• Though the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Boston Celtics last night, check out this sweet move Manu Ginobili did on Kevin Garnett:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA9eWdo4Lww&w=371&h=227]
• NBA.com asks if the Spurs should be in panic mode:
It might not be time yet for the citizens of the Alamo City to jump off the River Walk into the river, but you can be sure some are inching closer and closer to the edge.
Panic?
Not the Spurs.
“It’s simple enough,” said Duncan. “We put ourselves in this position. Luckily, we’ve played great basketball all season and we’ve given ourselves a lead on the rest of the league. We’ve given some of that back, but we still have enough.”
Do they?
• CBSSports.com compares Tim Duncan and Celtics’ Garnett:
But the two have vastly different demeanors. If they were siblings, Garnett would be the talker, Duncan the listener. Garnett would be the agitator, Duncan the peacemaker. Garnett would be the kid who serves detention all the time; Duncan would be the teacher’s pet.
Garnett’s approach to basketball is a combination of Mount St. Helens (seemingly always ready to blow up) and a tabloid headline (screaming wildly and beating his chest vigorously to make sure the world knows he has a big heart).
Duncan is an island breeze, approaching every game and every play with an impassive look that belies his competitiveness and dedication to his craft. He is like a heart surgeon preparing to operate — quiet, meticulous and professional.
• Express News’ Tim Griffin shares his notes from last night’s Spurs-Celtics game.
Hit the jump to read up on the Austin Toros’ playoff chase, Tim Duncan and video games, former Spur Dennis Rodman fights back the tears and more.
• The Austin Toros got a huge win over the Texas Legends last night keeping their playoff hopes alive. Read the recap at Toros Nation.
• RedsArmy.com goes undercover to spy on the Spurs.
• Tim Duncan took on the winner of the AT&T Gaming Challenge. Check out the video at Spurs.com.
• Check out the new episode of DeJuan Blair and George Hill’s “Big N Smallz” show at Spurs.com.
• Spurs.com profiles the Spanish radio voice of the Spurs — Paul Castro.
• Former Spurs player Dennis Rodman fought tears at a press conference where he had his Detroit Pistons jersey retired:
Dennis Rodman was never one to keep his emotions in check. Rodman fought back tears before breaking down as he admitted he never thought he would have his number retired by the Detroit Pistons.
“It surprised me,” Rodman said, before pausing. “I felt like I didn’t deserve to have my number retired because I didn’t do as much as I should have here,” he said, choking back tears. (dailytribune.com)
• For those who are in NBA Fantasy Leagues, Gary Neal might be a pickup:
Gary Neal, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (1.9 percent owned): Neal has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, providing deadeye shooting for the Spurs and stepping up to the plate in a major way whenever given the opportunity. It’s been difficult for him to establish any sort of consistent value, however, due to the presence of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and George Hill also on the roster. Even though both Parker and Ginobili returned to action Thursday night, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will almost surely be conservative with their minutes in the season’s final days, wanting his studs to be fresh for the playoff run. Neal doesn’t need huge minutes to be effective, since his primary strength lies in his ability to knock down 3s, he basically just needs the opportunity to hoist up four or five from long range during a contest to be fantasy-worthy, as he’s shooting 41.1 percent from downtown on the season. He should play a slightly increased role for the Spurs down the stretch, and could easily average 2.0 3s per game in the final handful of games. He’s averaging 2.4 3s per game in the past five contests, so if his hot shooting continues he’ll be on the court and gunning away while Parker and Ginobili take it easy. George Hill is the first option here, but has been added in most competitive leagues at this point, so if you’re looking for 3-point help down the stretch, Neal should be a reliable source. (espn.com)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
