriously?
I’m attacking Kobe, Carrot Top, Vujacic, Joey Crawford, and the Kardashian sisters next time and we’ll see how well you defend that crew. Cause you know you will.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, we really suck. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
Yes, I always agree with many people. For example, I agreed with Pop regarding world champions vs. NBA champions thing. I agree with a lot of people from this blog as well. If I was a Laker fan I would definitely hate Pierce for his theatrics. But I am not a Laker fan, so I just see his theatrics as a motivational tactic, which worked very well for his team.
I don’t think that I can defend Joey Crawford though.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
I found a nice argument for Vujacic:
LA sits Vujacic because of ‘run-in’ with coachesattaboy Vujacic.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
You’re just jealous that they call him Sashapova.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Princess Peanut – by far. That ranks up there as far as bad trades go – that is why I have deemed him “The Albatross” – although Cubits has been called that as well for his wing span – RJ is The Albatross because he is a symbol of impending doom for all of his companions until he passes from this plane of existance
"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
Really? If the Spurs had kept Scola they would have had a better chance in 2008 to beat the Lakers and make the Finals to give Boston a run. In 2009 they would have been better suited to handle the injuries to Manu and not rely on TD and Parker as much. Then this year they wouldn’t have had to spend extra money to bring in McDyess and they would have already had a big 4 before RJ came in. To me that’s much worse than a one or two year mistake with RJ. Of course that will all be trumped if they don’t resign Manu.
Heh… yeah, noticed that. I can change it but it’s late and I’m too lazy now.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 31, 2010 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
“Maybe, unless they actually don’t re-sign Manu this offseason. Nothing’s gonna top that.”
Thanks. I’m getting the shakes after just considering this possibility.
the Spurs have to resign him…it isn’t an option….the question is how badly are we going to be be hurt financially by it and for how long
the only explanation I could find to not signing Manu till free agengy is that the FO is gambling with timming for two reasons 1) to have Manu more motivated to produce during the rest of the season and 2) to see how his body holds. …..Once both things are checked they will resign him at any cost….perfect!
I guess I just needed to make this theory up so I can sleep at night…
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Mar 31, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah if he got seriously injured in the playoffs…..ummm….he’d be cheaper at least
let’s never speak of this again….
Look I don’t want anybody to get hurt – certainly not him. But if the Spurs had signed him earlier this year and he decides to play for his national team again this summer then they bear the entire risk for it. By waiting they do not assume that risk and perhaps dissuade him from playing this summer. And let me repeat I don’t want anybody to get hurt – certainly not him.
Perhaps this question is crass but given the injuries he’s suffered in recent years is it fair to ask the Spurs to accept the risk of his play again this summer?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
is it fair to ask the Spurs to accept the risk of his play again this summer?
Yes, I think, it is completely fair. Manu is one of the best things that happened to the Spurs and FO should not mess with their luck. If you expect any loyalty from your people, you should show loyalty to your people. If this is strictly business, then I can argue that Manu would be wise to look for other options this summer.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
maybe because we know what happens to Manu every year after he playes during the summer is that I think is almost mandatory for him not to play this time, specially at his age.
….even if that leaves my country without his best player.
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Mar 31, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
yes, I agree with the my Argentinian friend about my favorite Argentinian player – he should not play during the summer, period
"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 Mar 31, 2010 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Just noticed who’s reffing tonight when putting together the game thread. Read it and weep.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
funny, it brought some happy thoughts to me… Timmy looked so young back then….
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Mar 31, 2010 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Did they have to assign Joe Crawford? Couldn’t the league just issue a “Dear Spurs: Screw you guys” card?
At least Oberto’s not around to make Timmy laugh again.
by i luv this site on Mar 31, 2010 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
So what have spur fans got against Eric Lewis Rodney Mott?
by i luv this site on Mar 31, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
What race? They’re done done done. Realistically the west is all about seeding now.
That doesn’t mean they won’t try, and these Rockets are just the kind of team to play spoiler. We need our role players to assert themselves and to keep the pressure on them no matter whose on the court. They’re a mentally tough team
Some of you may not respect Kobe ...
But Kobe respects your team.
Bryant on the team in the NBA that isn’t getting enough credit: "In the East, I’m going to say Charlotte. I think Charlotte is extremely dangerous. In the West for some reason people continue to sleep on San Antonio, which I don’t get."
http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2010/03/31/kobes-qa-recap-including-a-fear-of-san-antonio/32707/
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
hmmmmmm……..
"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
After Houston killed us with it the last two games my only request for the Spurs: please guard the pick and roll! Phoenix and Utah both also reamed us with it this year, and we might have to play either or both in the playoffs.
It would be a good opportunity to show concretely that the team has improved something on defense!
Some pregame reading..
Dell Demps talks about Jerrells
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 31, 2010 6:09 PM CDT reply actions
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