Win-Win

Via

Coach Nick Analyzes Spurs' Win vs. Thunder

Source

Danny Green: Clutch!

Spurs 84 - Lakers 82

Image Source (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)


Source (Gary A. Vasquez/US Presswire)

7-1 Oh Yeah!

Four More Years!

Source

Great Start, Cowboyz!

Via

We Just Win

Source

16-straight

I'm

starting

to get

greedy,

and I

wonder

if we

might

not

lose

again..




That's all.

Spurs Update

Gregg Popovich - 2011-2012 NBA CoY - Image Source

Just prior to game-2 against the Utah Jazz Wednesday night, the Spurs head coach and general manager was presented with the 2011-2012 NBA Coach of the Year award by David Robinson and Tim Duncan. A nice little humble ceremony to precede game-2, it was. However, game-2 against the Jazz is the only game of the 2011-2012 season that I missed entirely, so since I can't really provide my own review without cheating, I'll just link you to the Associated Press's recap of Spurs/Jazz game-2, which is exactly the same at both ESPN's and NBA's websites.

What was so important that I missed it? Well, the Mass Chaos Tour with Godsmack, Staind, Halestorm, and Man Made Machine. But that's for a later post. Believe me, I was very UPSET when I found out the NBA had scheduled the first three games of this series Sun-Wed-Sat.. rather than say Sun-Tues-Thu, or Sun-Tues-Fri.. knowing that the concert, for which we had bought tickets several months ago, was on this night.

At any rate, I expected to be able to hang out in the foyer of the Alamodome's Illusions Theater from tip-off (6pm) to about 8:25 when Staind was supposed to begin. Would you believe that despite nearly 11,000 residents of the San Antonio area at this concert, there wasn't ONE friggin TV with the game on?

So I called my Mom a couple times, and found the game-center on my "stupid" smart phone. I noticed the 20-0 run because I had just noticed it was 31-26 before going outside to have a smoke, and check again. Upon my 2nd call to my Mom, it said 46-26, and we talked while Danny Green hit a three. So when I hung up it was 53-28. I checked a few more times, while waiting in line wayyy tooo
Kawhi gets my game ball (17pts. on 6 of 7) - Image Source (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

long for beer, and once I saw 101-66, I stopped worrying about it. I took solace in the fact that I missed a sweet blowout - rather than a sweet nail-biter.

No Jazz player had more than 10 points, although they did have 7 players with 8+. On the other hand 7 Spurs scored in double-figures, plus one with 9 points. Looking at the stats and the play-by-play, it was obvious that we were determined to prove our defensive abilities, as the Jazz shot just 34% for the game, and only 1 of 6 from three. The Spurs' dominating 114-83 WIN was our 12th win in a row! Here is the boxscore..

Game-3 is Saturday in Salt Lake City at 9pm CDT, and game-4 is Monday, with tip-off time still TBA. I expect much more energy from the Jazz, as well as a hostile crowd. It's always tough to win in Utah.

Spurs Update

Wednesday night, the Spurs wrapped-up their second B2B2B of the season vs. the Kings in Sacramento, but they would do it without Tim Duncan (resting). I'm a little surprised at this decision by Pop, but I'm also happy that he's allowing Tony & Manu to go. So rather than Timmy & Tiago, DeJuan Blair would reclaim his usual starting slot back, along with Boris Diaw. As one would expect out of a team who has been playing SO many games lately, we came out a little flat & lazy. But the defense was there, and the shots started to fall. As soon as Manu entered the game at about the 7 minute mark, his impact was instant. We would go from down-4 to up-1 during his 5 minutes on the floor, and it was a tight 29-28 game after 1-Q.

The contest would stay pretty tight throughout the 2nd-Q, as our bench was shooting well, and the Kings' crowd was feeding their high intensity. It's hard to believe this team hasn't won more than 20 games, actually. Both teams were seeminlgy scoring at will near the end of the half, as Tiago, Jack, and Mills were leading our charge, but Isaiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins were surely responding. Halftime: 58-57, Spurs.

Thankfully, our hot shooting continued out of the halftime break. Not 4 minutes went by and we had already strung together a 12-4 run, thanks to points by all-5 starters! The back-to-back scoring-fest returned with Manu now in the lineup. Our growing advantage at the free throw line was starting to pay off, as we would close out
Neal dominated -Image Source (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

the 3rd-Q 97-86, with eight different Spurs scoring. The bad news is Manu would collide with Tyreke Evans, not to return. As terrible as it looked (Source), Manu would only suffer a laceration.

