Game 3: Spurs 96, Kings 80
Three games in the can and our Spurs are off to their first 3-0 start since the 2000-2001 season, when they finished 58-24, the best record in the league. Talk about a misleading stat, though. We’ve won at least 58 games in each of the past seven seasons except one, when we won 57. Does anyone at SpursDynasty think the Spurs will win fewer than 58 this year? Apparently.
Granted, these three wins have come against three Western Conference stinkers, only one of which might make the playoffs this season. Which one? I don’t know. The Grizzlies? Not the Kings.
The Kings really out-stunk themselves last night. They shot just 19 percent from the field in the first half.
“Under 20 percent from the field is not easy to do,” Ginobili said.
Sacramento set franchise record-lows for points scored (23) and for fewest field goals made (7) in the first half, breaking records that had been set in 1957 and 1987, respectively. That’s right, basketball historians, the record for lowest points was previously held by the Rochester Royals. The record for fewest field goals was held by a team whose star player then is the current coach now. Whatever.
Did it matter that Mike Bibby and Ron Artest were out last night? Of course it did, and recently acquired former Spur Beno Udrih didn’t suit up either. Not that any of them could have stopped Ime Udoka or Matt Bonner last night, who finished with 14 and 13, respectively. Ok, that’s the last time I’ll use “respectively.”
Other highlights? The Spurs out rebounded the Kings 50-35. Oberto and Duncan each had 10 boards. The Spurs were 88% from the charity stripe — Duncan was an impressive 9 of 9. Bonner and Udoka each made three from behind the arc. Ian Mahinmi had two blocks (and three fouls) in just six minutes of play.
And Pop gave Beno Udrih his ring before tip-off. I’m sorry I missed that. I wonder what Pop said to him …
“Sorry we had to trade you before you could get the ring with the rest of the guys on Tuesday. But the T’Wolves were anxious to get you so they could immediately fire your sorry ass. Nothing personal, it’s just business.”
(Copyright 2007 NBAE. Photo by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)
If you missed last night’s game, you can watch the highlights here and here. Nice full court pass from Duncan to Ginobili, huh?
Be sure to check Pounding the Rock for Michael’s game three recap, which is certain to be better than mine.
I have absolutely no qualms with Manu being the best on the team. I drafted him for my fantasy team in the 3rd round.
To explain the 3rd round Manu pick…It’s a 20 (yes 20) team league. By the 5th round, such great ballers like Morris Peterson and Chucky Atkins were flying off the board.
this is the spurs podcast guy…thank you to all of the people listening to my cast and telling me what you thought (even the one’s who thought it was “god awful”). i ask that you listen to a few more recent ones and see if things have changed, because i’m under the impression they have. either way i appreciate your feedback and would love to have more.
more importantly
would you guys mind if i linked spursdynasty up on my site? i’ve thinking this could be a good way to get people to go back and forth. let me know
anonymous,
Thanks for the comment. Links are always appreciated. Thanks for offering.
I’ll check out your new casts. In the coming weeks, we’ll be reviewing all the Spurs podcasts out there, so stay tuned.