Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage: Orlando Magic @ San Antonio SpursFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2013-04-04T10:59:49-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/39444352013-04-04T10:59:49-05:002013-04-04T10:59:49-05:00Morning Rehash: Danny Green makes Magic Disappear
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<img alt="Yep that was a three." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z5xY4uWZD7CS0sC_BQhCMhe8cHM=/0x0:2667x1778/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10949099/20130403_ajl_ai1_323.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yep that was a three. | Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard out, it was up to Danny Green to shoulder the offensive load for the matchup against the Orlando Magic. Timmy suited up for 13 minutes, and Gary Neal provided a boost off of the bench to propel the Spurs to a victory over the young and tanking Magic. </p> <h4><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Opening Hash</span></h4>
<p>The <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> have fallen a long ways since their 2009 Finals matchup with the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>. They surprised the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> and <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> by being the Eastern Conference representative that year, and matched up against the defending champs in LA. Coached by <span>Stan Van Gundy</span>, that Magic team was essentially <span>Dwight Howard</span>, <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span> and a bunch of three point shooters, which included <span>J.J. Redick</span>, <span>Rashard Lewis</span> and Courtney Lee. <span>Rafer Alston</span> played big minutes, and even though he played very well, having a 32 year old Rafer Alston play big minutes did not bode well for the Magic. Lewis and Turkoglu had great series, both the top two the Magic in scoring and distribution, while also helping Howard out on the boards. Unfortunately for them, the rest of the team was cold from the perimeter, as they only shot 33% in the series, a low number for a team that attempted 115 three pointers, nearly 30 more than the Lakers. They only made 6 more of these attempts than the Lakers. The Magic would go on to lose 4-1, in one of the most disappointing Finals series in a while.</p>
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<p>That Magic team is no more, with <span>Jameer Nelson</span> and Hedo Turkoglu as the only remaining members from that 2009 squad (Turkoglu went to the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>, then was traded to the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> and finally back to the Magic, who initially didn't want to give him a big contract due to his breakout playoffs performance, but are stuck with his metenolone body now). Rashard Lewis was traded to the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> and then left the team for greener pastures behind <span>LeBron James</span>' shadow, where the grass is still growing much healthier than in Orlando (even though it's the same state, go figure). J.J. Redick was traded this year to the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bucks</a> after the Magic were scared of his departure in the offseason and wanted some form of compensation for his hard work and improvement in Orlando. The two remaining members (Turk-o-glue and Nelson) are both hurt and can't contribute. Newer additions that were supposed to help the team (<span>Glen Davis</span> and <span>Arron Afflalo</span>) are also hurt, leaving the team in the hands of young rookies and second year players like <span>Nikola Vucevic</span>, <span>Tobias Harris</span>, Moe Harkless and <span>Andrew Nicholson</span>. These players have been the diamonds in the VERY rough for the Magic, as Vucevic is amongst the top rebounders in the league, and the other three have shown flashes of great offensive talents. <span>Jacque Vaughn</span> obviously has a lot of lee-way and understanding with this squad, and with a lottery pick coming, is tasked with turning this once proud team back into playoff competitors. With his <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> background, I think he can pull it off.</p>
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<h4>Quote of The Game</h4>
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<p> </p>
<p>"This isn't work here, what we do."</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Sean Elliott on broadcasting Spurs games. It must be pretty fun to talk about the team you once played for. What a gig.</p>
<h4>Quickie Game Hash</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/3/4181444/spurs-98-magic-84-game-recap-Parker-Leonard-rest">Check out J. Gomez's recap for more information.</a></p>
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<p>The Spurs were without the services of <span>Tony Parker</span>, <span>Manu Ginobili</span> and <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> for this game, and would have to lean heavily on <span>Tim Duncan</span>, <span>Tiago Splitter</span> and <span>Danny Green</span>. The game started out well for the Spurs, who jumped out to an early double digit lead, but would allow the Magic to get back in it with sloppy play. Actually, it was very sloppy in the first three quarters for both teams. Tiago Splitter came off the bench to supply a good amount of points and rebounds, falling a single rebound short of a double double. The Magic kept the game relatively close for the first half, and went down by 5 thanks to a late tap in by <span>Boris Diaw</span> as the buzzer sounded.</p>
