Blake Griffin | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

Wait almost over for Spurs

By Jeff McDonald

Blame the Los Angeles Clippers for whiffing twice in their bid to close out the Memphis Grizzlies. Blame the Grizzlies for their stubborn and steadfast refusal to go quietly.

Blame the Utah Jazz for putting up all the resistance of soaked newsprint in their first-round series with the Spurs. Blame the Spurs for the ruthless efficiency with which they swept away the Jazz.

Whoever is to blame for the Spurs’ prolonged break between playoff rounds — and there is plenty to go around — this is what is most important now:

The end, thank goodness, is nigh.

“I think everybody pretty much wants to get back on the floor and play,” Spurs guard Danny Green said.

Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals is set for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at the ATT Center. All that is missing now is an opponent.

By dinnertime tonight, that devilish detail should be finalized, too. Either the Grizzlies or the Clippers will win Game 7 in Memphis, slated for a noon tipoff, then will not pass “Go” en route to San Antonio for the start of the next round.

“I really don’t care who we play,” Spurs captain Tim Duncan said. “Whatever it might be, they’re going to figure it out themselves. We’re just going to be here waiting.”

And waiting.

When the Spurs finally take the floor again for Game 1, it will have been eight days since finishing off the sweep in Utah.

With such a long layoff, the Spurs are at least certain to start the next round completely healthy, afflicted by no malady save for cabin fever.

To pass the time, coach Gregg Popovich has staged a pair of full-squad scrimmages in the team’s practice gym, complete with referees. After the Grizzlies and Clippers dispense with their series this afternoon, the Spurs will reconvene for their first opponent-specific practice of the break.

“I think guys are getting a little excited to see who’s going to be next up,” Green said. “Playoffs are a big deal. We want to get back to them as quick as we can.”

By the time the Spurs returned from Utah early Tuesday morning, the fifth-seeded Clippers had forged a surprising 3-1 lead in their series. There was hope among Spurs players and coaches that the second round might be soon in the offing.

But the Clippers have since squandered two chances to finish the fourth-seeded Grizzlies — including once in Los Angeles in Game 6 — pushing the series to the limit.

Now that their two potential opponents have arrived at a do-or-die seventh game, the Spurs have expressed no public preference for which they prefer.

A matchup with Memphis would bring a rematch of last year’s first-round series, when the Grizzlies — then a No. 8 seed — stunned the top-seeded Spurs. A meeting with the Clippers would summon a pair of Western Conference All-Star starters to the second-round stage in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

In the regular season, the Spurs went 4-0 against Memphis and 2-1 against the Clippers, who on March 9 became one of only five visitors this year to win at the ATT Center.

“But both teams play very hard, good defensively, good defense on the bigs,” Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. “Whoever we play will be really tough.”

At long last, the Spurs can fill in that last remaining blank this afternoon.

“It’s going to be nice to get back on the floor so we can get back in the flow of things,” Green said. “It’s the playoffs. Nobody wants to be sitting at home watching games. We want to be part of it.”

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

SPURS VS. CLIPPERS OR GRIZZLIES

Game 1: @Spurs, Tuesday, 8:30 p.m., TNT

Game 2: @Spurs, Thursday, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 3: @Clippers or Grizzlies, Saturday, 2:30 pm., ABC

Game 4: @Clippers or Grizzlies, Sunday, 9:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., TNT

*Game 5: @Spurs, May 22 (Tuesday), TNT

*Game 6: @Clippers or Grizzlies, May 24 (Thursday), ESPN

*Game 7: @Spurs, May 27 (Sunday), TNT

* if necessary

Korver, Watson provide lift to lead Friday’s S&Ds

With reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose struggling through a miserable game, the Chicago Bulls needed a lift.

Kyle Korver and C.J. Watson were ready from the bench.

Korver provided 17 points including five 3-pointers and Watson added 16 points and nine assists in the Bulls’ 96-86 overtime victory over the Heat.

Watson’ who hit a game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation said the bench was ready to contribute when needed.