The Spurs opened the 4th-Q extending the 3-0 run they were on, to a 16-4 run that blew the game wide open. With the lead now 21, and Gary Neal hitting everything he's putting up, we look unstoppable, yet again. After a Kings bucket, we had another 5-straight (115-91), and from then on, all we had to do was not turn it over. It was a close one for a half, but our shots continued to fall - even through the final seconds. The 127-102 WIN was simply a second-half domination 69-45 that was too much for Sacramento (or most teams, for that matter) to overcome. Spurs had SEVEN guys in double figures, and no one had more than 17. Here is the boxscore..

We just went 6-0 in two separate B2B2B's - something no other team has done this season.. Not to mention it's 5 wins in 7 nights.

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Friday night the Spurs played the LA Lakers for the 3rd time in 10 days. This time it was back in San Antonio, where we were dismantled inside by Bynum's 30 boards, (60-33 overall) a week ago Wednesday in a 98-84 loss. Of course we countered with revenge this past Tuesday 112-91 in LA. But the "best 2 outa 3" would feature Kobe Bryant's return from a 7-game shin injury. Once again Timmy would have Tiago starting along with him, and yes - we like this very much.

Spurs' starters were solid to begin - especially in defense as we were up 15-7 half way through the 1st-Q. Kawhi was super on D, holding Kobe to just 5 1st-Q pts. on 2 of 4 shooting. Meanwhile Manu would come off the bench to score 7. But it was old-school Tim Duncan whose strong early 10 led us. Our 1st-Q lead was 32-25.

Not 3½ minutes were gone and the score was tied, however. Gasol & Barnes led their initial charge, but just as soon as we were down 3, our defense would tighten down. Already exhausted chasing Kobe around, Kawhi would hit a huge 3 to spark us on 9-5 run that included a sweet steal and
Bynum frustrated all night long -Image Source (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

following assist to Manu for a crowd-rearing three. The half would end with a lot of good defense, and a 56-52 Spurs lead.

The return to action saw Kobe come to form, somewhat, as he would score 9 in just over 4-min., but our offense was just getting warmed-up. Spurs would score almost every trip down the floor: Tony, Timmy, Tony, Diaw, and then Manu would score 10 3rd-Q points, while guarding Kobe for this stretch. After the opening 3rd-Q bucket Kobe hit, the 14 of 18 Spurs 3rd-Q shooting (78%) brought the score to 91-73. And just as Sean Elliott was beginning to point out how the Lakers' players were reacting to our domination by not getting back on defense, hanging their heads, and a flat-out folding with their attitudes, Matt Bonner and Gary would open the 4th-Q with 7-straight to open up a 98-73 lead.

Just one of our many pieces, Gary Neal, always seems to find a way to shoot late nails in coffins with his play. He would score 6 in the 4th. But halfway through the 4th, the Lakers would wave the white flag, and put in Jordan Hill & Andrew Goudelock. DeJuan Blair, with 6 4th-Q pts., Jack, and Mills would bring it home, with our stars resting. For the 4th straight game, we win by 21+. The 121-97 Spurs WIN effectively proved to the national media, and more importantly to the Lakers themselves, that the road to the 2012 Championship certainly goes through San Antonio! For the first time in almost a year, the Spurs' big-3 all scored 20+! San Antonio's pts. differential in our last NINETEEN games is +12.6, and that includes our 7 and 14 point back-to-back losses at Utah and at home in that terrible Lakers game, respectively! Here is the Spurs/Lakers III boxscore..

Spurs have 4 games remaining, and of course, they are two back-to-backs with a day of rest in between: Home games vs. Cleveland & Portland Sunday & Monday, followed by road games at Phoenix & Golden State. Yeah we can still win 50 - in a season with 16 fewer games than usual.

Here are the west standings through all games of April 21, 2012:

Click to enlarge! Source: ESPN

Spurs Update

The Spurs visited the Golden St. Warriors on Monday night to start a B2B2B, knowing this game would probably be just a formality in the grand scheme of things. Warriors would start 4 rookies. Doh! Spurs were at full strength. Very similar to the last game vs. Phoenix, we came out hot, and determined. In our highest scoring 1st-Q of the season, 39-24, there probably wouldn't be much doubt with this one.