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<p>What kept the Magic in the game (other than they were playing our reserves) is their athleticism all over the floor. Vaughn also rode his starters nearly all game, with Vucevic, Harkless and Harris averaging nearly 40 minutes each, and having the box scores to prove it. That trio grabbed 30 of the 47 Magic total rebounds and scored 45 of their 85 points. It took them 53 attempts, so it wasn't their most efficient outing. The Magic were also deadly on the fast break, connecting on a great alley-lop from Harris to Harkless, who had another dunk in which he just slashed to the rim and rose for the follow. He's springy. With Timmy playing less than 14 minutes, it was up to Danny Green and <span>Gary Neal</span> (our streakiest shooters) to get us out of this one. The Magic got within four points in the middle of the third quarter, but a consistent showing from the Spurs (and bad decision making from the Magic) allowed San Antonio to ride out any attempted comebacks from Orlando. After an 11-0 run in the fourth, and a 17 point lead with less than four and a half minutes to go, the Spurs would hold on to win.</p>
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<h4>Game Boss</h4>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0px; border: 6px solid #ccd1d5; width: 618px; text-align: center; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; font-size: 13px; color: #292929;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="sbn-data-table"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top">
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><img style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" itemprop="image" border="0" title="Danny Green - San Antonio Spurs" alt="Danny Green - San Antonio Spurs" height="85" width="65" src="http://l.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/8ZFK_f_1oTlVwBwuJ5RpRQ--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2NoPTg2MDtjcj0xO2N3PTY1NztkeD0yO2R5PTE7Zmk9dWxjcm9wO2g9ODU7cT0xMDA7dz02NQ--/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/i/us/sp/v/nba/players_l/20121217/4651.jpg"></p>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">DANNY GREEN</b></td>
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<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STL</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">AST</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">BLK</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">20</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">7</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">10</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">2</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; background-color: #e4e9ed;" width="71" valign="top"><font color="#555555"><span style="font-size: 0.85em;">27:53</span></font></td>
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</tbody></table>
<p>After an Icy showing against the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> and <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Grizzlies</a>, Mr. Verde came back to life, hitting 7-10 shots and 4-7 three pointers. This means he made all of his field goals inside the three point line! Is that a first?</p>
<h4>Game Runt</h4>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0px; border: 6px solid #ccd1d5; width: 618px; text-align: center; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; font-size: 13px; color: #292929;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="sbn-data-table"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top">
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><img style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" itemprop="image" border="0" title="Tobias Harris - Orlando Magic" alt="Tobias Harris - Orlando Magic" height="85" width="65" src="http://l.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/00OJGhSc2xB9Jy182ieE8w--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2NoPTg2MDtjcj0xO2N3PTY1NztkeD0yO2R5PTE7Zmk9dWxjcm9wO2g9ODU7cT0xMDA7dz02NQ--/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/i/us/sp/v/nba/players_l/20121217/4901.jpg"></p>
</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TOBIAS HARRIS</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STL</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">AST</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">BLK</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">11</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">19</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">7</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; background-color: #e4e9ed;" width="71" valign="top"><font size="1" color="#555555">41:28</font></td>
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<p>As the newly appointed go-to guy for the star-less Magic, Harris was supposed to provide scoring punch and athleticism at the SG/SF spot. He attempted to shoot his way out of a slump, and could not, missing 14 of his 19 shots and 5 of 6 from deep. He filled out the box score, but his inefficient shooting made him the Runt against the Spurs.</p>
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<h4>Numbers of Note</h4>
