Golden State at San Antonio

[Real Deal]

TIME: 8:30 PM ET

TV: NBALP

[Built Ford Tough]

Tony Parker goes into god mode draining 3 step back jumpers from the left elbow to pretty much ice the game.

 

There was a crazy sequence with about 3 or 4 minutes left.

 

Duncan gets a block, starts the break and Ford throws a lob to Danny Green.

Duncan gets another block, starts the break but Parker pulls it out and Pop goes absolutely nuts on the sideline.

Duncan forces a turnover on Monta, Parker pushes the ball and Jefferson hits a three.

Duncan gets a defensive rebound, outlets to Parker who pushes and hits a floater in the lane and Pop goes absolutely nuts on the sideline, but in a good way this time.

 

That minute and a half stretch brought the Spurs down from 5 or so points to up by 2 and they never looked back after that.

[Legacy]

Monta went off tonight. We need more games like this from him. Kwame didn't look that bad either, surprisingly.

 

As for Curry, hurt his ankle once again. Looks like he will be out for a while..

Edited January 5, 2012 by Legacy

[Finch23]

"TIM DUNCAN B-

This was the most Tim Duncan-esque game out of Tim Duncan this season. As the Spurs made their run in the second half, his rebounding was great and his ability to protect the rim was fantastic. Offensively, it wasn't always pretty but he was very efficient (15 points on nine shots and only one turnover). Overall, Duncan's performance gave hope that he can at least turn the clock back far enough to play at last year's level.

 

Tony Parker C-

On the positive side, Parker hit some big shots down the stretch and continues to distribute well (8 assists). However, I didn't like any other aspect of his game tonight. He just didn't seem engaged; Parker had countless mental mistakes on both ends. He had no control over the tempo and he seemed to second guessed his every move. Defensively, he was getting torched by Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. Parker definitely caught a break when Curry left when yet another ankle injury. All that said, give Parker some credit for doing enough late in the fourth to help the Spurs get the W.

 

Richard Jefferson B+

The difference in the game, statistically speaking, might have been Richard Jefferson going 5-for-5 on three-pointers. Live I've been noting, his stroke looks better than ever and he's suddenly now one of the most dangerous catch-and-shoot threats in the league. That's not bad for a player who struggled in that area as recently as two years ago. We also saw Jefferson drive to the hoop a few times, which had been missing all year. Defensively, he was solid and he also helped out on the boards. On the other hand, his effort and intensity doesn't seem to be all the way dialed up, though it may be that Jefferson isn't yet in game shape.

 

DeJuan Blair C-

To begin the game, DeJuan Blair was absolutely atrocious on defense. His transition defense was especially horrible, as was his pick-and-roll defense. As the game progressed, Blair got better on defense -- but even at his best, he was still poor on that end of the court. Thankfully, Blair was good offensively after the first quarter, rebounded the ball well throughout and finished without a turnover.

 

James Anderson C-

James Anderson got the start and got a major test in his matchup against Ellis. Unfortunately, Anderson failed the test. He just looks slooooow compared to Ellis. When isolated defensively, Anderson didn't have a prayer when it came to staying in front of the explosive Warriors guard with the amazing last name. On offense, Anderson wasn't much better. His early season confidence is fading quickly and he simply isn't knocking down open jumpers like he did early in his rookie season.

 

TJ Ford A

The Spurs were desperate for playmaking with Ginobili out injured. TJ Ford answered the bell. He totaled eight assists in 20 minutes and San Antonio would have been toast without him. He passed great in the second quarter to help bring the Spurs back from an early hole. When Ford re-entered in the second half, he added some scoring (9 points on 4-for-5 shooting) to go along with his passing. Defensively, Ford had his struggles but he gave great effort on that end. All in all, the UT legend was outstanding.

 

Tiago Splitter D+

Ugh. I don't even have an adjective to describe how soft Tiago Splitter was on the low block. Multiple times he was isolated on a point guard and decided to give up the ball. When he wasn't doing that, he was needlessly using numerous ball fakes when he had a clear look at the basket. (And that damn waist-high hook is going to drive me insane.) Defensively, Splitter was decent but nothing special. The Brazilian bigman has had some really good moments this season, however none of those moments occurred tonight.

 

Danny Green A+

Give Danny Green the game ball. He has played well in recent games but he took it to another level tonight. His tenacity on defense was contagious. The only success the Spurs had on Ellis was when Green was put on him for the final 16 minutes. He uses underrated athleticism, his wiry frame and high basketball IQ to be a disruptive force on D. Offensively, Green was very aggressive. He wants the ball and is decisive with his decisions once he gets it. Going forward, Pop must find a spot in the rotation for Green. He has more than earned it at this point.

 

Gary Neal B-

Gary Neal made his season debut and did what he does. He's fearless offensively and he's always ready and willing to take the next open shot. Despite the rust, his jumper looks picture-perfect -- like always. Defensively, tonight was a horror show for Neal. He got roasted by every Warrior he attempted to defend. Last season, Neal was a sub par defender so it wasn't a surprise that he would struggle on that end when you consider his rust and the fact he's recovering from the appendectomy.

 

Matt Bonner B

I liked how Matt Bonner played tonight. He was only 1-for-4 shooting from the field but his defense was really good and he was crashing the boards. Even his post defense, an area where he usually struggles, was strong. Offensively, Bonner didn't try to do too much when the Warriors closed out on his shots. It was just a solid 16 minutes out of Bonner.

 

Kawhi Leonard B-

It was some more good and some more bad for Kawhi Leonard as the rookie continues to learn the league. His rebounding remains strong and he had a few good defensive possessions. Conversely, he was oftentimes overmatched when attempting to defend one-on-one and when he tried to maneuver around screens. In a perfect world, I would want Leonard to keep getting minutes. But without Ginobili and with Green playing so well, Pop will probably have to decide whether to cut Leonard or Anderson out of the rotation for the time being.

 

Pop A

Hell yes, this was the Pop that has been missing in action for a while. He actually showed some emotion on the sideline and was able to spark his troops. He literally demanded that his team push the tempo all the way to the finish line. This type of demonstrative coaching was effective in the past during championship runs and without Ginobili to supply the passion, Pop should step up and carry some of the emotional slack. Oh, and when it came to coaching decisions, he was really good, too. Putting Green into the game and keeping him in was obviously key. Letting Ford remain on the court with Parker down the stretch was the right move. He even judiciously utilized small ball. It just seemed like every button Pop pushed in the final two quarters was the right button at the right time."

 

 

I feel bad for Curry though, another ankle injury and it didn't look good.

Edited January 5, 2012 by Finch23