San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Post-Reaction and Grades
The San Antonio Spurs waited until the fourth quarter to get rolling. Once they did, the Minnesota Timberwolves could not stop them. Tim Duncan was the high man with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
In the second meeting in nine days, the San Antonio Spurs once again came back to stun the Timberwolves. Minnesota ended the quarter on a 11-0 run and took a 86-71 lead. The Spurs played smarter offense and gritty defense, which resulted with a 36-15 fourth quarter and the Spurs stormed back to snatch the game from Minnesota.
Quick Thoughts
1 of 9
First Half
What I Liked
- The Spurs attempted 19 free throws and made 16. Hence, the only reason why they are only down by one at the half.
- Duncan is taking advantage of Minnesota's weak low-post defenders. Milicic and Love do not have the strength to keep Duncan from gaining deep position.
- Hill is looks aggressive out on the court so far. It appears he getting more comfortable looking for his offense wit the second unit.
What I Did Not Like
- The Spurs played lackadaisical as they were out-rebounded 30-16, including 13 offensive rebounds. Quite frankly, they are fortunate to be only Matt Bonner has to do a better job on the glass.
- Transition defense has to get better.
Second Half
Remember the Alamo
The Spurs outscored the Timberwolves 36-15 in the forth quarter. The Timberwolves were held to just four field goals and committed seven turnovers. Gregg Popovich's ejection appeared to have energized the Spurs going into the fourth quarter.
What I Did Not Like
- The Timberwolves played with much more of an edge than San Antonio. They got within 75-71, then followed it up with turnover and bad shots and Minnesota went on a 11-0 run to end the third quarter.
- Minnesota beat San Antonio to rebounds and loose balls for three quarters.
- Gritty win for the Spurs, but Gregg Popovich has to be concerned that his team gave up 100 points to a Timberwolves team that is second worst in offensive efficiency.
What's Next
The Spurs started their six-game homestand on the right foot with this character win over the Timberwolves. The Hornets will come to the AT&T Center on Sunday. Both teams split their last two meetings, each team winning on the road.
Tim Duncan
2 of 9
He did a great job of taking advantage of Milicic's and Love's defensive deficiencies and a big reason why the Spurs were still in the game by the half. Duncan did a great job of protecting the rim and played physical defense against Milicic.
Stats: 9-14, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 5 assists, 3 steals
Grade: A+
Tony Parker
3 of 9
Pushed the ball early in the first half, not as much in the second half.
Manu Ginobili
4 of 9
Had a bad night shooting the ball made the winning plays. Including a key deflection and six made free-throws in the fourth quarter.
Stats: 1-10, 13-13 FT, 4 assists, 1 steal
Grade: B+
Richard Jefferson
5 of 9
Beasley's size gave Jefferson trouble throughout the game. More important than his 15 points was his 10 rebounds. Hopefully, we see more that kind of production from Jefferson.
Stats: 5-12, 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Grade: B+
George Hill
6 of 9
Led the furious comeback in the fourth quarter with his hustle and emotion. Hill did a great job of scoring in the open court.
Stats: 7-12, 20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Grade: A+
DeJuan Blair
7 of 9
Received very little playing time because Splitter and Bonner proved to be better matchups for Minnesota's frontcourt. Blair's skill-set is best utilized when he is coming off the bench.
Stats: 0-1, 2 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds
Grade: C
Matt Bonner
8 of 9
Committed a few unforced turnovers in the first quarter. Bonner has struggled with his shot the last two games going 1-6. His defense on Love was not much better either. Time and time again Bonner allowed Love to get deep position in the paint.
Stats: 1-4, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 turnovers
Grade: D-
Antonio McDyess
9 of 9
Played sparingly, but made some big baskets in the second half. He did a better job of guarding Love than Bonner did.
Stats: 3-5, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Grade: C+