“Our team all supports each other, whether we play good or bad, nobody is mad about playing time,” Watson told ESPN Chicago. “It’s why we’re so successful.”

The victory boosted the Bulls’ lead for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference to four games over the second-place Heat.

“I’m not worried about my stats or anything,” Rose the Associated Press. “Can I make up excuses? Yeah. But you know me, I’m not going to use no excuse. My shots weren’t falling. Shots I normally hit, I wasn’t hitting. My teammates had my back. I’m happy I have them on my team.”

Their big efforts boosted the Bulls another step closer to the top seed in the playoffs, which earning both listing in Friday’s Studs and Duds.

STUDS

Chicago G Kyle Korver: Came off the bench to score 17 points on 6-for-8 field goal shooting, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range in the Bulls’ overtime victory over Miami. Korver was plus-24.

Chicago G C.J. Watson: Provided 16 points off the bench, added nine assists, three steals and was a game-high plus-38 in the Bulls’ comeback victory over Miami.

San Antonio F Tim Duncan: Matched his season-high with 28 points (including 20 in the second half), grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked two shots in the Spurs’ victory over Memphis.

Detroit C Greg Monroe: Went for 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and was a game-high plus-31 in the Pistons’ triumph at Charlotte.

Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin: Went for 19 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and was a game-high plus-23 in the Clippers’ victory at Minnesota.

Golden State G Klay Thompson: Produced 24 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals and was plus-1 in the Warriors’ loss to Dallas.

DUDS

Chicago G Derrick Rose: Had a miserable return as he hit only 1 of 13 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-27 in the Bulls’ overtime victory over Miami.

Minnesota F Derrick Williams: Clanked through a 1-for-7 shooting effort with four turnovers and was a game-worst minus-17 in the Timberwolves’ loss to the Clippers.

Miami G Mike Miller: Went 1 for 9 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-9 in the Heat’s overtime loss to Chicago.

Los Angeles Clippers G Eric Bledsoe: Struggled through a 2-for-8 shooting night with three turnovers in the Clippers’ victory at Minnesota.

Minnesota G Jose Barea: Went 4 of 9 from the field with seven turnovers and was minus-15 in the Timberwolves’ loss to the Clippers.

Duncan, Spurs block out Suns

1 of 19 | Share

Spurs 105, Suns 91: April 14, 2012

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21) scores the game’s opening points against Phoenix during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs scores and is fouled by Marcin Gortag (4) of the Phoenix Suns during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Duncan converted the ensuing free throw. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Kawhi Leonard (2) of the San Antonio Spurs is fouled by Channing Frye (8) of the Phoenix Suns during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Leonard made the shot and converted the ensuing free throw. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan (21) of the San Antonio Spurs congratulates teammate Kawhi Leonard (2) after Leonard scored while being fouled during first-half NBA action against the Phoenix Suns at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) runs after a loose ball as Marcin Gortat of the Phoenix Suns watches during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Grant Hill (33) of the Phoenix Suns is unable to sink a layup as Kawhi Leonard (2) of the San Antonio Spurs defends during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tiago Splitter (22) of the San Antonio Spurs battles Markieff Morris (11) of the Phoenix Suns for a loose ball during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tony Parker of the Spurs drives to the basket during NBA action against the Phoenix Suns at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the Spurs Shannon Brown of the Phoenix Suns during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Matt Bonner of the Spurs dunks after a steal against the Phoenix Suns during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan scores on this shot against Phoenix during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs hangs from the rim before he and his teammates are introduced before their game against the Phoenix Suns at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs Silver Dancers perform during a timeout at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Stephen Jackson of the San Antonio Spurs (3) runs out of bounds toward head trainer Will Sevening during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs hits a long-range three-point shot to end the third quarter as the Spurs defeat the Phoenix Suns, 105-91, during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Boris Diaw of the Spurs (33) defends as Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns shoots during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Stephen Jackson (3) of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the Phoenix Suns during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Ronnie Price of the Phoenix Suns runs into fans and a photographer during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. No one was hurt in the incident. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs (22) blocks an attempted dunk by Michael Redd of the Phoenix Suns during NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News)

By Jeff McDonald

The Red Sea opened up for the Red Rocket in the second quarter Saturday against Phoenix, and Matt Bonner suddenly found himself contemplating options he should never be permitted to contemplate.