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<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">22 - Total Free Throws attempted in the game. A low number, which allowed the game to go by very quickly. The game clocked in under two hours, rare for a basketball game nowadays.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">53 - Rebounds by the Spurs, a +6 advantage against the Magic, who boast one of the best rebounders in the league. Impressive outing by Timmy, Diaw, Nando, Aron and Gary Neal, who all grabbed a decent amount of rebounds in their limited minutes.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">20 - Rebounds from our guards, a great number considering Timmy and Tiago played less than thirty minutes combined. </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">18 - Fast break points by the Magic, which is what allowed them to stay in the game for so long. About half of the total turnovers by the Spurs were finished on the other end by a few streaking blue jerseys.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">4 - Field goals for <span>Matt Bonner</span>, none of which were a three pointer. Not a typo.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">4 - Runners/Floaters by Cory Joseph in this game. He hit all of his attempts, in his showing as Tony Parker-lite. While his floater isn't as pretty or refined, it is definitely effective.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">26 - Assists by the Spurs, right around our season average, a good showing without our best players in tow.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
</div>
<h4>Odds & Ends</h4>
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<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">I have to comment on <span>Cory Joseph's</span> runners/floaters in the paint again. Those were some really nice plays (one with the clock running out), but I hope he's not a one-trick pony on the offensive end. I know he can hit the three ball, and can obviously hit the floater. But can he penetrate all the way to the rim for a layup? Check back next week on the continuing <i>Adventures of the Canadian Longhorn</i>!</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;"><span>Aron Baynes</span> was appropriately aggressive on the offensive side of things. He had a good dunk from a nice pass by Gary Neal and even had a baby hook shot that went in. I've seen Baynes shoot that before, it's an effective move for him.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">Gary Neal was in full-out shooter mode, taking shots early in the shot clock or deep behind the three point line, and making enough of them so that you didn't pull your hair out. Definitely a hate/love relationship.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">Moe Harkless definitely has the talent to be a top shooting guard/small forward. He can slash to the paint and drive at will, has great dunking ability, and a pretty good shot, but he doesn't have any discipline. Of course, this comes with being 19 and on a last place team that doesn't really have anyone else to shoot the ball. Might as well get all of those bad shots out of the way early, huh?</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">The Magic have an intriguing young core of talent stored away in Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and Andrew Nicholson, all under 23 years old. If Jacque Vaughn can develop this core, and the front office can keep them together, they can be a sneakily good team in the East very soon.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: normal;">I hope Danny is back on his 'Hot' streak, as we'll need a few 'Tar Heel Triples' from him against OKC. With Stephen Jackson and Manu hurt, he and Kawhi will see a lot of time against <span>Kevin Durant</span>. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>Going into the Next Game the Spurs Need to...</h4>
<p>...thank Pop for resting Tony, Timmy and Kawhi well this week in anticipation for a big game against OKC. If we beat them, we'll hold the tiebreaker in case of a tied record at the end of the season, and have that much more of a lead as the season dwindles down. The Silver and Black beat the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a> in San Antonio without Tony Parker, now they'll face them in Oklahoma City without Manu. Which is a tougher task? Stay tuned.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/4/4182730/morning-rehash-danny-green-makes-magic-disappearthe ellimist2013-04-03T22:48:25-05:002013-04-03T22:48:25-05:00Spurs "scrubs" pull away from Magic, 98-84
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YZW3YtzcoJpISn_2nE6iH3BY7Dg=/40x193:3545x2530/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10928087/20130403_pjc_ai1_166.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs' bench managed to beat a shorthanded Magic team that is already looking towards next season 98-84. But the real question is, will the rest the stars got pay off tomorrow night against the Thunder?</p> <p></p>
<p>With the team visiting OKC on Thursday, <span>Gregg Popovich</span> decided to rest <span>Tony Parker</span> and <span>Kawhi Leonard</span>. With Ginobili out, that meant the Spurs were going to be without three of their leading scorers. I'm sure the idea was to give <span>Tim Duncan</span> the night off as well but with <span>DeJuan Blair</span> out with a stomach virus, Big Fun had to suit up. Fortunately, the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> were the opponent and they are, simply put, not a good basketball team. It's obviously by design since they are rebuilding. <span>Jacque Vaughn</span> has had his guys playing hard but they are not particularly talented and on this contest, they were missing all their veterans.</p>