That lead would be extended to 21 by halftime (70-49), a lead that would continue, with the Spurs' big-three on the bench resting - awaiting tomorrow night in LA - toward the 3rd-Q score of 96-72!
Neal leads the Spurs Image Source (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Golden St. would actually make a run to come within 18, but the excitement was never as high as it was in the final few seconds of the game. Apparently the fans get free food if the team scores 100 points. So they did what they had to do.. foul.. as if it were a game they were trying to win. But those terrible Spurs prevented it from happening. The final was 120-99, and a good WIN on the road, with the big-3 playing 41 minutes TOTAL. Already given that stat, we shot 39%, no Spur had more than 17 points, and we still scored 120. You gotta believe it. Here's the boxscore..

As it turned out, OKC lost to the Clippers while we were beating the Warriors, so as of now, we own the #1 seed in the West going into the game against the Lakers tomorrow night! And don't let the media mislead you - We were really already in first because we own the tiebreaker with OKC. Now they are effectively behind by two games.

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The very next night in LA, Spurs fans were delighted to hear that Tiago would start the game along side Timmy! It's about time, Pop! Seeking revenge @ the LA Lakers Tuesday night, it felt like a playoff game. The game was very tight for most of the beginning. Early large leads were 6 by LA (very early), and 6 by SA (mid 2nd-Q). Bynum was scoring pretty much at will, but so was Tony Parker. Spurs were also competitive on the boards this time, as this one had the look of a nail-biter so far.

Then something happened. With a 41-39 lead, and 5:41 left in the 2nd-Q, the Lakers would turn it over 5 times and miss 2 shots in 7 possessions, while my Spurs capitalized on 8 straight shots, and an 18-0 run. Our halftime lead was 16: 63-47.

In less than 2 more minutes, Tony & Timmy increased that lead to 23, and the rout was on. It's great when we come out and increase a big halftime lead in the early 3rd-Q, while so often we drop our guard and come out flat. Tony schooled Ramon Sessions most of this game, and our bigs held Bynum off the boards for the most part. Manu
Tony dominated - Image Source (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

was also a force, as he shot 6 of 13 for 15 pts., with 6 boards and 4 assists. When Tony wasn't in charge of creating - Manu was. The end of the 3rd-Q was a scoring fest - 91-70 going toward the 4th.

Lakers brought this to 91-77 quickly with our stars resting. Manu & Gary Neal would continue the aggressiveness, and with an 18-pt. lead Pop brought Timmy back to action. This, along with starting Tiago, and resting the young guys, was a clear sign it was very important for us to get our revenge for the other night's loss to this team. Success.. we ran away with it. Tony Parker's performance, and Pop's coaching were HUGE statements in this nationally-televised game that we aren't screwing around - and beating the Lakers is just as important to us as being helthy for the playoffs. OK maybe not, but we certainly succeeded with our 112-91 dominating WIN.

We shot 60% to their 50%.. Tony had 29 & 13.. Duncan had 19 & 8.. Manu had 15-6-4. Bynum had 21 & 7. Rebounds were 37-37. So yeah.. this was VERY pleasing. Now the other guys are rested to go take care of bidness tomorrow night in Sacramento! Here's the boxscore..

Here's a TINY game review from ESPN:

And their resulting article from their Daily Dime. But the way ESPN configures their links, you won't be able to see this DAILY DIME after the next DAILY DIME is posted, so you may have to look around.

Here are the current NBA Standings after Tuesday night's games.

Spurs Update

Friday night at the AT&T Center the Spurs welcomed the New Orleans Hornets for the 4th time this season. All three of the previous ones were pretty close (2 were very close). This time, however, I expected something a little more impressive, the way we've been playing (9 straight wins).

Once again we were active inside early, as Tony had a several lay-ups, and Blair and Duncan both were pretty much scoring at will. The three combined for our first 16 points. It wasn't long before the game would take its shape. Manu would 7 of his own and the Spurs had a 34-24 1st-Q lead. Neal, Jack, and Diaw would chip in as well, while Carl Landry was carrying the Hornets. Ever since the score was 29-23 late in the 1st-Q, we would go on a 16-5 run (45-28), followed by another non-stop run that began with the score 48-36. Only 5½ minutes later the halftime score was 72-45 - so yeah,
Image Source (AP Photo/Darren Abate) - Pop proving his worth for CoY tonight

that's a 24-9 run, and our highest half of the season. By this point the Spurs were shooting a CRAZY 70+%.

