Spurs of the Moment

Game Recap – Short & Sweet Version
The Spurs held rookie Brandon Jennings in check and beat the Milwaukee Bucks 112-98 last night. Jennings entered the game averaging 25 points per game, but was held to just 12 points. At least I like to think the Spurs held him to 12, but he may have just had an off night – whatever, I’ll take it. The Spurs still out-rebounded the Bucks 46-29, and were able to secure the victory despite committing 16 turnovers. They also shot 10-of-21 from downtown for the second consecutive game, and made 22-of-26 from the free throw line. Theo Ratliff only played 3 minutes, which may (partially) account for the Spurs allowing 40 points in the paint again. Malik Hairston made another appearance playing 3 minutes and committing a turnover. That was the extent of his contribution last night. Matt Bonner is on fire right now and hit 6-of-8 from downtown and finished with 23 points. The Spurs were down by one at the half, but they dominated the 3rd quarter behind Tim Duncan’s 15 points and five rebounds. Check the highlights:

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Fantasy Basketball Thoughts
I don’t understand why the Bucks aren’t starting Hakim Warrick. Why is he always relegated to “spark-off-the-bench guy” when he is clearly better than Carlos Delfino or Charlie Bell (who sometimes plays at SF). Warrick only played 19 minutes, which is a shame because the guy can easily grab 10-12 boards a game. I’m not complaining as a Spurs fan, but from a fantasy basketball perspective the Hakim Warrick situation is maddening. Also, Michael Redd is slowly working his way back. He only played 11 minutes and shot 1-of-3 from the field (a three-pointer), but was a terrible 1-of-6 from the free throw line. He finished with four points and two assists. In other words, he isn’t worth starting yet.

Spurs Relevant Stat Lines
Tim Duncan: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists. Good game for Timmy, I just wish he didn’t have to play 32 minutes.
Matt Bonner: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists. Whatever rotation this is, or whatever they are doing in practice or what sandwich he is eating – please keep it up!
George Hill: 14 points, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 assist. George had two of the Spurs’ three blocks last night and did a good job harassing Brandon Jennings.
Richard Jefferson: 11 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. RJ was 2-of-7 from the field but made up for it by getting to the line and hitting 6-of-8. He’s still turning the ball over too much – three TO’s last night.
Roger Mason: 11 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal. What shooting slump? He missed both threes, but he is finally contributing like we all had hoped.
Keith Bogans: 10 points, 2 steals, 1 rebound. Bogans started again, but only played about 19 minutes.
Tony Parker: 6 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal. He didn’t really have an off night, it’s just that he only attempted seven shots (making three). He had a team high five turnovers though, which sucked. Plus he never got to the free throw line.

Bucks Relevant Stat Lines
Ersan Ilyasova: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, 2 blocks. Ilyasova is averaging 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season. I don’t know who he is or why he is suddenly relevant, but he is. I’m just sayin’…
Hakim Warrick: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. Not bad for 19 minutes.
Brandon Jennings: 12 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal. A very off night for Jennings who also turned the ball over five times. He shot 6-of-21 from the field… yikes!
Carlos Delfino: 11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks. I’m not a Delfino fan. He contributes a little bit in points, assists and rebounds, but I don’t get why he is starting.

Spurs-Warriors Preview (11/25/09):
The Spurs play the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night and will probably be forced into small-ball even though Don Nelson (pneumonia) will not be with the team. The Spurs will need to play some serious perimeter defense and knock down their three-pointers because  this will probably be one of those games that goes into the 100′s. The Warriors are also without their starting center Andris Biedrins, and backup center Ronny Turiaf. Not to mention they traded away Stephen Jackson for Raja Bell who is scheduled to have surgery on his wrist and possibly miss the rest of the season. Having said all of that, the Spurs need to worry about who is on the court, not who isn’t. Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Anthony Morrow, Corey Maggette, and Anthony Randolph will pose some problems, but there is really no reason for the Spurs to go into Thanksgiving with anything less than a three game winning streak. Spurs by 14.