In The News | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

Duncan experiences huge flashback

By Jeff McDonald

Tim Duncan hit a right-handed hook on Samuel Dalembert. A few minutes later, he opted for the left.

Later, he spun Jordan Hill into oblivion on the low block, cleaned up a misconnected alley-oop attempt and dunked home a pass from Gary Neal.

By the time Duncan’s third-quarter trip through time was finished Wednesday, giving the kind of stretch his younger teammates might have read about in their history books, the Spurs had climbed out of a 19-point hole against Houston, on their way to a 99-91 victory.

For Duncan, the most memorable moment of a memorable night happened before the third quarter even began.

“I was just happy to be on the floor, honestly,” Duncan said.

Duncan tallied 16 of his 25 points in a third quarter that began with the Spurs 13 points down, scoring on an array of ? post moves unpacked from moth balls.

There was a chance, given coach Gregg Popovich’s history, Duncan might not have been on the court for the comeback.

In a 105-85 loss at Houston on Dec. 29, with the Spurs (14-9) down 18 at the half and headed nowhere, Popovich chose to sit Duncan the entire second half.

By halftime Wednesday at the ATT Center, point guard Tony Parker was having flashbacks.

“I was thinking Pop was going to pull the plug again,” said Parker, who ended with 24 points. “I’m glad he stuck with us.”

This time, Popovich had a different feel than he had in December at the Toyota Center.

Wednesday, the Rockets (12-10) shot 50 percent in the first half. Kevin Martin scored 21 points in the first two quarters — he finished with 29 — via a shooting pace (7 of 10) he could not possibly sustain. The Spurs, meanwhile, were shooting 35.9 percent, despite some good looks.

“That’s something you have to assess, whether you think guys are playing poorly,” Popovich said, “or if they’re playing well but things aren’t going their way.”

The seeds for Wednesday’s comeback might have been sown Sunday in Dallas, when the Spurs rallied from 20 points down to force overtime before losing 101-100.

“That gave us confidence we could do it,” said forward Matt Bonner, whose 3-pointer with 1:04 left gave the Spurs a 96-91 lead.

This comeback, which earned the Spurs a 2-2 split of the season series with Houston, was different than in Dallas.

Against the Mavericks, the Spurs’ bench played all of the fourth quarter and overtime. Wednesday’s rally was spearheaded by the longest-tenured tandem of teammates in the NBA.

Parker and Duncan had all but one of the Spurs’ field goals in a third quarter they won 28-19.

Mostly, it was Duncan, at age 35 reminding the Rockets that, yes, he once was the league’s MVP.

“It was like he found the Fountain of Youth,” Neal said.

A sign of Duncan’s aggressiveness: He was 7 of 10 from the foul line, the first time he’d tried that many free throws since 2009-10.

When Duncan finished a failed alley-oop from Danny Green to James Anderson — players who were in grade school when Duncan debuted in 1997 — it brought the Spurs within 66-58.

With 7:01 to go, Green hit a corner 3-pointer to give the Spurs an 81-79 lead, their first since 1-0.

“We tried to hang in there,” Parker said. “We just kept fighting.”

The fighting might continue tonight. Popovich has vowed to sit Duncan at least once in four-games-in-five-nights scenarios, which would portend a DNP against New Orleans.

Even after logging 31 minutes Wednesday, Duncan doesn’t think he needs it.

Asked if he would lobby Popovich to play against the Hornets, Duncan appeared nonplussed.

“I didn’t know I needed to lobby,” Duncan said. “I assume I’m playing. I’m assuming I’ll be out there.”

If he has indeed found the Fountain of Youth, Duncan will take a long gulp this morning, and hope for the best tonight.

jmcdonald@express-news.net

– Photos by Billy Calzada

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Spurs 99, Rockets 91: Feb. 1, 2012

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a layup against the Houston Rockets during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

University of North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams, wearing glasses, smiles after Kyle Lowry of the Houston Rockets almost ran into him while chasing a ball out of bounds during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Williams was in town to see San Antonio Spurs player Danny Green, who used to play for him. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call by official Matt Boland during first-half NBA action against the Houston Rockets at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tony Parker of the San Antonio spurs shoots as Samuel Dalembert of the Houston Rockets defends during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Jordan Hill of the Houston Rockets during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets attempts to rebound as Tim Duncan of the Spurs defends during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the Spurs defends as Samuel Dalembert of the Rockets looks to shoot or pass off during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale screams during NBA action against the Spurs at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs hangs from the rim, as is his custom, before the Spurs are introduced for their game against the Houston Rockets at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

DeJuan Blair of the San Antonio Spurs battles to keep control of the ball against the Houston Rockets during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs (2) battles Luis Scola (4) and Samuel Dalembert of the Houston Rockets during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan slam dunks during second-half action against the Houston Rockets at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Gary Neal of the Spurs passes off an assist during NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tim Duncan smiles from the bench as time winds down on the San Antonio Spurs 99-91 victory over the Houston Rockets at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Fans cheer as the Spurs’ Tim Duncan grabs a rebound in the final seconds of the Spurs’ 99-91 victory over the Houston Rockets at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Tony Parker of the Spurs lays up the ball as Samuel Dalembert (21) of the Houston Rockets chases during second-half NBA action on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Rockets survive huge dropoff

HOUSTON — The seemed to be rolling in the first half against New Orleans, shooting well and building a double-digit lead.

Luis Scola knew better.

“We weren’t executing the right way,” the Rockets forward said. “They came back, and that’s what happens when you don’t play good.”

Houston survived one of the worst fourth quarters in team history to hold off the Hornets 90-88 in overtime on Thursday night. scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half, grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds and the Rockets won their fifth straight game.