Eric Gordon came out strong, and within 3 minutes our 27-pt. lead had shrunk to 20. We would again respond inside for possession after possession, but Gordon, Chris Kaman, and Greivis Vasquez would have a different plan. Our lead was now just 16 (85-69). Our second group was doing the most damage this game, so Pop put in Patty Mills with them, and things took off again. A 16-4 run later the 3rd-Q would end with the score 99-73 in our favor. Again - our largest 3Q output of the season.

Whatever lineup Pop put out there continued to dominate, so the rest of the game was pretty much a formality, as I would've bet the farm they wouldn't come back. They didn't. Tiago Splitter, Neal, and James Anderson carried us the rest of the way - with a little help from our new diamond in the rough, Patty Mills. The dominating 128-103 WIN was our highest point total of the season.

Not only that, but the Thunder lost in Indiana. And Miami lost at home to Memphis, snapping their 17-game home winning streak. And Houston beat the Lakers in LA. And Portland beat the Mavs in Dallas. So good things are upon us this night! The Spurs are now in first place, and the standings will follow. Here is the incredible boxscore.. Do notice how the points, rebounds, assists, and minutes are ALL spread-out. Yeah - that's how deep we are. We are now 27-5 since Jan. 30!

Here are the current NBA standings:

Click to enlarge!!                                                                                           Source

Tiger Finally Wins!

Image Source (Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP)

Just in time for Augusta in a few weeks, Tiger finally manufactured 4 rounds good enough to grab a win - his first in 2½ years - at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. He's won Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill event 7 times now, and appears to be back in the fold.

Click here for PGATour.com's complete leaderboard..

And here's the complete story, again courtesy of PGATour.com (with video)..

Note: I'm really not a Tiger Woods fan. For most of his career I've usually cheered for someone to beat him, simply because I was so against all the media attention he always drew. - (25% of the coverage was Tiger Woods, whether he was in the hunt or not, pulling much-needed publicity from weekly winners while he struggled from time-to-time.) - Not to mention his arrogance during every interview he ever gave.

No, no one in a long, long time has done what he has for the game of golf, I surely get that. But while he was dominating for so-o-o long, my "thing" was rooting for someone to step-up and challenge him. Phil, Freddie, Ernie, Vijay, you name him.

This win is huge for the golf world. It shows he's got his mind where it needs to be, and that he's brought his game back from the depths of no man's land. He also appears to have matured in the sense that he acknowledges the fact that he isn't God's gift to the game of golf (nor women), and he seems to have come a long way as a person the last few years.

Now once again I challenge the field: Are you paying attention?

Spurs Update

Saturday and Sunday nights finished off the Spurs' 1st back-to-back-to-back of the season. Saturday was a quick trip to New Orleans for a bout with the shorthanded Hornets. Spurs were also very shorthanded, as Manu didn't make the trip in order to rest an aching body. Splitter is still dealing with back spasms, and Gary Neal would also sit due to a sore foot from Friday night's game. Hornets were down Okafor (knee), Kaman (illness), Ariza (ankle), and Jason Smith due to his suspension related to the cheap shot against Blake Griffin.

The good news is Tony Parker is back. I expected this to be the game somewhat like the game @ Portland a few weeks back (a 40-pt. loss), when Pop sat Tony & Tim while Manu & Splitter were hurt. But to my surprise, Duncan would also play. The contest began OK for the Spurs, as DeJuan Blair came out like a monster possessed, but then again, he tends to have good games vs. NO. He would total 23 & 7 for this one. It remained close throughout the first half, but we trailed by a handful for most of the late 2nd-Q. Up by 1 after 1-Q, but down by 1 at half.. 23-22, and 48-47 respectively.

Image Source (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Neither team were shot very well throughout, in fact Spurs finished with a lowly 2 of 19 from three range (ouch!), and totaled 40% overall. Hornets did better at 46%, but was 1 of 5 from three. And if it weren't for 16 NO TO's (compared with our 7), this one would've probably been much worse.