<h3>The game</h3>
<h3></h3>
<p>It could have easily turned into a trap game if the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> didn't feel the need to approach the Magic "with the appropriate fear," as Pop likes to say. Fortunately at the start of the game that didn't seem like the case. The team was energized and active on defense, especially <span>Nando De Colo</span>, who got the start this time. They were moving the ball and taking turns on offense instead of giving De Colo all of the playmaking responsibility. Duncan and Jackson started off poorly but with <span>Gary Neal</span> sniping away en route to eight first quarter points, it didn't seem to matter. The Spurs managed to score a very good 28 points in the first quarter but couldn't pull away as they allowed 23 to the visitors.</p>
<p>Neal stayed hot to start the second quarter and with a lineup that included Gary, <span>Danny Green</span> and <span>Matt Bonner</span> it seemed the Spurs were going use <span>Tiago Splitter</span> to pick and roll <span>Nikola Vucevic</span> and the Magic to death. Instead the Spurs continued to run their usual sets, which shows a lot of discipline and confidence in the system. But as the minutes passed, you could see the Spurs were starting to get overconfident on both ends, and that resulted in turnovers and mediocre transition defense, which the Magic took advantage off. Those 13 fast break points the Magic scored, plus their seven second chance points, boosted their terrible offense to keep it close going into the break. After two quarters the Spurs led by five, 51-46.</p>
<p>Pop decided to sit Duncan for the second half, with Splitter in his place. Things weren't looking good when the Magic kept running and cut the Spurs' lead to one, but Pop called a timeout and the Spurs got a Danny Green corner three off a set play. With the Magic hanging around but not really threatening the win, Pop started emptying his bench. <span>Aron Baynes</span> got some serious minutes and a three point guard lineup got some run in all permutations. Tiago Splitter and <span>Stephen Jackson</span> didn't return. It definitely seemed a little premature considering the Spurs hadn't really pulled away, but it appeared as though Pop didn't want to tire his core guys and was curious to see what the end of his bench could give him.</p>
<p>I'm not going to lie, there were some rough patches and the offense was hard to watch. But the scrubs held their own. We know what guys like Neal, Bonner and even Nando De Colo can provide but the deep bench, <span>Patty Mills</span>, Aron Baynes and <span>Cory Joseph</span> (aptly <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/3/4180402/gamethread-for-orlando-magic-at-san-antonio-spurs-apr-3-2013-7-30-pm/in/3944435#153929633" target="_blank">named PB&J by <span><span>Chajamamama</span></span></a>) showed why they are on an NBA roster. Joseph is a good floor general that gets the team into its sets, Mills is a ball of energy, and Baynes is a proper big man that can muscle his way into rebounds. He even flashed a semblance of offensive versatility by hitting a turn around, fade away jumper in the post</p>
<p>We had to wait a little longer than would have been ideal, but the Spurs went on a 10-0 run with 7:37 to go in the fourth and never looked back. This game was simply the appetizer and the Spurs knew it; the main course is tomorrow's meet up with the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>. But with Pop giving us a glimpse at what Baynes can do and using quirky lineups, at least this weird little game had entertainment value for those completists watching.</p>
<h3>Observations</h3>
<p>I'll keep these short since you can't really draw conclusions from a Spurs-Magic game in which the majority of the stars/veterans were not playing.</p>
<ul>
<li>Not a good game for Captain Jack, who couldn't get going offensively. Instead of settling for jumpers he tried to get to the rim but ended up forcing things. Worst yet, Vucevic stepped on his ankle and<a href="https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen/status/319643936169787392" target="_blank"> he'll have to get an MRI</a>. He's not traveling to OKC with the team. Bummer. <br>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Everyone outside of Danny Green and Gary Neal struggled from outside, but those two guys were all the Spurs needed. Neal went 4-8 and Danny Green went 4-7 as the two combined for 36 points.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tiago Splitter almost got a double-double in less than 17 minutes and Diaw collected seven boards and four assists. Aron Baynes had nine and five in 17 minutes and Matt Bonner had a stabilizing presence on the team when the lineups got really weird. (Yes, you read the correctly.) We could say all the bigs had good games.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I have no idea what tonight means for the back up PG spot race, if anything, but everyone got some run. De Colo started up really, really well but then sort of fizzled. Mills wasn't particularly efficient but he was definitely aggressive. Neal doesn't bring a lot to the table but when he's hot, he can change a game. And Joseph looks like a very disciplined guy that takes care of the ball. They all looked OK but it was against a shorthanded Orlando team after all. I doubt this game influences how Pop sees any of them.<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Tomorrow the Spurs visit OKC in a game with serious seeding implications. If the Spurs beat the Thunder, keeping the first seed becomes a bit more believable. But if they lose, it's almost certain that they will fall to the second spot for good. I expect Parker, Leonard and Duncan to play tomorrow. It's going to be fun.</p>
