The Midseason Spur Awards

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Late though it may be in coming, I am sending out well wishes, and I've got a bag of goodies to hand out. That's right, this writer's got awards on his mind, and they're going out to the players and moments that have stood out this season.

Most Memorable Game Award

This one should be easy, since it only just happened. Given the many injuries to the team, the Spurs were blessed with a schedule that wouldn't see them facing the top teams in the league until the halfway point of the season. However, the New Year couldn't have had a better way to start than with Spurs win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

These two rivals go back quite a bit, and nothing could have topped a Kobe Bryant shot from three to win the game...except a Roger Mason shot, while being fouled, that sealed a victory for San Antonio.

Most Surprising Player

With the loss of Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, things could have gone south quickly for the Spurs. Tim Duncan, as fundamental as ever, can't carry the team alone. So what a surprise that both Roger Mason Jr. and George Hill have both shown themselves to be capable scorers and all around players.

Still, though I respect both of them, Roger Mason has had the bulk of playing time and a handful of buzzer beaters to make him the most outstanding acquisition of the Spurs' offseason. This from a guy most expected to be only a modest contributor.

Mr. Consistency Award

This obviously has to go to Tim Duncan. With both Ginobili and Parker out, Duncan remained the quiet cornerstone he has always been. Twenty points and ten rebounds, year in and year out, since he first joined the club. This is a key reason the Spurs are at the top of the Southwest.

The Scola Award

Sad to say, Ian Mahinmi has become the second coming of Luis Scola, though for different reasons. Both players have been much talked about big men who could help Tim Duncan in the post, both were highly anticipated picks who have spent time in other leagues honing their skills, and just as Scola never made the squad, it seems Mahinmi may share the same fate.

While Scola was saddled by a bad contract overseas, Mahinmi seems to be saddled with injuries that just won't go away. Don't expect him in a Spurs uniform anytime soon.

Mr. Comeback Kid Award

This goes to none other than the Red Rocket, Matt Bonner. A player long waited on, long hoped to be a replacement for Robert Horry. We're talking about a big man who hustled and could shoot the long ball, helping the Spurs by spreading the defense.

A lot of time was spent waiting on Bonner, and a few thought he was on his way out. Not anymore, not after topping the NBA's charts for three point accuracy and becoming yet another Spurs who can score in double figures.

Mr. Clutch Award

Roger Mason, step on up, this one is for you. We knew you had ice in your veins with that win over Phoenix on Christmas Day, but you didn't stop there. You've delivered more than a few last minute buzzer beaters, none more important than your winning shot against Los Angeles.

With a license to shoot and a reputation to be the iceman in the clutch, Roger Mason has established himself as the clutch player of this Spurs squad.