Matt Bonner Stepping Up For San Antonio Spurs

Matt Bonner is getting his chance in San Antonio and he is making the most of it.

The “Red Rocket,” in his fifth NBA season, has made quite a turnaround from his play of a year ago. In fact, he is quickly becoming a fan favorite for the black and white.

The unconventional 6-foot-10 starting center is fitting in well at a position previously held by Robert Horry and Fabricio Oberto.

How is Bonner becoming a reliable starter in San Antonio, when he has pretty much been a non-factor in previous years in the NBA? The short answer is simply that he is getting consistent minutes and his confidence is sky-rocketing due to his outstanding shooting.

Bonner is hitting 52.6% of his three-point shots, leading the NBA at this point. When was the last time you even heard of a center leading the league in three-pointers? It is unheard of.

Bonner’s jump shot has really been stretching the floor for the Spurs, clearing space for players such as Tim Duncan, who can score from the post.

In previous years, Bonner would just stop shooting the ball if he was missing,and this would put him on the bench.

Now, he is choosing to shoot and this breeds confidence.

Not only is Bonner lighting things up from downtown and shooting 56.2% from the field, he is also rebounding the basketball extremely well. He is all over the place and he is also providing the Spurs with many second-chance opportunities with his offensive rebounding.

Bonner is playing solid defense as well, which is pretty much a prerequisite for any starting center on a Gregg Popovich led Spurs outfit.

The improvement of Matt Bonner this year from last year is like the difference between night and day. He has basically gone from playing late in games during garbage time to an impact player on the starting lineup.

He may just prove to be a key ingredient in the Spurs success from here on out.