<p>For the opponent's perspective, visit the excellent <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Pinstriped Post</a> </p>
<p></p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/3/4181444/spurs-98-magic-84-game-recap-Parker-Leonard-restJeje Gomez2013-04-03T21:39:38-05:002013-04-03T21:39:38-05:00QuickCap: Spurs take care of Magic, 98-84
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AkLWBNuIjlli-w626lG5wSjczcQ=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10927531/20130403_pjc_ai1_166.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/anirontag">anirontag</a></td>
<td>69</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chajamamama">chajamamama</a></td>
<td>68</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TrooperJoe73">TrooperJoe73</a></td>
<td>62</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spursfan87">spursfan87</a></td>
<td>52</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kenshinsama">kenshinsama</a></td>
<td>49</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oldtimeyspurfan">oldtimeyspurfan</a></td>
<td>42</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/theonlyromeo">theonlyromeo</a></td>
<td>42</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HtownSteelerFan">HtownSteelerFan</a></td>
<td>39</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kondor">Kondor</a></td>
<td>37</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swgeek">swgeek</a></td>
<td>37</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/In%20the%20666">In the 666</a></td>
<td>35</td>
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<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nicolaspursfan88">nicolaspursfan88</a></td>
<td>31</td>
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<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Queness">Queness</a></td>
<td>29</td>
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<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syllabear">syllabear</a></td>
<td>28</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanAntonioGiant">SanAntonioGiant</a></td>
<td>26</td>
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<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/indiancharlie">indiancharlie</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chilai">Chilai</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/quincyscott">quincyscott</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/play_splitter">play_splitter</a></td>
<td>17</td>
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<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BrooklynSpur">BrooklynSpur</a></td>
<td>17</td>
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<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Badpierre">Badpierre</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpursBenchOverStarters">SpursBenchOverStarters</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Marky%20G">Marky G</a></td>
<td>10</td>
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<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dark%20Black">Dark Black</a></td>
<td>10</td>
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<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.%20Gomez%20(Edg5)">J. Gomez (Edg5)</a></td>
<td>9</td>
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<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RG8907">RG8907</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ed%20(dfjmed)">Ed (dfjmed)</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swimwithsharks">swimwithsharks</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ishmael_">ishmael_</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/i%20luv%20this%20site">i luv this site</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/reppinchitown">reppinchitown</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/3/4181414/quickcap-spurs-take-care-of-business-over-magic-98-84Josh Guyer (completely deck)2013-04-03T02:00:04-05:002013-04-03T02:00:04-05:00Spurs host Magic
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F1R3-A28nwwSfbwFM6WJTO3cvF8=/0x354:3136x2445/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10820651/20130401_jla_ad8_448.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Magic head to San Antonio to get a lesson on how to win basketball games....we hope.</p> <div id="preview-wrapper">
<div id="preview-ptr-logo"><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836197/pounding-the-rock-logo.png"></a></div>
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<div id="preview-vs">
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>San Antonio Spurs vs Orlando Magic</b></h3>
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX<br>April 3, 2013, 7:30 PM Spurs Time<br> TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI</div>
</div>
<p>
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<p>Let's be real, this is not an exciting match up. In fact, I would wager that the only reason you're reading this preview is because you're either a person that reads everything on PtR or you are a masochist. Just writing this hurts so good.</p>
