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Duncan, Spurs block out Suns

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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

Five quick takes: Why deep bench should have Spurs surging for playoffs

As he watched Gregg Popovich alternate his players Wednesday night almost like a grandmaster would play a chess board, Spurs television analyst Sean Elliott couldn’t keep from raving about the Spurs’ deep bench.

Popovich used Wednesday’s 117-112 victory almost like a laboratory, utilizing 11 players in the first quarter alone.

Elliott raved at one point that the Spurs’ bench could be better than the team’s starters. And while that bit of hyperbole might be a little exaggerated, deadline trades and free agent-signings have placed this team in a better position heading into the latter part of the season and the playoffs than in recent memory.

Spurs captain Tim Duncan agreed he’s never had a supporting cast throughout his team like this one.

“This is as deep as I’ve ever had a team here,” Duncan told reporters after the Spurs’ victory in Sacramento. “We’re using everybody possible. And that’s been great, especially in the condensed season.”

For the first time since the trade deadline, Popovich had a complete roster at his disposal. And he got contributions from throughout his bench, which outscored Sacramento 55-20 in Wednesday’s game.

Manu Ginobili came off the bench to score a team-high 20 points in his first back-to-back game since recovering from a hip flexor. Tiago Splitter produced seven points and six rebounds, all coming in a productive stint in the first quarter. Gary Neal shot his way out of a recent slump by hitting all four shots in the second half for 13 points after missing his first four shots. Stephen Jackson scored six points in 16 minutes in the second half when he received most of the playing time. And Boris Diaw didn’t score, but he grabbed four rebounds,dished off two assists and was a pest defensively.

“I really trust that unit,” Ginobili told FOX Sports Southwest. “We’re going to hustle and we’re versatile, we’re long and we can switch a lot. I think whenever we get used to playing with each other, we have a very special unit.”

That development could be the best part of this late-season transformation. The Spurs’ depth should make them more ready to withstand injuries like Ginobili’s late broken arm that helped derail the team’s playoff chances last season. If a starter goes down with an injury this season, the Spurs are better able to overcome the absence.

“I’m really excited about how we’re playing now,” Ginobili said. “I think we’re going to make things happen.”

The transformation will continue over the final 17 games of the regular season as the Spurs prepare for the playoffs. It should have them more ready than in any season since their last championship in 2007.

Here’s a look at a few other takes from a game where the Spurs’ offensive production bailed them out in the second half for a tough victory against the pesky Kings.

Patty Mills gave a strong demonstration of what he can bring coming off the bench as a backup to Tony Parker. Mills hit a deep corner three and was determined to push the pace when he was out there. He’ll be a useful part of the rotation very soon.
DeMarcus Cousins has the kind of talent that had Duncan raving after the young Sacramento center challenged him with 25 points and 11 rebounds. But as far as complaining and scowling, it looks that Cousins has taken the honor of the NBA’s surliest big man that has been vacant since Rasheed Wallace retired.
The early development of Kawhi Leonard has been greater than the Spurs could have ever imagined during his rookie season. And his 18-point, nine-rebound effort Wednesday might have been one of his best games of the season. He was disruptive on defense, more comfortable and controlled on fast breaks and confident shooting when he had his opportunities. And after he gets a chance to work with the team this summer and a full training camp, he could get scary good very quickly.
We run a weekly survey of power rankings from the NBA writers around the nation each week to gauge what the national perception of the Spurs is. I’m curious to see what they have to say after five victories in the last six nights, including the first back-to-back-to-back sweep for the team in 34 years. The Spurs don’t have the NBA’s best record at this point of the season. But they are playing the best basketball in the league. It will be interesting to see if that is reflected in anybody’s rankings early next week.

