Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Rockets looked like more bad news for the Spurs. After the first quarter they were trailing the Rockets 27-16. At halftime they were down 52-39. Instead of succumbing to pressure and falling even more in a hole, the Spurs outscored the Rockets 28-19 in the third quarter and 32-20 in the first, overcoming an 18 point deficit.

Had this game been on the road the outcome might have been a different story. Instead, the Spurs improved to 11-1 at home and Tim Duncan played at an all-star level last night as well, something that was desperately needed by his team. He ended up with 25 points and seven rebounds, much more significant numbers compared to what he had been producing as of late. Duncan led an 11-2 run to cut the 18 point deficit to a more manageable number and had 16 of his 25 points in the third quarter.

Tony Parker was also helpful on the offensive end, providing 24 points for the Spurs. The Spurs ended the game on an 8-0 run, completely different game play than what has happening in the first half. Gary Neal also provided 15 points for the Spurs. The Rockets were hard to stop, however. Led by Kevin Martin’s 29 points, Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee both added 15 points.

The victory was the second in a row for the Spurs. North Carolina coach, Roy Williams was also in attendance watching the game and his former player, Danny Green who now plays for the Spurs. The win was much needed for the Spurs, who can hopefully translate this recent run (with Tim Duncan’s offensive productivity as well) into their next few games as they prepare for Oklahoma City and Philadelphia in the coming days; both young teams with great offense and defense.

Friday was not an enjoyable game for the San Antonio Spurs. Traveling to Minneapolis to face Kevin Love’s new contract and the Timberwolves, the Spurs almost improved their road record to 3-6. Almost.

Tied after three quarters, one would think that the 12-7 Spurs would be able to hold off the 8-10 Timberwolves based on experience and the desire to snap their losing streak on the road. Instead, with the score tied in the fourth quarter, the Spurs were unable to stop Ricky Rubio. Rubio scored half of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and also contributed 10 assists to give the ‘Wolves the edge over the Spurs. Minnesota had a lot of offensive contributions besides Rubio; Kevin Love had 18 points and 16 rebounds while Nikola Pekovic added 14 points as well.

The Spurs were led by Tony Parker’s 20 points and Tiago Splitter kept contributing off the bench with 12 points. Tim Duncan was almost useless on the floor, scoring nine points and only pulling down 10 rebounds, significantly less than Monday’s win over the New Orleans Hornets where Duncan scored 28 points. The Spurs were out rebounded by the ‘Wolves 46-34, including 2 to 10 on the offensive glass.

The Timberwolves beat the Spurs earlier in the month and the two victories were the first time since 2000 that the ‘Wolves had beaten the Spurs twice in a row. Perhaps some good news for the Spurs is that they are one of five teams interested in pursuing Kenyon Martin. The addition of Martin would add more depth to the Spurs and provide more toughness on defense, as Tim Duncan has been slacking lately and the Spurs have been getting outrebounded.

With a shortened season, the continuous road losses for the Spurs may play a major factor into their position for the postseason and playoffs. If they can’t find a remedy to their woes on the road, their chances at a playoff run could be shot.

Okay, I got a little excited when I said the Spurs could beat the Heat. I don’t take back what I said because thru the first half of the game they were leading the Heat and I honestly think they can win against them. Wade wasn’t playing so it seemed all too perfect for the Spurs. Then, LeBron decided to go crazy and take over the game. LeBron had 33 points and Chris Bosh added 30 for the Heat who ended up stomping the Spurs in the second half, outscoring them 39-12 in the third quarter. After that loss, they traveled to Orlando to take on the Magic and I happened to be at the game.

Here is what I can tell you about that game. It was so boring offensively. No one was making shots (until Tony Parker in the fourth quarter) and, not trying to be biased here, but had the Magic made their shots, they should have won the game. BUT they didn’t, and after an overtime period the Spurs captured their first victory on the road, winning 85-83. They also earned their first loss at home two days later, losing to the Sacramento Kings.

Six of the Spurs losses have come on the road and nine of their wins came at home. So why can’t they win on the road? Honestly, I don’t have the answer to that. Of their seven losses, only two were blowouts (to Houston in December and then the Heat last week). They aren’t playing poorly on offensive. They are just unable to close out games late. Last night they lost to Houston, 105-102. Sure, it was their fourth game in five nights. But Tony Parker had 24 points and 13 assists and Tiago Splitter had a career high 25 points and 10 rebounds. They shot 44% from the field compared to Houston’s 55%. They could not create a good last shot to take and ultimately lost. Sure, Tim Duncan wasn’t playing because he was being rested. But could he have changed the outcome of the game? Probably not.

Monday they are on the road again, heading to New Orleans to face the Hornets. Ranking fifth in the league in points per game, I am absolutely baffled as to why they can’t score their 98.9 points a game in someone else’s arena. Parker is up to averaging 17.6 points a game, but needs to take more control in the closing minutes of the game. In Orlando, he had the majority of his points in the fourth quarter and halftime. If he played like that every game, being offensively effective in the final minutes and creating good plays for his teammates, the Spurs might have a very different record. Does anyone have ANY suggestions on how the Spurs can win on the road or how this inability will affect their playoff hopes?

Here’s the truth of the matter…the Miami Heat have been playing terribly lately. On a West coast road trip they dropped three losses in a row and lost Dwayne Wade in the process. Chris Bosh also told GQ magazine that in a tied game in closing seconds he would give the ball to Wade over James…not good for team chemistry. And, while watching the Denver/Miami game, I could not help but notice how lethargic and emotionless LeBron James was as he walked to the bench and even in his playing style. They won’t have played a game since Friday when they match up at home against the Spurs. But, here is why I think the Spurs will be able to control the Heat and even beat them…

1. The Heat can’t close out games: Repeatedly this season, as they struggled with last year, the Heat play good offense/defense for 42-44 minutes of the game, and in the closing minutes/seconds they are unable to be effective from the field or stop their opponents. Sure, they are first in the league in points per game, but when they are unable to score down the stretch, everything else is irrelevant. San Antonio can play strong defense; they allow only 95 points per game. As far as closers, the Spurs know who the ball will go to with Wade out; LeBron, if he’s open, or Chris Bosh in a worst-case scenario. Other than that, there is not much surprise on who will be touching the ball with the last shot. Tim Duncan is going to be in the middle to play defense and Matt Bonner might also be inside to grab a rebound to eliminate the chance of Miami grabbing an offensive rebound

2. The Spurs have a deeper team: When you look at the two teams rosters, there is not a big shock factor. Yes, Miami has the “big three.” But Wade is out, which puts more pressure on James and Bosh. The Spurs are missing Ginobili but offer a solid team otherwise. I like the Spurs’ roster better; I like Ginobili/Tony Parker/Gary Neal more in the point guard category rather than Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers. And the center position? Okay, Timmy D isn’t playing his best basketball but he’s still a great player that can score at will if he turns it on. Joel Anthony/Eddy Curry/whatever other “center” Miami has is NO match for Duncan in the middle. Plus, the Spurs also have Bonner at the power forward position. I like Richard Jefferson over Shane Battier at the small forward position as well. After Ginobili gets healthy the Spurs will be an even deeper team. Sure, they don’t have three players with the ability to comfortably close a game out in the final seconds, but overall the provide more bite.

3. Experience: The Spurs are not a young team; Duncan is 35, Ginobili 34, Richard Jefferson 31. The Heat have five players in their 30′s and the Spurs have four…but the Spurs players have the experience needed to be successful in the league. Tim Duncan has played in 176 playoff games…Ginobili in 122 and Tony Parker in 138. Comparatively, LeBron James has played in 92…Chris Bosh in 32 and Dwayne Wade in 87. The experience in playing in NBA Finals and Championship games is exponentially greater on the Spurs side. When it comes down to it, in a finals game, it is not about who scores the most points; its who can remain calm under pressure and deliver those points when needed.

I don’t like the Heat. I don’t like the media coverage/worshiping of the team nor do I like that the Heat arranged for three superstars to play with each other. I think the game on Tuesday will be a good matchup; both teams will be in the playoffs and it will be interesting to see how the Spurs respond to Wade being out of the lineup. Any opinion on the matchup?

Okay, I have to be honest. I know the Spurs are good; they have veterans and have lots of depth that come off their bench. However, I did not expect them to be playing this well so far into the season. Wednesday night they matched up against the stumbling Houston Rockets, who entered the game 3-6 and 1-6 on the road. The Spurs entered the game sitting on a perfect 6-0 record at home and a 6-4 record overall. It took an overtime period but San Antonio was able to hold off one of their in-state rivals, winning 101-95.

Tony Parker was phenomenal and played strong on offense and defense. With Manu Ginobili still out with his hurt hand it took a fiery guard to make sure the Spurs did not drop their third game in a row. Parker compiled 28 points, five rebounds, eight assists and one steal. He also had four clutch free throws in OT to give the Spurs the W, while shooting 12-22 for the game. I wouldn’t say Houston was out played; they had several players contribute strong efforts, including Kyle Lowry’s 22 points, Luis Scola’s 20, Kevin Martin’s 18 and Patrick Patterson’s 10. Statistically, this game was as close as it could have been. San Antiono made one more shot than the Rockets and both teams had 11 turnovers. The difference came in the defense, as San Antonio had nine blocks to Houston’s four.

The victory was the seventh in a row at home for the Spurs, who have not started this well at home since they opened the 2007-2008 season with 13 straight wins in the AT&T Center. Next up, the Spurs face a tough Portland Trailblazers team who has surprised several people so far this season with their dominating play and (prior to the Orlando Magic game) 7-2 record. We can expect a high scoring game out of these two teams; both rank in the top seven in the league for points scored per game. Tim Duncan’s performance has still seemed subpar so far into the season. He is making $21 million this year yet is only averaging 11 points and five rebounds a game, way down from his career average of 20 and 11. Sure, he is getting older, but in a year with several rising Western Conference teams (i.e. Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers), Duncan needs to step up his game, and fast, if he wants to keep his Spurs in the playoff hunt. If he keeps this low scoring and rebounding trend going, he may have a hard time getting voted into the All-Star game…would YOU vote for him?

The San Antonio Spurs are starting this shortened NBA season off right; they are a perfect 5-0 at home and have only lost two games for one of the best winning percentages in the Western Conference.

Things might have just taken a dive for the Spurs, however. Manu Ginobili, who has been the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.4 points a game, is going to be out for two months after surgery on his broken left hand. Everyone knows that Ginobili is somewhat prone to injuries; last year prior to the playoffs he sprained his elbow. This time, however, is a more detrimental to the team. Manu has been a leader this year, taking over Tim Duncan’s usual role of “as the emotional and offensive centerpiece” of the Spurs.

The Spurs, however, have found ways to win without Ginobili, as they will have to do for an extended period of games. Last night they beat the NBA defending champions-the Dallas Mavericks. The team was well balanced as far as contributions go-Matt Bonner led the way in points with 17, Richard Jefferson had seven rebounds and Tony Parker had eight assists. No where in those category leaders do you see Tim Duncan. As of late, several analysts have mentioned his struggling season so far with lackluster numbers. In Thursday’s victory Duncan had only 10 points and five rebounds in 25 points. Sure, the Spurs were +17 with him on the floor, but in a rising Western Conference with teams such as the Thunder and Clippers developing and only getting better, the Spurs cannot have their experienced veteran contributing only 10 points a game.

The Spurs have been playing well offensively so far this season. They are ranked 7th in the league in points per game and 7th in the league in assists. Their downfall, however, has been their defense; they are fifth in the league in points allowed per game. On Saturday they play the Denver Nuggets, who are also 5-2 and are second in the league in points scored in games. This matchup is sure to be an offensively driven game. It is going to be interesting to see how the Spurs react long term to Ginobili’s absence. His return, however, will come at a crucial time in late February/early March when the playoff picture starts to take shape.

Chelsea

By now we’ve all heard the Parker trade rumors. The Spurs are looking to move into the top ten, maybe 5 depending on who is willing to deal.

The Kings hold the number seven pick in tomorrows draft and are in need of top point guard. Omri Casspi will have to be included which would fill a need at small forward for the Spurs. Who do the take with pick? The potential list of available players is pretty good. Kemba Walker, Tristan Thompson, Chris Singleton, Jimmer. It also will depend on who else the Spurs get rid of. If my memory serves me right, I believe the Spurs tried to trade with the Kings last year or the year before. R.C. had said last week that the Spurs would build through trades, not the draft. In whats said to be a weak draft, the top end of it is loaded with solid players hints why they’re trying to get in the top end.

It also makes sense if they draft one of the bigs from Europe. The Spurs are the best at judging talent from Europe so maybe they’ve seen something that we haven’t, thats if either one drops to 7. If they can get the 5th pick, then the options are endless.

Last year at this time we where talking about the same thing. Trading tony for a high pick. I kind of feel bad for TP9 but it does seem different this year. Maybe it’s just me wanting the Spurs to do something big.

Either way, I feel the Spurs will be making some sort of noise. It might not be until there’s a new CBA but at least they know they have to do something.

With what we’re seeing in the playoffs it’s clear big changes are needed to keep pace with the better teams in the league.

But, at what cost are we willing to pay to get back to the top?

First we need to identify why the Spurs got bounced.

1. A lineup change that took Blair out of the starting lineup was a pointless move that was made to be fair to a veteran that wasn’t getting a lot of playing time. Then Blair blows up to 300 plus pounds and doesn’t perform when we need him.

2. Injuries played a small part.

3. AGE? Maybe.

4. Inability to attack the basket. Parker didn’t attack the paint against Memphis and when he did, he was shut down or blew layups.

5. SIZE. McDyess wasn’t strong enough but he battled. Blair was too short. Bonner Can’t stop anybody but that isn’t his job to be fair. Splitter did well but needs more time which is why he has stayed in town to work with the coaches.

6. Something else. Something else might have happened to this team that we might never know about. Maybe.

SO, how does it get fixed? Here is where the rumors roll in.

1. Draft. The Spurs are already working out bigs but i think there are better pure scorers in the draft then potentially great bigs wether they trade up or not.

2. Trades. But what trades? How about Andrea Bargnani. Possibly available, not sure yet but what if he is.
Would you trade TP9 and young player for him and maybe Barbosa? I would strongly consider it. A Dirk type, a proven scorer and still improving. Barbosa, another Brazilian to put next to Splitter. It might be nice to have some one who has spent a lot of time on the court with Splitter.

Brandon Jennings? Another trade involving Tony but he’s becoming the most trad-able asset we have with the way he played in the playoffs and his recent comments. He might be falling out of favor with POP and the front office. Back to Jennings. A young stud in the making. Brandon can distribute the ball well and can fill up the basket.

I’m sure more names are going to come up.

3. Free Agency. A lot of interesting names are available but who fits?

How about NENE? Again, another Brazilian to play next to Tiago. NENE is becoming a dominate scorer and re-bounder.

Maybe David West. A solid scorer but a little small.

Michael Redd. I personally would love to see Redd as a Spur. A really good scorer, a great 3point shooter, he just needs time to get back to form.

J.R. Smith? A guy with off the court issues but a really solid scorer.

So, what are you willing to give to get some of these guys, cause some may have to be sign and trades or guys will have to be cut or traded to make room. It may hurt to see some of these guys go but what is more important, having a team of guys you like or championships. Something tells me that we’ll like whoever brings in the rings.

I’m all for anything that makes the team better, all I want to see is a commitment to getting back to championship form. Tony’s comments may not have been proper or what the team would’ve liked but it doesn’t mean he was wrong.

Manu Ginobili told an Argentina newspaper that he had a fracture in his arm during the playoff series against the Grizz.

This is not me trying make excuses for the Spurs losing, this is me telling all of you what kind of heart this man has. Manu is the Ultimate Warrior in the NBA. Say what want about Kobe and the injuries he’s played through. Kobe doesn’t go all out like Manu.

I’ve turned hardcore Laker, Bulls and Maverick fans into Spurs fans just because of Manu and this does nothing but add to it. I have had a fractured wrist and I’m telling you that you can’t even lift your hand above your head. Playing with a fractured arm that Manu said was only 85% melded, thats a warrior.

I’ll take a team of players like Manu over the U.S. Olympic team.

Once your favorite team has been knocked out it’s never to early to talk about next season, mainly where the team needs to improve. So whats next for the Spurs?

Well, TP9 doesn’t think the team can contend the way they are currently built. R.C. Buford didn’t really like him saying that but I did. You can only walk the company line so far. When the company is failing to succeed someone has to step up and say “this isn’t working anymore”. I agree with TP9. First the offense is too complex to bring in new guys because they can’t learn the system fast enough and now the offense is so simple, every team knows how to shut it down.

What’s the solution? First, the draft.

The spurs own the 29th and the 59th picks in the 2011 NBA draft which usually means drafting players that will never see the court as a Spur. That needs to change. It’s time to start bringing in talent that can help asap.

The Cavs now own the 1st and 4th picks and it’s been reported that they want to move down from the fourth to some where between the 25th and 30th picks. I know a team that has one of those picks.

What would it take to get that pick? Why do the Cavs want to give up that pick?

Second question first. The 2 problems a team has with drafting a player in the first 15 picks or so are, 1. you have to play them and 2. you have to play them. Now try doing that with two guys in the top 5 with top 5 money. It actually makes sense to make a move for both teams.

We’ll skip the details of the deal for the time being and focus on the pick.

How would Kemba Walker look as a Spur? Pretty good I think.

The Spurs need a flat out scorer, someone who can create his own shot, get to the basket and hit big shots. Kemba fits that mold.

Or do they go big. I’m not to high on bigs from Europe right now.

Moving up in the second round would be easier if they move up in the first and harder if they do but we’re playing the “what if” game so lets say they move up slightly.

Players like Vernon Macklin, Greg Smith or Keith Benson would be a good big man to pick up.

Changes need to be made and not with more aging vets who get hurt or don’t show up in the playoffs.