Another quality win last time out, eh? No time to celebrate because we're immediately taking on a real challenge - facing the luckless New Jersey Nets. Don't laugh now. This game isn't to be taken lightly. As athletes might say, it's difficult going up against a team with nothing to lose. Well... the Nets are fighting to avoid beating the record for futility in a regular season, so there's that to be wary about.
But with crygasm-inducing performances from Manu Ginobili the last few games, what do we need to worry about, right? Right. A couple of tribute photos to TMWNS and of course, a preview deserving of this Spurs-Nets game after the jump.
Here's a song and video tribute for The Man With No Name.
Badass Westerns are cool.
Even with those twin revolvers, he's still pretty relaxed.
And transgojobot already put this nice 'chop in a FanShot, but I reckon it's deserving of another look.
Weaksauce.
Let's get this show up and running.
 San Antonio Spurs @ New Jersey Nets Where: Izod Center - East Rutherford, NJ When: March 29, 2010; 6:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN SW(San Antonio); YES(NY/NJ)
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 George Hill SHHF |
Point Guard George has been going up against top level competition at the PG and SG spots lately, and he's really showing that he belongs. He goes up against a speedster this time in Devin Harris, so it'll be another test. If Hill passes this one with flying colors, I might have to give him the benefit of the WVATS white box next time. Advantage: Nets |
 Devin Harris Tony's nemesis |
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 Manu Ginobili TMWNS |
Shooting Guard Despite Lee being a decent defender, he can't stop The Man With No Swaggadocio. Advantage: Spurs |
 Courtney Lee Solid Soph |
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 Richard Jefferson RATM |
Small Forward With his fine performance against an elite team, RJ finally earns the tighty whities. And also because the match up in this position is very much in his favor, so I expect another good game, Princess. Advantage: Spurs |
 Jarvis Hayes Can and Will Be Dominated |
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 Tim Duncan GPFOAT |
Power Forward I'm hoping Yi won't realize Tim's not his usual self and won't run circles around him. I'm also hoping Pop gives TD the night off. It is the Nets, after all. Advantage: Spurs |
 Yi Jianlan Can Post Up A Chair |
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 Antonio McDyess SAM |
Center I'm pretty much undecided on how Dice is going to be a factor for us come playoff time, but I do know when that time comes, he will play his heart out. For now, Brook Lopez is a talented big and will pose problems for the "intimidating" frontline of San Antonio. Advantage: Nets |
 Brook Lopez The Better Twin |
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 DeJuan Blair BFO |
Bench & Role Players Slam, BAM, thank you, ma'am. Bonner proved to be the better Ginger last game (He dominated KG? Are you kidding me?!), so hopefully it inspires confidence. CD-R is like Manu-ultralite - he can score with the best of 'em - and Terrence Williams is a good athletic rookie that can make plays. Advantage: Spurs |
 Chris Douglas-Roberts CD-R |
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 Gregg Popovich GOML |
CoachKiki Vandeweghe was the Nuggets GM when they drafted 'Melo, so I'll cut him some slack. Wait, he's a coach now? Advantage: Spurs |
 Kiki Vandeweghe Depressed |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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The Spurs are playing some inspired basketball, thanks to you know who's lack of swagger. Advantage: Spurs |
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Mojo |
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R.I.P. - Mojo Advantage: None |
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Winner: |
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| TRAP GAME. But I'm still pulling for a win. Best case is to also get TD and Manu some much-needed and well-deserved rest. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleAfter finishing 2-1 on a very tough three-game stretch, the NBA's schedule makers finally let up on us with tonight's match up. However, things will again get tough as the Spurs return home to face a slipping but always dangerous Rockets team, then a red-hot Orlando Magic club, before making a trip to Hollywood to seek revenge. Please be reminded that there will only be a day's rest in between the next few games. The Nets, meanwhile, have a dreaded three-game homestand playing host to the West. After the Spurs, they host the Suns, then the Hornets. Last Time They MetOur win against New Jersey early on wasn't really convincing, but we managed to tough it out, 97-85. Brook Lopez went bonkers for 28 points, but guess what? This was the Yawn break out game - 15 points on 6-6 shooting and 9 rebounds. |
Some Other ReadingNetsNets Daily - The SBNation blog for Nets fans. Surprisingly, it's more active than PtR in terms of visits and page views. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better, after adding two new writers. Congrats to Jesse and Andrew, who are already doing good work. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired on FSN Southwest in SA, and YES in the New York/New Jersey area. 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). |