San Antonio Spurs-Indiana Pacers: Grading the Spurs in Their 2010 Season Opener
Here's my opinion of how each Spur did in their 122-109 win vs. the Pacers:
Starters
Tony Parker (PG): 20 points, 9 assists. That’s the Tony we know and love. Hit inside and outside shots. Missed a couple of lay-ups, but that will come back. Needs to improve on the 4 TOs. Grade: B+
Manu Ginobili (SG): 22 points, 5/9 3PTs. In midseason form and on fire from outside! Kept the team in it during the first half. Not as effective from the inside (only one FG), but still got it done when the team needed him most. Grade: A-
Richard Jefferson (SF): 16 points, 7/10 FTs. Looked much more comfortable than last year with quicker decisions and more aggression towards the basket. Got into some foul trouble (five), but at least two of those calls were bogus. Grade: B+
Tim Duncan (PF): 23 points, 12 reb. Healthy and refreshed, Timmy looked 25 years old again. Shot well inside and out (10/12 FG). Pretty good defense with three steals and four blocks. Seems to have found a better FT stroke (cross your fingers!). Grade: A
DeJuan Blair (C): 9 points, 3 reb. Tried to be aggressive on both ends of the floor, but the height disadvantage vs. Roy Hibbert (7'2") was evident. Improved shooting stoke was obvious while making 5/5 FTs with no trouble. Grade: C+
Overall: A-
Bench
George Hill: 16 points, 3 assists. Seemed nervous in the first half, but was a force after calming down. Found lost shooting stroke and had a big four-point play. Grade: B
James Anderson: 10 points, 2/5 3PTs. Great Rookie debut! Was probably forced in sooner than expected with RJ’s foul trouble, but contributed immediately and wasn’t nervous. Seemed strongest from the wings. Decent defending. Grade: B+
Antonio McDyess: 4 points, 6 reb. Solid 19 minutes from the vet. Played solid defense and hit outside shots when they were available. Grade: A-
Matt Bonner: 2 points, 2 assists. Seemed somewhat invisible despite playing 13 minutes. Hit a good outside shot before spraining ankle. Hopefully won’t be out too long. Grade: B-
Bobby Simmons: 1 assist, 0/2 FG. Missed a couple of wide open shots (one pretty badly), but played some pesky defense. Grade: C
Gary Neal & Garrett Temple: each played 1 min at end. Grade: N/A
Tiago Splitter & Alonzo Gee: DNP
Overall: B
Final Grade
Amazing display of offense with six players in double figures and the Real Big Three with 20+ points each.
Not so great on the defensive end despite having 5 blocks, 15 steals and 23 forced TOs. The Spurs cannot expect to win every night when allowing that many points (given the Pacers have a great group of shooters), so the defense will have to do better.
Overall, it was a solid effort from everyone and an exciting season opener. Grade: B+
