MVN - Most Valuable Network

Duncan takes control in win over Nets

The Spurs 81-70 win against the New Jersey Nets was not pretty. Even the players and coaches admitted that, with Greg Poppovich describing it as “not a very memorable performance by any stretch at either end of the court”. But it showed the Spurs finding a way to win, even when they shoot 33%.

A big part of the victory was Tim Duncan. The Big Fundamental had two subpar games over the weekend, but he had a vintage Duncan game on Tuesday with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. He also made 7-of-9 free throws. A look at his shot chart shows that Duncan attempted only five shots that were 10 feet or further from the basket, which is a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, Duncan possesses a good jump shot, especially from the angle when he can use the backboard. However, he is the most skilled offensive big man within 10 feet from the basket, and when he faces players like Josh Boone, Nenad Kristic and Stromile Swift, he should have no problem scoring. On Tuesday, he demonstrated these skills with spin moves, drop steps and a feathery soft touch around the rim.

It was important that Duncan had such a strong offensive showing because Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili weren’t. Parker shot okay percentage-wise, making 3-of-6 shots. Of course all three came on layups or runners, so I wouldn’t call it good shooting. Ginobili, on the other hand, flat out struggled with his shot, going 3-of-11. Only one of those makes came from outside of a few feet. Sometimes we forget that Ginobili is human. I know, shocking isn’t it? He will have these type of games.

This was the second game in a row that the Nets and Spurs played, which is kind of strange. I know it happens occasionally throughout the regular season, but not that often. Fortunately, the Nets aren’t that formidable of an opponent and the Spurs were able to win both games despite not a dominant performance in either game. They won’t have that luxury after playing Indiana on Thursday. Starting on Friday, March 7 and ending Friday, March 14, the Spurs play Denver twice, Phoenix, New Orleans and Detroit. That is a killer stretch of five games in seven days. Four of those are also on the road.

Game Ball: This one was easy. Duncan was the only player who really played well. He will earn this almost every time he puts up 29 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm and is filed under San Antonio Spurs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.