Defenses tightened up for the 4th-Q, and only 30 total points were scored. We would take a 5-pt. lead with 5 min.s to go, but Belinelli would give the Hornets the 84-83 lead with 2:06 left. Duncan would hit two clutch FTs before Belinelli put them ahead once again 86-85. But after Duncan made a tip-in (87-86), followed by a great defensive stop on Jarrett Jack (who led all scorers with 27), it was Danny Green's clutch baseline jumper that put us ahead 87-84. Green would then miss the only two FTs the Spurs would miss all night in an attempt to seal it, giving the Hornets the last shot with :02 left. It was defended well, and Belinelli came up short - we snuck out of the hive with the 89-86 WIN. Whew!

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Sunday night back at home vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, Manu would return to the lineup, but Timmy would sit. With Tiago & Neal both still out, we would obviously have to "go small" for most of this one. Here is the way NBA.com described Timmy's absence in their boxscore:

So, I guess as long as they don't play Hawes & Vucevic together, we should be OK. Holiday and Meeks came out hot, combining for 12 of the first 16 Sixers' points. Kawhi and Bonner were, however, making their presence known as well, as we jumped out to a 29-22 1st-Q lead.
Image Source

Heck, newly acquired PG Justin Dentmon even scored his first Spurs' points for the home crowd early on.

After falling behind 29-18 late in the 1st-Q, the Sixers would then go on an 18-1 run to take the lead 36-30. Sam Young and Lou Williams were key contributors. This sparked a 10-0 run of our own, led by 6 from Blair, and a three from Danny Green. The score at the half was 52-49, San Antonio.

In comparison with the previous game in New Orleans, this contest saw 26 steals and 39 turnovers! So obviously play looked a little sloppy, but both these teams are super on defense. Nevertheless, it was mid-3rd-Q when we turned on the gas. Tony & Manu came to life, while rarely playing together. We started sharing the basketball better, and ran out to an 11-pt. lead after 3-Qs (76-65). We didn't stop, though. A lot of the scoring "wave" was tempered, but we kept the pressure on defensively to the tone of a 21-pt. lead with just under 6 min. left (88-67). SO yeah, that's another 20-4 run since late third-Q.

They would close to within 14, but didn't have enough, as we held on for the impressive 93-76 WIN against the team who allows the fewest points per game in the NBA. Six guys in double-figures.. Responded to the terrible 3-pt. shooting the night
Image Source (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

before by hitting 7 (of 28, so more work to do), and we hung with them on the boards. Kawhi Leonard had a super game with 11 points and 10 boards. Tony had 21 & 7 assists, and Blair had 19 & 6 boards..

Yeah we just went W-W-W in 3 nights, like only 4 teams have done during this compacted season! Spurs have now won 7 of 8, improving to a 33-14 record, still 2nd in the West, 2 losses behind the Thunder. Now we have to go on the road again to Phoenix & Sacramento back-to-back Tues. & Wed. to complete our 5 games in 6 days (and 6 in 8), before coming home for some rest and a meeting with a good Indiana team (and George Hill) Saturday.

Spurs Update

I forgot to post about the Spurs vs. T-Wolves game Wednesday. It seems that it's the losses or the easier wins that I forget. Another reason that I fell into that trap is the entire Spurs Nation has been waiting for our first back-to-back-to-back, which started tonight. It wasn't much of a contest, but what did you expect?

This Minnesota team is just not the same without Ricky Rubio, who was lost for the season a few weeks back because of a torn ACL. They were also playing without Nikola Pekovic (ankle issues). But these things will likely help this team in the future, as it provides good game-minutes for first round
Image Source (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

pick Derrick Williams, and time for JJ Barea to mesh with this team a little more. It was never really in doubt as we jumped out to a 32-16 lead after 1-Q, and withstood a sub-par 2nd-Q to lead by 9 at the half.

Learning that Tony Parker was feeling tightness in a hamstring, the rest of the squad would have to play without him for 2½ quarters, as Pop chose to retire him for the evening. But welcoming Stephen Jackson back to SA in his first home game was easy, and Pop's challenge would be met.. quickly, as the Spurs went on a 20-8 3rd-Q run to take control for good. We would lead by as much as 27, but finished of the WIN 116-100. (Here's ESPN's boxscore..)

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Just a few hours ago the Spurs began their first back-to-back-to-back of the season at home vs. the Dallas Mavericks, after having just played them in Dallas on St. Patrick's Day. Parker is in street clothes, as expected, but so is Tiago Splitter (unexpected back spasms). It was only yesterday that we learned of the signing of former Trailblazer Patty Mills, and then just today Boris Diaw was signed after being bought-out (given up on by) Charlotte. Wow!

