The juxtaposition was dramatic, but not reflective of the big picture. About 20 hours separated the images of Tim Duncan in San Antonio and Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. The contrast could not have been more striking. Duncan is a master at the art of poker face. But as he sat on the bench in the second half of the Spurs’ victory over Golden State on March 19, it did seem that a little bewilderment, or at least surprise, could be detected. That
Discussing the state of the modern NBA big man in a USA Today story on Monday night, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard said, “It’s really like we’re dinosaurs, and they’re trying to extinct us.” Like any creature, company or concept claiming to face extinction, big men around the league should follow the wise words of Charles Darwin: adapt or die. And adapting is exactly what Charlotte center Al Jefferson did, which is one of the many reasons why the Hornets are the Eastern Conference’s hottest
SAN ANTONIO — The challenge posed by a team that is 56 games better than .500 and chasing history is profound. An opposing coach must have a masterful game plan, cleverly and skillfully juggle his personnel and perhaps come up with a surprise or two. You wouldn’t think that could be accomplished by sitting a man who is arguably the best power forward in NBA history, but that’s exactly what Spurs coach Gregg Popovich did Saturday night. Tim Duncan played only eight
Two great NBA teams are unbeaten at home and the Spurs are determined to keep it that way in the best game of the season. The Warriors won their only previous meeting by 30, with Stephen Curry $10300 scoring 37 points in just 28 minutes. Kawhi Leonard $8300 and LaMarcus Aldridge $7300 will be out for revenge. [Read more…]
The Spurs have carved out a unique reputation for themselves. Because of their history the last two decades, we have come to expect greatness from them — and then when they produce it, we’re somewhat surprised. While comparing and contrasting some of the Spurs’ statistics, I stumbled on one that should qualify as amazing: When using 36-minute projections, Tim Duncan is the 12th leading scorer on the team. Yes, that is correct. Eleven Spurs have averaged more points per 36 minutes than Duncan,
Just six NBA teams have played at a .600 pace this season. A seventh briefly reached the threshold last week, and you have to wonder how in the world they got there. Consider that this team: Is in the bottom five in 3-point makes, attempts and percentage in the most prolific season for 3-pointers in league history. Has been without its best player for over a month. Responded to losing its best player by dealing two more of its top five remaining rotation players
In fantasy basketball, the “silly season” is almost upon us. Over the final month, NBA teams that are out of the playoff picture will rest (or even shut down) veterans, audition youngsters and lengthen the bench. [Read more…]
What a fantastic game tonight, as the Road Warriors are in Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook $11000 and Stephen Curry $10700 are capable of anything. Both took a back seat to Kevin Durant $10100, who had 40 points and 14 rebounds (in a losing cause) when they met three weeks ago. [Read more…]