NBA 2010-11: Spurs Win over the Hornets, 109-85

The New Orleans Hornets is the last NBA team left unbeaten at home.

But not for long.

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Hornets 109-95 today, slashing Chris Paul's perfect home win to one loss. Manu Ginobili, with eight assists and 23 points drove the Spurs to their 14th win this season with huge help coming from Richard Jefferson's end with 3 three pointers.

Hornet's scoreboard: David West with 23 points, 7 rebounds; Chris Paul dishing out 15 points, 7 assists.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Spurs-Mavs Even Out

And Spurs tie the series to 1-1.

His minutes may have lessened but Tim Duncan never ceased to ensure that everything goes well for the San Antonio Spurs. And this was evident game 2, Spurs winning against the Dallas Mavericks 102-88. Duncan dished out 25 points with 17 boards. Manu Ginobili delivered a 23-point second game against the Mavericks. Now, the series goes to the AT&T Center where the Mavs play two games before returning to American Airlines Center.

Right at the Mavs’ side, Jason Terry racked up 27 points followed by Dirk Nowitzki’s 24 points at the score boards and 10 rebounds. Box scores also showed Jason Kidd doing what he’s good at – assisting, finishing the game with eight of it.
The Spurs even the series and has to push their way to a 5-game run, which includes two straight games at home.

Duncan, who’s turning 34 this Sunday, may be growing old but he’s definitely not stirred up by that fact. What made him more efficient this season, is his wiser grasp to the game. “He’ll never lose his skill set,” Dirk on Tim.

As many of his critics say, Duncan is growing old. But certainly, it’s not ALWAYS about the age, right?

Love you Johnny Ludden!

Achilles' Heel?

The way he limped off the court, the author and everyone else who was watching the game between Argentina and Greece knew that Manu Ginobili was in BIG trouble. The author even thought that Popovich must've choked while watching the NBA star in pain. The cause for his limping was the same ankle that got him into trouble during the postseason.

What's troubling the entire San Antonio Spurs is that the MRI showed that the 6th-man-extraordinaire needs a foot surgery. With the looming preseason of the NBA, Ginobili's injury could mean that the Spurs need a more reliable backup [the 7th man, I must say]. As far as the author could see on the current roster of the Spurs, the only possible player to fill in the job of Ginobili is Ime Udoka. There is one problem, however, Udoka is not offensively consistent. So, literally there is no one in Pop's lineup, who could play as aggressive and as good as Ginobili.

The foot surgery is scheduled next week and after that the team will determine when can Ginobili return.

Unimaginable Twist

I am happy for Spain and the USA for advancing to the finals, but right now I'm very anxious about Manu Ginobili's twisted ankle. The sight of him in pain was unimaginable. “He was pretty bad. He was in pain,” said fellow-Argentine Carlos Delfino.

The injury took place during the early period of the first quarter. Suddenly, Ginobili was limping off the court and sat. The pain was all over his face. I actually wished, it was just a joke to trick the Americans. But it was no joke at all, he's badly hurt. Several tests must be taken just to make sure that his ankle is fine. Otherwise, the worst that could happen is to have him in a surgery.

I really hope he's fine.

I Really Can't Miss This

Vamos Argentina!

Apart from the fact that they are the defending Olympic Gold Medalists, the Argentines prove to be one of the teams to beat in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Men's Basketball. After throttling the Croatians with their defense, the Argentines finished off Iran to 97-82. The top scorers of the night were Manu Ginobili, with 32 points, and Luis Scola, with 20 points and seven rebounds. Despite the efforts of Iran particularly Hamed Ehadadi, with 21 points and 16 rebounds, it wasn't enough to pull out a win against the Argentines. The Argentines are IN in the quarterfinals but still they have to continue winning. What Juan Pedro Gutierrez have to say is, "Every game is important. We play Russia on Monday and it is important to win that game and avoid finishing fourth. They are European champions and it will be a tough game."

So, what's the fuss about being fourth in Group A in the quarterfinals? Well, it has something to with team USA who is currently on top in Group B. If in case they win against Spain who remains undefeated in Group B, they'll be the ones to face the fourth placer of Group A. I think teams from Group B should also worry about Greece, who lost against USA and Spain. And if the current standings don't change in both groups, Argentina will be the likely foe of the Greeks and that's the match that I really can't miss. Vamos Argentina!