In a big time game in Boston this afternoon, the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a major win lead by Matt Bonner. Bonner, playing in front of a throng of personal fans from his home state of New Hampshire, put together a humungous first half performance before trailing off in the second half.
Roger Mason contributed a huge 3 with 20 seconds left and Tim Duncan played very good basketball. Duncan’s major flaw was in guarding the pick and roll. Because he wanted to secure the rebound, he wouldn’t step out on Kevin Garnett or present a hard double on the man with the ball – usually Paul Pierce or Ray Allen.
Other key contributors were rookie point guard George Hill and Argentine sensation Manu Ginobili. The Spurs continue their rodeo road trip this Tuesday at New Jersey.
Overall, it wasn’t a convincing performance by the Spurs especially the way they threw their lead at the start of the 3rd quarter. But they showed their resilience to win games likes this.
I would not write off the Celtics but after losing to the Lakers and Spurs at home, you might wonder are they still the best as they were last year.
For me, that steal from Manu was priceless. Terrific defense and pressure that forced Ray Allen to commit the free passage foul.
His health was always questionable this season. Well after this game, people must agree with me that he is back to his best. Considering Parker was off the mark, Manu step up like he was the All-Star.
Check out my re-cap and let me hear your views.
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2009/02/nba-news-manu-steals-help-spurs-beat.html