So with this turn of events, and no "real" PGs, Manu would start the game, and Gary Neal would be his back-up at the "point". I say it that way because Manu's almost a PG anyway. That can't be said about too many shooting guards in the league. It was defense, however, by
Image Source (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

both teams that was the theme of the 1st-Q. Our youngsters were providing the home spark early in this one, as a DeJuan Blair dunk & jumper would close out the 1st 24-21.

Offenses would pick up markedly in the next stanza. Bonner would hit 3 threes, and then here comes Boris Diaw. Literally hours from being in Charlotte, the guy hits the floor for us! Gotta love Pop. Green, Kawhi and Diaw together would spark the crowd with key defensive stops, and a 52-45 halftime lead.

As is the case sometimes, Spurs came out FLAT for the 3rd. We failed to share the basketball; Mavs made key changes on offense; and there was too much standing around on offense. The 15-4 Mavs run put us behind 63-58, but after a timeout, Bonner & Neal would hit some quick easy ones after great stops, followed by Diaw's first points as a Spur. Then with the game tight and the crowd tense, both Manu and Neal would hit critical threes. 70-63 after 3-Qs. So after their 15-4 run, we ended the 3rd on a 12-0 run.

But we weren't finished. Just as soon as the 4th-Q clock went from 12:00 to 11:59, Jackson, Manu, and Green would add 10 more to Jason Terry's 2 to complete a 22-2 run, and a lead of 80-65. Both Terry's and Dirk's frustration were becoming obvious as Terry was swiping randomly at balls, and Dirk even complained about Kawhi's defense one too many time for a quick technical. We held Dirk to 5 of 21 shooting, 16 pts. and 2 boards. Nice! They would come to within 11, but it was our relentless defense, and scrappy play that led us to a wonderful 104-87 WIN. Heck, Eric Dawson even came in and recorded 6 pts. on 3-3
Image Source (Soobum Im-US PRESSWIRE)

shooting and also had a sweet block.

Six guys in double figures (two more with 8). Total team effort. Super defensive display, and a statement game that evened the season series 2-2. The biggest difference between this game and the one last Saturday was on the boards. Timmy pulled down 12, Kawhi & Jackson grabbed 8, and Manu had 7, as we out-rebounded them 54-34! Huge fix right there.. Kudos, gentlemen! Here's the ESPN boxscore..

One more thing. Last week when I learned of the Jefferson/Jackson trade, I was like "Ehh, I see that it saves us a lot of money, but ehhh...". Then I learn the deal for Patrick Mills is going through. Realizing with TJ Ford's retirement, and Cory Joseph just not taking shape yet, I was still like "Ehh - I guess that's OK". Today when I heard they pulled the trigger on grabbing Boris Diaw, with whom one of the worst teams in the league became disinterested, I was again like "Hmm... ehh.. I guess he's a big body we need. But ehh.."

It only took a game and a half for Jack. I don't miss RJ at all. You can count on Stephen to score the basketball. You can count on him to mix things up on defense, and make things happen. And he's been here before - he knows. Then Diaw does a 1-day turnaround, and I'm already impressed with his poise inside. I've been saying all along that we've needed an experienced BIG to help out. And you know what? He's also a pretty good ball player too. Then Pop finally puts Eric Dawson in to show what he can do, and what do you know. He does NOTHING BUT produce. Has anyone ever gone 3-3 with 6 pts. and a block in just over a minute?

Well done, Spurs.. Well done!

Spurs Update

We lost a game we should've won in Milwaukee Wednesday night. But as has been consistent with the last few games, our opponents continue to shoot a great percentage. Tony took it a little bit too much upon himself near the end of this one, and tried to do a lot of it himself. Nevertheless, RJ had a chance at the buzzer, and it didn't fall this time.
Image Source

L 103-106

I'm glad we beat Houston (in San Antonio) tonight. Those guys don't need to get it in their heads that they can beat us. After two preseason games in which we split victories, we have now split two regular season games. And there will be two more in the next three weeks. Sigh.

