Waiting To Derail

That might have been the least convincing 14 point win I’ve seen in a while.

Twice we had the Hornets on the ropes with big leads after strong surges, and twice we let them back into the game. We were up by 14 or 15 early in the second quarter and failed to score a point over about a 5 or 6 minute stretch. The Hornets got it back to 39-39, then 42-42, before we took off on another run spanning halftime, eventually ending up with a 20 point lead early in the third at 70-50. Over the remainder of the quarter, we were outscored 23-10, allowing New Orleans back in the game at 80-73.

In the fourth we were able to maintain about a 9-13 point cushion the entire quarter, eventually pulling away late for the 14 point win, despite Marcus Thornton’s attempts to keep them in the game with unconscious shooting.

George Hill had a nice game. He got the scoring started early, scoring 10 of the Spurs first 15 or so points; and he finished the scoring late, hitting a couple of dagger corner 3s to put the finishing touches on the game. He was tasked with guarding Thornton for most of the 4th quarter, and did a decent job despite his gaudy scoring.

Ginobili had a pretty frenetic game, throwing the ball around to both teams. It seems like every time the ball left his hands for a pass, it was a 50/50 chance that would end up with the Spurs or the Hornets. He gave us some pretty important scoring and defense, but I was terrified every time he ran the pick and roll.

Pop is doing a great job of limiting Parker’s minutes and easing him back into the games. The extra rest seems to be doing him some good, as he is showing flashes of his uninjured brilliant self. Both his drives and his jump shot are improving, and that is a sign for hope.

Looking Forward:

We have the rest of the week off and face the Hornets again on Friday in San Antonio. If we can beat them on the road in a back-to-back situation, we sure as hell better beat them at home on 3 days rest.

Good Night…and Good Luck:

The Spurs waived Michael Finley today. They did so to trim another small amount of of their luxury tax bill and to allow Finley to sign with another team and still be playoff eligible. The Spurs front office has always walked the line where professionalism and family meet with grace and humility. They treat their players with respect and honesty. Whenever possible, they try to do what’s best for both parties. It was clear that Finley’s minutes were quickly disappearing and that his role on the team was vanishing. By waiving him now, Finley has the chance to find minutes elsewhere and perhaps end his career with more bang and less whimper.

He certainly deserves so. Despite his role as a fan favorite scapegoat, he always conducted himself with the utmost grace and professionalism. He was a vital cog in the 2007 championship, and he is one of the few ring-chasing veterans who was actually able to achieve it while still playing a vital role on the championship team. When we lost to Dallas in 2006, my heart went out to Finley more than anybody else on the team, as he had left his heart on the floor (and endured a shot to the balls by a former teammate. Stay classy, JET).

When we won in 2007, it was obvious that all the veterans on the team were delighted to be able to get Finley his ring. Despite his declining abilities over the last few years, he could always be counted on to knock down a clutch 3-pointer.

Here’s hoping that Finley gets a fitting end to his wonderful career.