The Curious Case of the San Antonio Spurs
February 9, 2009
I went to go see Benjamin Button this weekend. No, let me clarify. I went to go see Benjamin Button during the best NBA double header of the season, and it was by choice! Thanks to the DVR, I was able to watch the games on MY watch. "Yes, I Love Technology......Always and Forever"
The movie started at 11:30 a.m. and Celtics vs. Spurs tipped off at 11:00 a.m. After watching the pre-game show, I caught Doc Rivers’ speech. He was upset that out of the four teams in the previous two finals, ABC is headlining the game between the losers (Lakers vs. Cavaliers). Doc told the Celts that the Spurs is the team they will meet in the Finals. "WE Gonna Be There!" Once I heard that bold statement shouted by Coach Rivers I turned off the TV and headed to the cineplex with my fiancé.
DVR Set: Check
Movie Watcher Card: Check
Bottled Water: Check
Apples: Check
Almonds: Check
Turkey Pita Sandwiches: Check
Don’t knock it, until you rock it. See how provident you will feel with your own supply of home made snacks. Plus, the looks you get from your movie neighbors is almost as fun as the money you save.
The movie is over, which was okay by the way. It was entertaining, but I felt like I have been there before. It was an affective movie, but nothing innovating. I appreciate the art of it, but that doesn’t mean I will put my bid in at an auction. I will not be wearing a Benjamin Button jersey during the Oscars.
It's NBA SUNDAY TIME! So as I drive 9 miles above each speed limit that I encounter, I get a text message from Rob. I refused to read it and responded with the following textual harassment:
"I TOLD YOU I GOT THE GAME ON DVR so PLEASE DO NOT INFORM ME OF ANYTHING!"
He simply replied, "I was just checking to see if we are recording tomorrow..."
My reply, "Sawwwy"
So finally I get home, put on my sweats, plop on Big Brown (my couch) and push play. I was surprised to be welcomed by Matt Bonner and his 1st half shooting clinic. Can he develop to be the new Robert Horry? Or is that Roger Mason Jr.’s assignment? Gregg Popovich, along with Phil Jackson, are the best talent developers in the game. They don’t cry about not having the right groceries, they just season and cook the meal, year after year.
The first half quenched all of my basketball thirst. Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are the two premier turn and shoot big men of this generation. I usually prefer more of a power game, but in their instances, it works because they have penetrating guards that balance it out. Especially Duncan's army. Tony Parker gets to the cup. And Manu Ginobli might be this team’s real MVP. His scrappy play, along with Bonner and Duncan’s big shot popping, gave the Spurs an 8 point half time lead.
Hey, I thought the Spurs were done? How are they winning 60-52 at half? Did the Spurs just put up 60 1st half points on the NBA’s 2nd best defensive team? Didn’t Mike Tirico just call them Team Jurassic? I need to zoom in on Popovich’s wrist watch and make sure the minute hand is NOT moving counter clockwise. I think the Spurs are secretly getting younger with Bonner, Mason Jr., and George Hill.
Some half time observations include Walt Frazier "seconding Spike Lee’s emotion" about Kobe’s 61. Can somebody tell "Clyde" that it is not 1975 anymore. He can throw away his collection of powder blue pin striped 3 piece suits along with all that plaid. Also kudos for Kobe for reading those lines in one take for the upcoming Spike Lee documentary.
"It was all your fault Spike! Reggie Miller, your fault. MJ, your fault." And CUT!
Benjamin Button: "It's a funny thing about comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realize what's changed is you."
After the Rodeo Road Trip , the Spurs will enjoy a home court advantage to finish the season. Confidence will grow, the Big 3 will increase their health, and the Spurs will be challenging the Lakers for that #1 seed. This team will have gained some experience after this road trip. Don’t forget about the surprising performance against Denver last week without the Big 3.
What are they missing from years past? Robert Horry? Brent Barry? Those are not key components. I would much rather have what I saw on Sunday. Speaking of Horry, isn’t he Dr. Daws from Benjamin Button.
Dr. Daws: "Did I ever tell you I been struck by lightning seven times"
2 times with the Rockets and Hakeem
3 times with Kobe and Shaq
2 times with Tim Duncan
Horry was in the right place at the right time. He was not a factor. I dare to say that this Spurs team may rival prior championship Spurs teams. The way they closed that game out on Sunday was exclusive:
Only Duncan can hit a turn around bank shot to end a 12-0 run.
Only Ginobli can strip Eddie House and take the lead 80-78.
Only Popovich can instill confidence in a George Hill to hit 7 huge 4th quarter points.
The Duncan And-1 follow up on Ginobli’s miss with 3:52 left.
Mason Jr.’s game modifying 3 pointer with 21 seconds left made the score 95-93.
Spurs never glanced in the rear view again. All of those examples are why I think the Spur’s clock is running backwards. Watch out NBA. The San Antonio Spurs are back, and maybe stronger than ever. They are just like the movie I saw earlier that day. Very familiar, no surprises, but I can not dispute it’s quality.
Benjamin Button: "I was thinking how nothing last, and what a shame that is."
Daisy: "Some things last"
by the Ki-Olumnist
2008, Atypical Sports Show, LLC