Spurs’ win streak sacrificed to rest Big Three

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Jazz 91, Spurs 84: April 9, 2012

Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) works against San Antonio Spurs guard Daniel Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors, left, passes around San Antonio Spurs guard Daniel Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs guard Daniel Green, right, shoots over Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair (45) looks for a shot against Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephen Jackson (3) takes a shot over Utah Jazz forward DeMarre Carroll (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair, left, takes a shot while defended by Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Utah Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin directs his team during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Fan participate in a Silly String fight during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) attempts a shot while defended by Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) takes a shot while defended by San Antonio Spurs guard Stephen Jackson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap (24) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal walks off the court after the Utah Jazz defeated the Spurs 91-84 in an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Utah Jazz guard Devin Harris (5) drives past San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair (45) for a shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap (24) dunks in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Daniel Green (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP)

By Mike Monroe

SALT LAKE CITY — Ninety minutes before tipoff of what became his team’s first loss in 23 days, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich answered the question everyone inside EnergySolutions Arena couldn’t wait to ask: Which great Spurs had not been on the passenger manifest for the team’s flight that followed a victory over the Jazz at the ATT Center on Sunday?

After all, hadn’t the Spurs coach shown his hand about perhaps holding some players out of Monday’s rematch with the Jazz when he held two regulars out of Sunday’s game?

With some drama, Popovich ticked off names: George Gervin hadn’t been on the plane, he said.

David Robinson hadn’t traveled to Utah, either, the coach informed, unable to suppress a grin.

Ultimately, Popovich admitted he had ordered his Big Three All-Stars — Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker — to remain in San Antonio, perhaps to watch the telecast of the game with The Admiral and The Iceman.

Without the Big Three, the Spurs fell to the Jazz 91-84 in a game long on physicality and bereft of artistry.

The loss ended the Spurs’ stay atop the Western Conference after three days. Combined with Oklahoma City’s victory in Milwaukee, the Spurs (40-15) again trail the Thunder by one game.

Trying just to get into the Western playoffs, the Jazz scrapped for rebounds, blocks and loose balls in crunch time, something Popovich expected.

“They’re the Jazz,” he said. “There has never been a night they don’t play hard.”

Even without their stars, the Spurs had a 12th straight win within their sights. When Utah’s Al Jefferson goaltended a Gary Neal floater with 3:38 remaining, the Spurs had a slim lead at 80-78.

But Neal’s shot was followed by five straight Spurs misses, so when Utah’s Devin Harris scored 10 points in four possessions, nailing two 3-pointers, the Jazz snatched the lead, the momentum and, ultimately, the win.

“Like a lot of NBA games, you have got to make shots,” Popovich said, “and Devin Harris came down and knocked down two in transition in a row, and on the other end, we couldn’t throw it in the ocean.”

Monday’s was the second game this season the Spurs tried to extend an 11-game win streak without their Big Three, but the first in which injuries played no factor. Ginobili was on the sidelines with a strained left oblique when Popovich opted to sit Duncan and Parker in Portland on Feb. 21, one night after his team beat the Jazz to record its first 11-game win streak of the season.

This time, all three players were healthy enough.

Popovich blamed their absence Monday on a schedule that crammed too many games into the final few weeks of the season.

“However you want to look at it, 13 games in 18 days or 16 games in 23 days or ending the season four in five nights, it’s just crazy,” Popovich said. “So I’ve got to do something about it. It just doesn’t make sense to have those guys playing four in five nights, anything like that.”

The decision to go without the Big Three was made in December, not long after Popovich got his first look at the 66-game schedule the NBA decided to cram into 124 days after the end of the lockout.

“It’s pretty much a no-brainer when you look at our schedule,” he said. “We tried to figure it out at the beginning of the season.”

Popovich gave a hint that Monday’s back-to-back rematch would be the second game this season without the Big Three when he gave DeJuan Blair and Stephen Jackson the night off against the Jazz on Sunday. That meant 31 minutes for Duncan and Parker, 28 for Ginobili and banishment from the team flight.

mikemonroe@express-news.net
Twitter: @Monroe_SA