It was close the whole game, and it sucked that we had to go to overtime to win, because the play under their basket with only 12 seconds left should've been determined a shot-clock violation. After a Duncan block on Kyle Lowry that didn't hit the rim, Danny Green touched the ball only to save it from going out of bounds. Amidst the chaos, the shot clock should've ended, but was shown to be shut off at :05 (before Danny Green touched the ball during his under-the-basket save), and the Rockets were awarded the basketball under their own basket. Scola then hit a running hook-shot with a few ticks remaining on the clock to tie the game and send it to OT.

At any rate, Tony had hit a crazy shot that I thought would give us the win with 1:22 left. Nevertheless the aforementioned screwed-up play happened, and we have to win it in OT.

If not for the fact that Kyle Lowry hit two nasty threes - one in the final minute of regulation, and the other in the final minute of OT, it would've been a lot less exhausting. Duncan missed 3 of 4 FTs, and another wide-open jump shot. Two minutes and 28 seconds went by in OT before anyone scored. But it was (once again)
Image Source

an RJ three at 1:08 and a Duncan post-move shot after a Houston timeout that gave us a 4-point lead. Immediately after Lowry's second amazing three (96-95, Spurs), Parker draws a foul which leads to two crucial made FTs, followed by a stellar defensive stop, and rebound by Kawhi Leonard. He then ices the game with a FT, and two more from Tony, and it goes down as a 101-95 Spurs OT WIN.

Saturday night we host Portland, and that one will be TOUGH. Then Monday night it's Phoenix here in SA. I would hope we can get that one because the next two after this will be a difficult back-to-back on the road, at Orlando and Miami next Wed-Thurs.

Spurs 101 - Warriors 95

What a great win for my Spurs tonight! The first game without Manu Ginobili, no doubt Spurs fans everywhere were all on the edges of their seats awaiting someone to step-up. It took a while. Most of the game went just as expected. We trailed by 5, then 12, then 6, then 10, but trailed nonetheless...

Until mid-4th quarter, when something happened. And it was the something we all were hoping to see.

It was a short segment when TJ Ford hit a three from the top of the key, and then the Spurs put together a couple fast breaks, with
Image Source

absolutely super play from Danny Green, that gave us the lead for the 1st time in the game. And I don't think we ever let it go.

Popovich put Duncan & Parker back in to finish the game along with the three who had led the charge: TJ, Danny, and Richard Jefferson, who went 5-5 from three point range on the night.

I had told my Mom earlier in the night, "they need to play TJ & Tony together some - it should pay off." I also told her "Danny Green will help us a bunch, too, at the SG slot." -- A sweet and rare "I called it" moment. I also said things about James Anderson, Gary Neal, and Kawhi Leonard, but I have no doubt it's only a matter of time before they, too, will provide the spark(s) needed to pull out wins, until Manu is back.

Tony took over the game in the final two to three minutes, and sealed the win with a critical jumper, and two clutch free throws.

Foreshadowing: Ford, Parker, Green, Jefferson, and Duncan should be seeing a lot of time together when the match-ups allow it.

4-2 ...Mavs in SA Thursday!

Words to Live By - From a Former President

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He's Back!

After going more than two years and 26 tournaments without a win, and after so much turmoil in his personal life and with his golf game, Tiger Woods stood over a 6-foot birdie putt Sunday to win the Chevron World Challenge and felt as though nothing had changed.

Finally, the outcome was familiar, too.

Woods poured in the putt to cap off a birdie-birdie finish at Sherwood, close with a 3-under 69 and beat former Masters champion Zach Johnson by one shot. The win ended a drought that lasted 749 days, and might have signaled a change that Woods is on his way back. (Source)



"Any different?'' Woods repeated when the question came about how it compares to his other victories -- which total 14 majors, 71 PGA Tour titles and 83 worldwide wins. "It feels great. … I know it's been a while, but also for some reason, it feels like it hasn't.

"When I was coming down the stretch there, I felt so comfortable. I felt comfortable in Oz [Australia]. I felt comfortable in Augusta. When I'm putting myself in those positions, it is comfortable.''

Woods was referring to his only other close calls this year: a tie for fourth at the Masters, where he was tied for the lead on the back nine on Sunday; and the Australian Open three weeks ago, where he held the second-round lead, coughed it up with a third-round 75, then rallied to finish third, two strokes out of a playoff. (Source)

Read the rest of both ESPN articles:
• Tiger Woods rallies to win Chevron
• Chevron win good start for Tiger Woods

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