Spurs Update

The Spurs had their first 2-days off in a row of the season Thursday and Friday.. That's pretty unbelievable, but true. When we set out on our rodeo road trip, it's inevitably a sudden & rough time for the team, although we've traditionally done very well on this trip each year. But with this season's ultra-condensed schedule the extra days off are a blessing, because we finally get some practice time!

Wednesday night the Spurs visited the surprisingly good Philadelphia 76ers. They've done great stuff so far this season, coming in at 18-7 & 3rd in the East. The game started slowly, as both teams missed shots. The energy was high, however, as was the spirit of the Philly crowd. 76ers were cold for several early 1st Q minutes, and we led 12-6. The pace would speed up, and Gary Neal & Lou Williams would trade a bunch of buckets.

26-24 after 1 Q, and then 32-26 after Tiago got busy in the next 3 min. With a 36-28 lead, the Spurs would then go cold for 4 minutes (38-36 Philly). Tony & Timmy would combine for the next 12 pts. of the half, and our halftime lead was 48-45.
(Image Source - Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Andre Igoudala scored 6 in the first 5 min. of the 3rd Q, as Neal, Blair, and Tiago again helped Tony & Timmy launch us to an 11-pt. lead, which was 8 after 3 Q (75-67). Tiago & Tony showed more pick 'n' roll mastery, and Gary Neal nailed several key shots to carry our 6-to-12 point lead throughout. Sixers would come to within 5 with 1:46 left (95-90), but wouldn't score again. The 100-90 Spurs WIN was our first win there in 4 trips. And a great win it was! This Philly team plays very well together, and will certainly be a factor in the East playoff race.

TP again had a monster game, 37 points & 8 assists. That's 100 pts. & 24 assists in 3 games, and this recent performance has led to him being rewarded with his 4th all-star appearance. Kudos Tony!! Neal had 18, Duncan 16 & 11, and Splitter 15. Possible 6th-man of the year, Lou Williams, led Philly with 22. (Boxscore)

Supposedly, Manu will be back tonight in New Jersey! WooHoo!