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Stuckey’s big night leads S&Ds, Pistons’ OT victory over Lakers

It was almost like the good ol’ days at the Palace at Auburn Hills Tuesday night.

A sellout crowd — only the fourth of the season for the Pistons — turned out to watch the lone appearance by Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers of the year.

And Rodney Stuckey brought back memories of the good days for the Pistons, erupting for 34 points to lead them to an 88-85 overtime victory.

Stuckey scored six points in overtime to lead the Pistons to the win after Bryant hit a shot a tying shot at the end of regulation.

“When you just have a short amount of time with this lockout and stuff like that—new team, new coach—everything’s brand new,” Stuckey told the Associated Press. “It’s going to take time. It’s all a process.”

After starting the lockout season 4-20, the Pistons have won nine of their last 15 under new coach Lawrence Frank. Stuckey’s recent development has been a major reason.

“Stuckey did an unbelievable job of attacking the paint,” Frank told the AP. “Kobe made a great shot to put the game into overtime and yet our guys kept the resolve.”

STUDS

Detroit G Rodney Stuckey: Erupted for 34 points to lead the Pistons’ overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston F Paul Pierce: Scored a game-high 30 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and was plus-9 in the Celtics’ overtime victory over Houston.

Charlotte F Corey Maggette: Went for 29 points, seven rebounds and was plus-19 in the Bobcats’ victory over Orlando.

Dallas F Dirk Nowitzki: Produced 28 points and was plus-16 in the Mavericks’ victory over New York.

Atlanta F Josh Smith: Notched 27 points, nine rebounds and was plus-9 in the Hawks’ victory at Indiana.

Miami F LeBron James: Filled the stat sheet for 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and was plus-20 in the Heat’s victory over New Jersey.

Los Angeles Lakers C Andrew Bynum: Went for 30 points, 14 rebounds, three blocked shots and was plus-8 in the Lakers’ overtime loss to Detroit.

DUDS

Orlando’s forwards: Starters Hedo Turkoglu and Ryan Anderson combined to hit only 7 of 25 from the field with 20 combined points, five turnovers and a combined minus-32 in the Magic’s loss at Charlotte.

New York F Carmelo Anthony: Hit 2 for 12 from the field with two turnovers and was minus-18 in the Knicks’ loss at Dallas.

Indiana F Tyler Hansbrough: Went 1 of 4 from the field with a turnover and was a team-worst minus-13 in the Pacers’ loss to Atlanta.

Houston C Samuel Dalembert: Struggled through a 4-for-11 shooting effort with three turnovers and was a team-worst minus-15 in the Rockets’ overtime loss at Boston.

New Jersey G Gerald Green: Clanked through a 1-for-7 shooting night with three turnovers and was minus-8 in the Nets’ loss at Miami.

Detroit C Greg Monroe: Went 1 of 10 from the field and was minus-6 in the Pistons’ overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

New York G Jeremy Lin: Struggled through a 4-for-13 shooting effort with two turnovers and was minus-11 in the Knicks’ loss at Dallas.

Parker leads pounding of Knicks

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Spurs 118, Knicks 105: March 7, 2012

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili keeps the ball away from the Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs forward Tim Duncan rebounds the ball under pressure from the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker is fouled by New York Knicks J.R. Smith, left, as Jeremy Lin, and Amar’e Stoudemire look on during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guard Tony Parker beats Knicks guard Jeremy Lin to the basket during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs T.J. Ford lies on the floor during the first half against the New York Knicks at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guard Tony Parker drives by the Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Surs Tim Duncan stuffed New York Knicks J.R. Smith late in the fourth quarter at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich goes after official James Williams as assistant coaches Don Newman, left and Mike Budenholzer try to keep him away during the second half against the New York Knicks at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Popovich was ejected in the process. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guard Tony Parker goes for two as the Knicks’ Steve Novak tries to defend during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard cuts through the defense of the Knicks’ Landry Fields (left) and J.R. Smith during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs center DeJuan Blair grabs the rebound away from Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire (left) and Jeremy Lin during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan shoots over New York Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire and Josh Harrellson during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Manu Ginobili puts pressure on the Knicks’ Landry Fields during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich follows official James Williams before he is ejected during the second half against the New York Knicks at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. In back is assistant coach Don Newman. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guard Tony Parker looks at the official after he is called for fouling Knicks guard Jeremy Lin during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs forward Tim Duncan (center) keeps DeJuan Blai (left) and the Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire away from each other during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs center DeJuan Blair grabs the rebound away from the Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire (left) and Jeremy Lin during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard drives through the Knicks’ J.R. Smith during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili runs into the Knicks’ J.R. Smith during the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni looks at the scoreboard during the second half against the Spurs at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker looks to pass out to the perimeter under pressure from New York Knicks Josh Harrellson and Amar’e Stoudemire during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs Silver Dancers entertain the crowd during the second half against the New York Knicks at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire (right) passes the ball as the Spurs’ Gary Neal falls on Landry Fields during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs guards Manu Ginobili (left) and T.J. Ford put pressure on Knicks guard Baron Davis during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Tony Parker and Knicks’ Jeremy Lin get back on the court after a time out during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Tim Duncan drives around the Knicks’ Josh Harrellson during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Spurs’ Tony Parker acknowledges the crowd at the end of the first half against the Knicks at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

By Jeff McDonald

Nearly four weeks ago, on a Friday night, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker sat in a restaurant in New York City, watching the natives go wild.

A former Harvard economy major named Jeremy Lin was taking apart Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on the television above the bar, setting in motion the international phenomenon that would soon become known as “Linsanity.”

“The whole restaurant just stopped,” Ginobili recalled.