<p>During a crazy stretch of games where the Spurs play the likes of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> they toss in a game against the hapless Magic. The one good thing is that the Spurs should win this game going away, key word being "should". This is a clear TARP game, or it was until San Antonio dropped a game they shouldn't have to the Heat and then snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Memphis. The Spurs need this game, if nothing else for the sake of their fans. We aren't used to losing games in a row and it's wearing us out.</p>
<p>Good news, Orlando is bad. They've won as many games as the Spurs have lost. They traded away their best player in the off-season. That generally doesn't bode well for NBA teams and by generally I mean never....ever. Sure it might, key word "might", pay off down the road, but in the short term it never goes well. Orlando seemed to follow Cleveland down the same path of trying to find some combo of over-payed and over-hyped players to fit around their super-star. Of course that never translated into rings and both teams lost said super-star in the process. This is just one more time to be thankful for the Spurs and the way they handle their business. Of course <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#highsight" target="_blank">highsight</a> is 20/20.</p>
<p>To rub salt in the wound, the Magic have several injuries. Arron Affalo is out for the year. <span>Glen Davis</span> is hurt and <span>Jameer Nelson</span> is dinged up. <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span> (or as I like to call him, Hedo Turkish-glue) missed their last game for personal reasons, but then again he's only played in 11 games this year. That's a good way to spend 11 million dollars.</p>
<p>The Spurs need to win this game. It's against a poor opponent and it's at home. Of course these are also the types of games that have been giving the Spurs trouble over the last month. I'm hopeful that San Antonio can come out establish a nice lead and let the bench take it home. Besides, don't the Magic want to tank and get the best pick possible? In this limited case, I'm all for that. <span>Jacque Vaughn</span> owes the Spurs for getting him this job anyway. Come on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-nickname-dictionary#The-JV">JV</a> you know you owe the silver and black for all those years they paid you to be horrible at everything except dribbling.</p>
<p>By the way, Pop, can we get a little more <span>DeJuan Blair</span>? He is playing way, way better than <span>Matt Bonner</span> and right now Boris Diaw is a train wreck (3/12 shooting against Memphis). Let me just take a moment to say that I wish Blair had Diaw's talent and ability. I think he'd put it to much better use and than the lackadaisical frenchman. I know I'm being to harsh on Diaw, but Boris is starting to upset me with his unwillingness to take (and make) shots and properly spread the floor. Don't even get me started on Matt Bonner, at least he hit a couple of shots against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a>. Finally! All I'm saying is that there's nothing <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#nothingicantcandle" target="_blank">Blair can't candle</a>.</p>
<p>On to my best guess of the lineups:</p>
<table width="609" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" border="0" align="center" style="color: #000000; background-color: #cccccc;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="padding-top: 12px;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/SAS.gif"></center></td>
<td colspan="3" style="padding-top: 12px;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/ORL.gif"></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><center>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Tony Parker</span><br><b> SG:</b> <span>Danny Green</span><br><b> SF:</b> <span>Kawhi Leonard</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Tim Duncan</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Tiago Splitter</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Gary Neal</span><br><span>Boris Diaw</span><br><span>Stephen Jackson</span><br><br><b>Head Coach</b><br><span>Gregg Popovich</span></p>
<b> </b> </center></td>
<td colspan="3"><center>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Beno Udrih</span><br><b>SG:</b> <span>E`Twaun Moore</span><br><b>SF:</b> Maurice Harkless<br><b>PF:</b> <span>Tobias Harris</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Nikola Vucevic</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Al Harrington</span><br>Kyle O'Quinn<br><span>DeQuan Jones</span></p>
<br><b>Head Coach</b><br><p>Jaque Vaughn</p>
</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Magic perspective can be found here: <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Pinstriped Post</a></p>
<p>Game Prediction: Spurs by 13.</p>
<p>As always <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#tonydominatefisher">Tony must dominate Fisher</a>, and 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.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">Get your <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-tickets/">San Antonio Spurs tickets</a> here!</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/3/4160862/game-preview-orlando-magic-san-antonio-spursBig50