Barely.

“It just looked like the life was out of us,” Martin said. “But we found a way to pull out that one.”

Courtney Lee had a season-high 17 points and added 10 points and eight assists for the Rockets, who shot 3 for 21 in the fourth quarter and mustered seven points, matching a team record set three times previously.

Martin hit 10 of 14 shots in the first half, then went 2 for 6 in the fourth.

“I always tell them, ‘Give the fight, and do your best,’” New Orleans coach said. “We did everything we could to win the game.”

Game rewind: ‘Fantastic’ bench leads victory over Hawks

The Spurs’ bench again stepped up in a big way when it was most needed Wednesday night.

After the starters struggled to hold a lead early into the second half, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn’t hesitate to pull them.

“Our bench was fantastic,” Popovich said. “A number of people came into the game and played good solid basketball both at the defensive and offensive ends. I was really pleased with the bench.”

That effort helped boost the Spurs to a convincing 105-83 victory over Atlanta, which came into the game as one of the league’s hottest teams.

Here’s how the Spurs claimed their ninth home victory in 10 games.

Game analysis: A balanced attack featuring five players in double figures and eight with at least eight points swarmed the Hawks and cruised to an easy victory.

Where the game was won: After Atlanta had pulled within 70-61 on Joe Johnson’s 20-footer with 2:03 left in the third quarter, the Spurs erupted on a 20-6 surge to put the game away. DeJuan Blair scored the last five points of the third quarter and capped the run with hoop to give the Spurs a commanding 90-67 advantage with 7:02 left in the game.

Bring on the bench: The Spurs’ bench was instrumental in charging past Atlanta, outscoring the Hawks 27-11 in the first half and 51-27 in the game.

Player of the game I: Matt Bonner had a couple of defensive busts that caused Popovich to go apoplextic, but it was hard to argue with his shooting. He hit 5 of 7 3-pointers en route to a 17-point effort that matched his season high.

Player of the game II: It was another strong game for Tiago Splitter who produced 16 points on 5 for 6 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds and dealt out two assists. Splitter has notched a career-best five consecutive double-figure games as his confidence in the Spurs’ rotation is soaring.

Player of the game III: Maybe it was fatigue from all of the recent minutes, but Tony Parker had trouble sticking with Atlanta guard Jeff Teague. The second-year Wake Forest product went for a game-high 20 points as he sliced through the middle of the Spurs’ defense. Teague also added five rebounds — all in the first half — and produced a game-high three steals as he was a pest for the Spurs for most of the game.

Most unsung: The Spurs needed some kind of lift at the point as Parker struggled early in the game. They got one from Cory Joseph, who had his strongest game with the team with eight points, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot in 18 minutes.

Did you notice: For the second straight game, the Spurs were burned by a missed call on an offensive goaltending. Blair’s basket with 7:37 left in the game was wiped out when officials thought he interfered with the ball in the cylinder. Television replays indicated otherwise. And several plays later, lead official Zach Zarba apologized to Popovich along the sidelines for the blown call.

Did you notice II: The two teams combined to shoot only 25 foul shots and were whistled for 33 fouls between them. That led to the game being played in 2 hours.

Did you notice III: Local product Ivan Johnson of Fox Tech High School and Cal State-San Bernardino had a big game for the Hawks. The rookie notched eight points, three rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes — most of any non-starter for the Hawks.

Stat of the game: The Spurs shot 51.2 percent for the game, becoming the first Atlanta opponent to top 50 percent this season.

Stat of the game II: The Spurs’ perimeter game was solid with 11 3-pointers, including five from Bonner and two apiece from Richard Jefferson, Danny Green and Parker. It was the Spurs’ second most 3-pointers of the season, behind only the 16 they scored against Dallas on Jan. 5. The Spurs shot 47.8 percent from 3-point territory, marking the fifth straight game they have improved their 3-point percentage from the previous game.

Stat of the game III: The Spurs piled up a season-high 29 assists. But the most impressive part of that that was that 10 of the 12 players in San Antonio’s lineup accounted for at least one assist in the game.

Stat of the game IV: Thanks to strong performances from Blair and Splitter, the Spurs dominated the game inside with a 52-34 edge in points in the paint. It was tied for their second highest differential of the season.

Weird stat of the game: The Spurs’ shooting improved in every quarter of the game. They shot 47.4 percent from the field in the first quarter, 50 percent in the second quarter, 52.4 percent in the third quarter and 55 percent in the fourth quarter.

Weird stat of the game II: The Spurs again were outrejected by their opponents with three blocked shots and eight of their shots blocked. During the last three games, the Spurs have blocked six shots and had 24 shots blocked.

Best plus/minus scores: Splitter was plus-27, Green was plus-19 and Joseph was plus-15.

Worst plus/minus scores: Tim Duncan was minus-4.

Quote of the game: “My instantaneous creativity is nonexistent,” Bonner, describing how he was hung up after attempting an awkward bank shot in the third quarter when he appeared to be looking for a teammate for a pass.

How the schedule stacks up: The Spurs have the day off before starting a three-game road trip with games Friday at Minnesota, Sunday at Dallas and Monday in Memphis. Atlanta continues a five-game road trip with trips Friday to Detroit, Sunday to New Orleans and Tuesday to Toronto.

Injuries: Manu Ginobili missed his 14th game (Spurs record 9-5) after undergoing surgery for a fractured fifth left metacarpal. T.J. Ford missed his nine game (Spurs record 6-3) with a torn left hamstring. Atlanta guard Kirk Hinrich (left shoulder injury) returned for his first game of the season. Al Horford (torn left pectoral muscle) missed Wednesday’s game.