The Spurs’ trio, in town to face New Jersey the next night, took the cue to get moving.

“We paid the check and ran back to the hotel so we could watch the end,” Ginobili said.

By the time the “Linsanity” circus made its only stop at the ATT Center on Wednesday, giving way to the Spurs’ 118-105 victory over Lin’s New York Knicks, regular sanity had been restored.

Parker, who has made one All-Star team but zero Sports Illustrated covers this season, led the way with 32 points. Duncan added 17 points and eight rebounds. Ginobili also chipped in 17 points in his most productive outing since New Year’s Eve.

Together, the Spurs’ Big Apple dinner party staked their team to a lead that got as high as 24 points in the second half, threatening to send New York to its most lopsided defeat since Lin took over as starting point guard Feb. 6.

In the end, a late Knicks rally pushed the final deficit to 13, one closer than in New York’s 102-88 loss at Miami on Feb. 23.

With the victory, the Spurs (26-12) improved to 2-2 on their seven-game homestand.

“I thought we played with a ferocity compared to the first three games after the break,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “I thought a lot of minutes in the first three games we looked like we were in cruise control. It’s taken us too long to get that back.”

As if to coax a 48-minute effort out of his team, Popovich got ejected for arguing a foul call with 59.9 seconds left in the third quarter, with the Spurs ahead by 22.

“He was fighting for us out there,” rookie forward Kawhi Leonard said.

The Knicks, meanwhile, didn’t put up much of one.

Lin looked ordinary on his way to 20 points. Carmelo Anthony alternated shooting the Knicks (18-21) both into and out of the game, going 12 of 24 for 27 points. Amare Stoudemire had a quiet 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Playing without starting center Tyson Chandler, out with a sore hamstring, New York didn’t put up much resistance to the Spurs’ cadre of penetrating guards.

Parker and Ginobili scored and dished at will, as the Spurs notched 60 points in the paint and 19 from the foul line. They had seven players in double figures.

“We wanted to make a conscious effort to play better at home,” Parker said.

For Parker, it was his fifth game of 30-plus points since Feb. 4, when he dumped a season-high 42 on Oklahoma City.

That same night at Madison Square Garden, Lin — a second-year point guard who had already been waived twice this season — emerged from the end of New York’s bench to score 25 points in a win over New Jersey. “Linsanity” would soon follow, sparked by his 38-point opus against the Lakers six days later.

“You want to cheer for him,” Parker said. “It’s almost like you want him to make every shot. His story is like a movie.”

At the ATT Center on Wednesday, “Linsanity” came with a dampening dose of “Linreality.”

Lin scored six points in the first half, shooting 3 of 8. He added four assists and three steals, his final box fitting with others since the All-Star break.

Perhaps this is where the Lin story goes from here. He is a good player, but not a transcendent one, a dinner-stopping storyline but not a sustainable one.

“It’s impossible to keep that kind of level for a full season,” Ginobili said. “He’s shown everybody he can play. But you can’t expect him to score 38 or average 27 a game.”

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: jmcdonald_SAEN

Spurs notebook: Popovich appreciates Lin’s stupendous play

NEW YORK — This afternoon, and much to coach Gregg Popovich’s chagrin, the Spurs will board a team charter flight from New York to Detroit, ending a five-night, stress-free stay in Manhattan that included the hassle of only one game to play.

During his extended time in the city, Popovich has come to share at least one thing in common with other denizens of the Big Apple.

Turns out, he’s just as Lin-sane as the rest of them.

Popovich has never seen New York Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin play a full game, but he’s seen the highlight clips.

“He looks damn good, that’s for sure,” Popovich said.

When the Spurs arrived in New York in the wee hours Thursday morning, Lin was still barely a blip on the NBA radar. By the time they leave today, a victory over New Jersey tacked to their record, Lin is a bona fide international celebrity.

Undrafted out of Harvard, a graduate of the Development League and nearly cut by his third team this season before his recent outburst, Lin has led the Knicks to a 5-0 record in five starts at point guard.

The 109 points Lin scored in those games marks the best scoring start of any player since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976, surpassing the mark of 101 held by Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson.

Lin mania hit a fevered pitch in New York after he outdueled Kobe Bryant with 38 points to lead the Knicks past the Lakers on Friday at Madison Square Garden, less than 2 miles from the Spurs’ hotel.

“It seems out of the blue,” Popovich said. “All of a sudden, this guy is kicking everybody’s butt, and nobody can stop him. It seems improbable, and that’s why the story’s so great.”

Road killing it: Don’t look now, but the Spurs are becoming road warriors.

After starting the season 0-5 away from the ATT Center, the Spurs have won six of their past nine road games, including four in a row.

In the first three games of the rodeo road trip, the Spurs have trailed for just 13:31 of clock time. Most of that (10:15) came in a grinding 89-84 victory at Memphis that kicked off the trek.

“We’re improving on the road,” All-Star point guard Tony Parker said. “We’re going in the right direction. Just have to keep building on it.”

Worth the trip: If there was ever a season for skipping the All-Star Game in favor of a nice, relaxing vacation, this lockout-compressed campaign would be it.

Parker wouldn’t dream of it.

“I never take breaks,” said Parker, who will make his fourth All-Star appearance Feb. 26 in Orlando, Fla. “I play with the (French) national team. I played during the lockout. I love basketball.

“For me, it’s a great opportunity. I don’t get to play in the All-Star Game every year.”

Parker’s selection comes with the blessing of his coach.

“When somebody plays as good as he’s played, and worked as hard as he has, and kept us above water like he has, it’s just a thrill that he made it,” Popovich said.

jmcdonald@express-news.net