Season 50, Game 53
San Antonio 103, Detroit 92
41-12, 2nd in the West

The Spurs took their time getting going, and they eased up a bit early.

In the first 6 minutes of the game, the team managed a mere 11 points. In the final 9 minutes of the game, 12 points. That leaves 80 points for the other 33 minutes, or about a 116 point pace.

For most of the game, things were clicking on both sides of the ball. Once again the Spurs shot it well: 50% from the floor overall, 47% from 3. On defense, they contested shots, secured rebounds, and never let Detroit get any extended runs or momentum plays.

Dewayne Dedmon continues to impress. The Pistons have a habit of stealing under appreciated Spurs’ big men in free agency (Boban, Baynes), and the joke during the game was that Dedmon was next. Pistons or elsewhere, Dedmon has played himself into a nice contract. This is great for the Spurs this season, but could mean losing him in the offseason.

Against the Pistons, he had an astonishing 17 points and 17 rebounds For comparison, Detroit’s heralded big man Andre Drummond had 12 points and 15 rebounds in 37 minutes. Dedmon did his work in 32 minutes.

The rebounding is particularly impressive. Drummond is the second leading rebounder in the league. In tonight’s game, he averaged 0.4 rebounds per minute, which is good. Dedmon was at 0.53 per minute, which is really good. Defensive possessions do not end until the ball is secured, and having Dedmon on the court just makes that happen.

Throw in his offensive rebounding (a facet of the game rarely seen on the Spurs), and you’re getting plus-production on both ends of the court. Sprinkle in his ability to finish alley-oops, and you have excitement that Spurs fan just aren’t used to (but are learning to love).

This was a game the Spurs should have won but could have also easily been a trap game. The team took care of business, never letting the lead get under 10 in the second half. If not overwhelming, it was an impressive win.

The Spurs play in New York on Sunday afternoon. The record of visiting teams playing in New York on Sunday afternoons is…not good. Let’s hope New York nightlife doesn’t catch the Spurs like New Orleans’ did. The Knicks are a complete mess right now, and this is a great opportunity to get another road win.

Go Spurs Go.