Something About Those ‘Bockers

What is it about the Knicks? Despite the fact that there are only two teams with a lower winning percentage, despite the fact that their roster is possibly the worst assembled in the league, despite the fact that they’ve had two 8 game losing streaks already this season, despite the fact that they’ve only won 4 games on the road all season, the Spurs seem incapable of dominating the New York Knicks.

Zeke’s squad came down to the San Antonio early in January and were within 1 with just over 3 to play. Last night in the Garden, the Spurs needed an enormous comeback (plus a shot of reality for the Knicks) to wipe away an 18 point deficit. Explain, if you can.

Almost exactly as it has gone against bad teams all season, the Spurs started off slow, and put the clamps down in the second half. The beginning of the 4th quarter was being played in the late 50’s and low 60’s, just where the Spurs wanted it. Dust off Big Shot Bob and Fin Dog for a couple of big ones, and you’ve got yourself a W. Maybe not as easy as you’d like to see, but, nothing ever is.

• Looking towards the future, the Spurs next opponent, the vaunted Boston Celtics, won with a little help from the 5-0 in Minnesota. Leon Powe’s game-winning layup sealed the NBA leading 38th win of the season for Boston. KG hasn’t played in 6 contests, out with an abdominal strain. His availability for the game on Sunday afternoon appears to be questionable.
• Damon Stoudamire, only a few games in, has shot the ball quite well already from beyond the arc. Despite starting all but one game for the Grizz in December, Mighty Mouse only had two games in which he made more than one 3. Already, he’s done that twice in black and white.
• Gregg Popovich has left the door open for trades this year. As opposed to last season’s mandate that nothing would go down, there is a slight window this season. Obviously, the Spurs could use help inside on offense or defense (Oberto and Elson together aren’t averaging 10/10). But, Pop has maintained the Spurs would welcome any kind of athleticism and scoring ability, preferably if it came in the form of one player.
• Congratulations, from the SAspurscast, to Ian Mahinmi for making the D-League All-Star team. The Frenchman is in the top 10 in blocks, double-doubles and rebounds. Not to mention he’s dropping in a cool 18 points per contest.