“I couldn’t decide between the windmill or the 360,” Bonner said after the Spurs’ easy-does-it 105-91 victory over the erstwhile surging Suns. “I ended up going with the one-handed power slam.”

As a dunker, it turns out, Bonner remains a pretty good 3-point shooter.

Despite Bonner’s postgame protests to the contrary — “I bruised my elbow on the rim!” — certain KIA-hopping All-Stars needn’t lose sleep. Bonner’s jam won’t be soon showing up on best-selling NBA posters, or a national car commercial, any time soon.

“There’s Blake Griffin,” Tim Duncan deapanned. “And then there’s Matt Bonner.”

The Spurs’ chase for the top seed in the Western Conference rolled on Saturday, with a resounding victory over a Suns team scrapping for its playoff life that was rarely as close as the final score showed.

With it, the Spurs (42-16) sewed up the Southwest Division and locked down home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

Behind another throwback night from Duncan, who had 13 of his 19 points in a 6-for-8 first quarter, the Spurs burst to a 21-4 lead and kept the accelerator pressed to the floorboard.

Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard each added 14 points for the Spurs, who led by as many as 28 points before turning the night over to the bench.

“Sometimes it’s your worst nightmare to jump to a big lead at the beginning of an NBA game,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose team earned the 18th division crown in franchise history and ninth of his tenure. “I thought they focused well and did a good job.”

Duncan set the tone, starting 5 of 5, scoring on Suns center Marcin Gortat inside and out. His early flurry cost Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry two timeouts.

After the first, Suns begin double-teaming Duncan. He responded by finding Leonard for a 3-pointer to cap a 14-0 run for the Spurs.

By end of first quarter, Duncan had scored a baker’s dozen, matching Phoenix tally for tally, and the Spurs led by 35-13. Then, on the Spurs’ first possession of the second quarter, Bonner collected a loose ball on the right arc, lowered his head and — ahem — exploded for an uncontested dunk.

It was his only field goal of the game.

“It’s a new attitude,” said Bonner, better known as a 6-foot-10 3-point marksman. “I’m trying to usher in a new excitement here on the Spurs. Dunks, alley oops, you name it.”

The Spurs still seem to be faring quite well with the old attitude.

Before the game, Popovich compared the ageless production of the 35-year-old Duncan and Steve Nash, the Suns’ 38-year-old point guard, in vinter’s terms.

“They’re like fine wine,” Popovich said.

Nash, however, went down after six minutes in the first quarter with a strained right hip and did not return. Duncan, meanwhile, went vintage.

When the Suns climbed within 16 in the second quarter, Popovich went back to Duncan, who also ended with 11 rebounds.

Duncan immediately hit a turnaround jumper on Gortat, then — so as not to allow Bonner all the fun — followed with a left-handed dunk straight out of the time machine. Rally quelled.

“Timmy’s been Mr. Steady all year long,” Popovich said. “Bringing it every night.”

Before the game, Gentry praised resilience of his Suns, who had weathered a period of six of seven games on the road to rise within a game of the West’s final playoff spot.

“It’s not like we can exhale now,” said Gentry, whose team fell to 31-29. “Our backs are still against the wall.”

If Nash misses much time with his latest ailment, Saturday might have marked the dying breath of the Suns’ postseason aspirations.

The Spurs, meanwhile, remain tied in the loss column with Oklahoma City for the top seed in the West. They own the head-to-head tiebreaker should both teams win out. And Saturday, they held serve with a victory so thorough it included a Bonner dunk.

Afterward, in a jubilant home locker room, someone passed around an old photo of an Afro-wearing Julius Erving dunking on some hapless, disco-era Seattle SuperSonic.

“Hey,” Boris Diaw shouted to nobody in particular. “Just like Matty tonight.”

A new excitement? Perhaps. But also, a familiar result.

jmcdonald@express-news.net

Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN