tinysands
2007-02-27, 04:39 PM
Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) stretch win streak to season-high six in rout of Raptors
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022707.01D.BKNspurs.raptors.gamer.111d3b6.html
Web Posted: 02/27/2007 12:31 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News
As the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) went through their personnel review while preparing for the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Tim Duncan (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tim_duncan) didn't hesitate when asked to give the scouting report on Rasho Nesterovic.
"Rasho Nesterovic — great athlete," Duncan deadpanned. "Great length. Incredible foot speed. Unlimited range. Uses both hands well. Right-hand jump hook ... "
Duncan continued to pile on the praise, building the Spurs' former center into a Slovenian Bill Russell, until assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo finally told him to stop. But when Nesterovic stepped on the floor Monday and promptly made six of his first seven shots?
Duncan immediately sought out Carlesimo at halftime. "You shouldn't have cut me off," he said, grinning. "I tried to tell you Rasho's dangerous."
Not nearly as dangerous, however, as the man who was guarding him. With Duncan totaling 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) routed Toronto 107-91 at the AT&T Center to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games.
Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker) contributed 27 points and nine assists, and the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) received another strong effort from their bench while surviving Nesterovic's opening flurry. Afterward, Nesterovic offered his own analysis on his former team.
"They have three All-Stars, and they really know how to execute a game plan," said Nesterovic, who was traded to Toronto last summer for Matt Bonner (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/matt_bonner) and Eric Williams after playing three seasons for the Spurs. "And it's well known that they turn it on after every All-Star break."
After routing Denver (95-80) and Seattle (102-71) in their first two home games after the break, the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) figured to have a tougher challenge with Toronto. The Raptors had won 12 of their previous 15 games to take the Atlantic Division lead and position themselves to open the playoffs on their own court.
That, however, apparently meant little to the Spurs. They put together one of their best halves of the season, outscoring the Raptors 35-16 in the decisive second quarter.
The Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) held Toronto to 37.8 percent shooting in the first half. Raptors forward Chris Bosh, who was averaging 25.6 points this month, finished with 14 while missing 10 of his 16 shots.
"Francisco (Elson) was mainly responsible for that," Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) coach Gregg Popovich said. "I thought he did a good job of staying in front of him and keeping him off the free-throw line. Team defense aided in that."
Toronto, meanwhile, could neither contain Parker's penetration nor slow Duncan, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the first half alone. Duncan introduced himself to Andrea Bargnani, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer's draft, in the second quarter by faking him off his feet on an up-and-under move that produced a layup and foul.
"He's feeling strong," Popovich said of Duncan. "His body feels good, and he's performing well, consistently well, night in and night out."
While Popovich ushered his starters back onto the floor when Toronto closed within 18 in the final quarter, the Spurs' bench also played well. In addition to the usual contributions from Manu Ginobili (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/manu_ginobili) (13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes), Robert Horry (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/robert_horry) made three 3-pointers, giving him seven in the past two games, and grabbed seven rebounds. Michael Finley also scored 10 points.
"You don't stay in this league for 12 or 13 years for no good reason," Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said. "You guys write about veteran players like they are washed up or dead sometimes, and I keep trying to tell you that experience and pride takes over and can overtake exuberance and youth."
Nesterovic also seemed to have some spring in his step in his first game back in San Antonio. He finished with a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds while making eight of his 10 shots.
"We calculated, and he scored two on me and 14 on other people," Duncan said. "Not that I keep track. I don't actually look at the stats, but that's what I heard."
Duncan's teammates didn't agree.
"Tim was out there on an island the whole night," Bruce Bowen (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/bruce_bowen) said, "and Rasho gave it to him like he did at practice every day here."
Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) notebook: Nesterovic likes his new home
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022707.05D.BKNspurs.notebook.17cf41b.html
Web Posted: 02/27/2007 12:16 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News
Former Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) center Rasho Nesterovic, who scored a season-high 16 points against his old team Monday at the AT&T Center, has found a happy home with the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors arrived in San Antonio early Sunday morning after beating Charlotte on Saturday night. After several of his teammates told Nesterovic how tired they were, he phoned coach Sam Mitchell to suggest practice be scratched.
"He's been a good addition for us — just his experience and his leadership," said Mitchell, who played with Nesterovic with Minnesota from 1998-2002. "Rasho called me at 2:30 in the morning and said, 'Coach, we need a day off.'
"I played with Rasho, and that's something Rasho generally wouldn't do in the past. But Rasho and I know each other well, and he can say stuff to me. He knows that. It's something you need."
Nesterovic, a 30-year-old from Slovenia who's in his eighth full NBA season, was pleased with his performance in his first game here since the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) traded him last summer to Toronto for Matt Bonner (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/matt_bonner) and Eric Williams.
He was not pleased with the way the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) controlled the game.
"They've been together so long they exactly know each other and how they play," said Nesterovic, who played with the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) for three seasons. "They're one of the best teams in the NBA, so if you want to beat them you have to be at your best, and we didn't do that."
Titles help: Told that Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) coach Gregg Popovich had called off Monday's shootaround, the second such cancellation in as many games, Mitchell laughed.
"Pop knows his team," Mitchell said. "I'm still looking for the guy who invented shootaround anyway."
Mitchell doesn't feel secure enough to cancel game-day morning practices.
"You can call them off when you've got three (championship) banners up there," Mitchell said, pointing to the AT&T Center ceiling. "When you've got those banners up there, it's amazing what you can do."
Ely remains on bench: Popovich said he would like to give Melvin Ely some playing time in the coming weeks. He just doesn't know if it's possible.
Ely spent his sixth consecutive game on the inactive list since the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) acquired him from Charlotte for Williams and a 2009 second-round pick.
"I'd like to find a way in the next five or 10 games — or maybe even earlier — to get Melvin on the court to see if there's something there we can use this late in the year," Popovich said.
"The hard part is we want to position ourselves as well as we can for the playoffs also. ... . I don't want to put someone in the game like Melvin if he doesn't know the plays or he's not feeling comfortable and I lessen our chances of winning that particular game and affect our long-range goals.
"That's what makes it a dicey situation on how to get him the minutes."
Pippen deal unlikely: Don't expect the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) to sign Scottie Pippen — or anyone else for that matter.
While Pippen said he would consider signing with the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) if he makes good on his claim to come out of retirement — and Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) officials maintained they would do their "due diligence" in considering him — Popovich said the team doesn't plan to make any changes to its roster.
"We're set," Popovich said.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022707.01D.BKNspurs.raptors.gamer.111d3b6.html
Web Posted: 02/27/2007 12:31 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News
As the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) went through their personnel review while preparing for the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Tim Duncan (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tim_duncan) didn't hesitate when asked to give the scouting report on Rasho Nesterovic.
"Rasho Nesterovic — great athlete," Duncan deadpanned. "Great length. Incredible foot speed. Unlimited range. Uses both hands well. Right-hand jump hook ... "
Duncan continued to pile on the praise, building the Spurs' former center into a Slovenian Bill Russell, until assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo finally told him to stop. But when Nesterovic stepped on the floor Monday and promptly made six of his first seven shots?
Duncan immediately sought out Carlesimo at halftime. "You shouldn't have cut me off," he said, grinning. "I tried to tell you Rasho's dangerous."
Not nearly as dangerous, however, as the man who was guarding him. With Duncan totaling 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) routed Toronto 107-91 at the AT&T Center to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games.
Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker) contributed 27 points and nine assists, and the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) received another strong effort from their bench while surviving Nesterovic's opening flurry. Afterward, Nesterovic offered his own analysis on his former team.
"They have three All-Stars, and they really know how to execute a game plan," said Nesterovic, who was traded to Toronto last summer for Matt Bonner (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/matt_bonner) and Eric Williams after playing three seasons for the Spurs. "And it's well known that they turn it on after every All-Star break."
After routing Denver (95-80) and Seattle (102-71) in their first two home games after the break, the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) figured to have a tougher challenge with Toronto. The Raptors had won 12 of their previous 15 games to take the Atlantic Division lead and position themselves to open the playoffs on their own court.
That, however, apparently meant little to the Spurs. They put together one of their best halves of the season, outscoring the Raptors 35-16 in the decisive second quarter.
The Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) held Toronto to 37.8 percent shooting in the first half. Raptors forward Chris Bosh, who was averaging 25.6 points this month, finished with 14 while missing 10 of his 16 shots.
"Francisco (Elson) was mainly responsible for that," Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) coach Gregg Popovich said. "I thought he did a good job of staying in front of him and keeping him off the free-throw line. Team defense aided in that."
Toronto, meanwhile, could neither contain Parker's penetration nor slow Duncan, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the first half alone. Duncan introduced himself to Andrea Bargnani, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer's draft, in the second quarter by faking him off his feet on an up-and-under move that produced a layup and foul.
"He's feeling strong," Popovich said of Duncan. "His body feels good, and he's performing well, consistently well, night in and night out."
While Popovich ushered his starters back onto the floor when Toronto closed within 18 in the final quarter, the Spurs' bench also played well. In addition to the usual contributions from Manu Ginobili (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/manu_ginobili) (13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes), Robert Horry (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/robert_horry) made three 3-pointers, giving him seven in the past two games, and grabbed seven rebounds. Michael Finley also scored 10 points.
"You don't stay in this league for 12 or 13 years for no good reason," Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said. "You guys write about veteran players like they are washed up or dead sometimes, and I keep trying to tell you that experience and pride takes over and can overtake exuberance and youth."
Nesterovic also seemed to have some spring in his step in his first game back in San Antonio. He finished with a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds while making eight of his 10 shots.
"We calculated, and he scored two on me and 14 on other people," Duncan said. "Not that I keep track. I don't actually look at the stats, but that's what I heard."
Duncan's teammates didn't agree.
"Tim was out there on an island the whole night," Bruce Bowen (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/bruce_bowen) said, "and Rasho gave it to him like he did at practice every day here."
Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) notebook: Nesterovic likes his new home
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022707.05D.BKNspurs.notebook.17cf41b.html
Web Posted: 02/27/2007 12:16 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News
Former Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) center Rasho Nesterovic, who scored a season-high 16 points against his old team Monday at the AT&T Center, has found a happy home with the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors arrived in San Antonio early Sunday morning after beating Charlotte on Saturday night. After several of his teammates told Nesterovic how tired they were, he phoned coach Sam Mitchell to suggest practice be scratched.
"He's been a good addition for us — just his experience and his leadership," said Mitchell, who played with Nesterovic with Minnesota from 1998-2002. "Rasho called me at 2:30 in the morning and said, 'Coach, we need a day off.'
"I played with Rasho, and that's something Rasho generally wouldn't do in the past. But Rasho and I know each other well, and he can say stuff to me. He knows that. It's something you need."
Nesterovic, a 30-year-old from Slovenia who's in his eighth full NBA season, was pleased with his performance in his first game here since the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) traded him last summer to Toronto for Matt Bonner (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/matt_bonner) and Eric Williams.
He was not pleased with the way the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) controlled the game.
"They've been together so long they exactly know each other and how they play," said Nesterovic, who played with the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) for three seasons. "They're one of the best teams in the NBA, so if you want to beat them you have to be at your best, and we didn't do that."
Titles help: Told that Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) coach Gregg Popovich had called off Monday's shootaround, the second such cancellation in as many games, Mitchell laughed.
"Pop knows his team," Mitchell said. "I'm still looking for the guy who invented shootaround anyway."
Mitchell doesn't feel secure enough to cancel game-day morning practices.
"You can call them off when you've got three (championship) banners up there," Mitchell said, pointing to the AT&T Center ceiling. "When you've got those banners up there, it's amazing what you can do."
Ely remains on bench: Popovich said he would like to give Melvin Ely some playing time in the coming weeks. He just doesn't know if it's possible.
Ely spent his sixth consecutive game on the inactive list since the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) acquired him from Charlotte for Williams and a 2009 second-round pick.
"I'd like to find a way in the next five or 10 games — or maybe even earlier — to get Melvin on the court to see if there's something there we can use this late in the year," Popovich said.
"The hard part is we want to position ourselves as well as we can for the playoffs also. ... . I don't want to put someone in the game like Melvin if he doesn't know the plays or he's not feeling comfortable and I lessen our chances of winning that particular game and affect our long-range goals.
"That's what makes it a dicey situation on how to get him the minutes."
Pippen deal unlikely: Don't expect the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) to sign Scottie Pippen — or anyone else for that matter.
While Pippen said he would consider signing with the Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) if he makes good on his claim to come out of retirement — and Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) officials maintained they would do their "due diligence" in considering him — Popovich said the team doesn't plan to make any changes to its roster.
"We're set," Popovich said.