One For The Road

Just a Quick Notice

2012-01-27T23:34:00.006-06:00

OK I made a few changes to the look of the site. The main priority was to change fonts, and that I have done. So as a result, a lot of PAST posts may not be formatted correctly. I will be going back right now to change a few of the most recent ones, but that's it.

I have also gone back to the pure white background, and along with a couple other very subtle change that you probably won't even notice. I sincerely hope the new look is appealing to you! We needed a change.

Spurs Update

2012-01-27T21:53:00.018-06:00

Friday night the Spurs were in Minnesota for a little revenge against the scrappy young T-Wolves team we were playing when Manu broke his hand. No, I'm certainly not placing any blame here, but they did put it to us pretty good in that game (Jan. 2), 106-96, shooting 58%.. including 57% from three (12 of 21).

Fast forward to tonight. This game went pretty much as you'd expect. Both teams played great defense, as neither team allowed the other to get on too much of a run at any one time. Spurs jumped out to the early 10-2 lead, which was 22-21 by the

Image Source (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

end of the 1st Q. Sets of 4-6 point runs seemed to be the theme in this one, as that early 8-point lead was our largest.

• 31-27, Spurs.. Minnesota timeout.. 36-33, Wolves.. timeout Spurs. Halftime was 42-41, San Antonio.

• 49-44, Wolves.. Spurs' timeout.. Then back & forth throughout most of the third. Not sloppy, turnover-wise, nor bad-shots, just good defense. But Nikola Pekovic was owning us on the low block, for some reason, and it seemed like Tony & Tim were the only ones who could get shots to fall. Tied at 64 after 3 Qs.

Timberwolves pulled away by 6 early in the 4th, countered by Parker making 7 straight for us. Then Pekovic continued more of what he started in the 3rd Q. I'm guessing he took us a little by surprise, as it didn't seem like we were quite prepared for him. A Gary Neal three put us ahead 79-77 with 3:32 left, but then the Spurs decided to go cold. We missed our last 7 shots...

It boiled down to the T-Wolves simply executing better down the stretch.. They scored 10 more to finish us off 87-79. The LOSS could be attributed to the fact that we didn't seem to share the basketball nearly enough tonight (17 assists on 31 FGs, 55%). Compare this to our game vs. Atlanta 2 days ago (29 assists on 42 buckets.. 69%). With Minnesota's execution in the last 4 minutes, I have to give them all the credit. Simple as that.

Tops: Love 18p & 16r.. Pekovic 14p & 10r.. Rubio 18p & 10a. TP 20p &3a.. Splitter 12p & 7r.. Timmy 9p & 10r.

Next two are a back-to-back in both Dallas & Memphis - Sunday & Monday. Which game do you think Duncan will sit? I'd lean toward Dallas, since they've got a lot of players beat-up. But you never know, since right after our day of rest of Tuesday, comes another back-to-back at home against Houston & New Orleans.

Stats & quarter scoring image Via

Room with a View

2012-01-27T21:38:00.006-06:00

This is the view from one of the rooms at the Ladera Hotel in St. Lucia, West Indies. (Click to enlarge!)

Via

Lots more photos from the area..

Not Judging Ya

2012-01-27T21:33:00.000-06:00

Via

Backstage in a Guitar shop Bathroom

2012-01-26T01:39:00.004-06:00

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Spurs Update

2012-01-25T22:36:00.022-06:00

Monday night the Spurs were in New Orleans to face the 3-13 Hornets, who were riding a 7-game losing streak. Spurs are coming off an OT win @Orlando, and two last-minute losses at home vs. the Kings, and in Houston.

Unlike most games recently, we didn't get off to a hot start, and trailed 12-5 almost 4 minutes in, before a Spurs' timeout, Image Source followed by an RJ three.

It still took some time before we began seeing the familiar Tony-to-Timmy pick and roll time and time again. We led 30-28 after 1 Q.

With Duncan resting, Tiago makes the most of his playing time. Along with Tony, Gary Neal, and later Duncan, himself, he kept us in the game in which both teams were finding success on the offensive end. We led 56-55 at the half - 2 quarters of basketball in which Tony already has 11 assists.

The game continued to be close throughout the 3rd Q, as the Spurs' biggest lead was 3, but also fell behind by 6 at one point. Another RJ three and a Parker layup closed out the 3rd at 80-79 Hornets.

Jarret Jack continues his hot night (26), as he & Vasquez erase our early 4-pt. lead. Coming down the stretch, defense is prevailing, but so is Tony & Tim. Spurs led by 4 twice before two Hornets' timeouts, only to see the score tied on a Cerl Landry tip-in with 5 seconds left. So then we drew up a play, and this happened:

Video Source ..sorry, I couldn't find a clip with Bill Land and Sean Elliott.

Timmy finished with a season-high 28pts. 7rebs. on 11 of 19 shooting, turning back the clock yet again, and making all of us who were upset about him being held out of the Houston game eat our words. Tony Parker recorded a career-high 17 assists, and added 20 points. He's the first player this season to score 20 and record as many as 17 assists. A great Spurs WIN 104-102, although this is the only time this season that the Hornets (1-8, and now 1-9 on their home floor) have scored 100+ pts. Yeah, that's another serious concern!

Obviously focusing on their defense at home vs. the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs take a quick 1st Q timeout down 13-9. From that point on, (6:54 left in the 1st), we would hold them scoreless for 5min. 42sec. (19-13 SA). A Green 3, and a Tiago layup ends the 1st Q at 24-18 SA.

Image Source (D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)

Our lead of 6 became 9 in a few minutes, and for the first time in many games, we have finally find ourselves in a game where we are apparently going to hold a lead throughout. Leading 30-26, Spurs went on a 16-6 run --> 46-32. Jeff Teague then scores 7 in the final 2 minutes, to our 2. Our halftime lead is 48-44.

One minute into the 3rd, and Pop pulls Tony, Blair, and Leonard. A minute later our lead was 50-48, and Matt Bonner & the second team, for the most part, decides to pull away and never look back. It's the first time in 5 games that the excitement has surfaced. Already 2 of 3 from three, and 3 of 4 overall, Matt Bonner decides to ride his hot hand. Bonner hits two more threes, and several buckets by Tony and DeJuan help increase the lead to 15. 76-61 after 3 Q. Yeah the D has stepped it up, and we hold them to 17 in the 3rd.

Our D holds strong as we complete a 14-2 run and lead 84-63 with 8:33 left. With Duncan now done on the bench, Tony & Tiago carry us with the pick 'n' roll again, as Blair and Kawhi begin to take over. Cory Joseph sealed the win with a left-handed break-away dunk. And as our old guys rested, we get the 105-83 WIN in our best overall team game in more than a week. For this one, the box score says a lot. 29 assists on 42 made baskets is exactly what you want. We also out-rebounded Atlanta by 10, 44-34, a stat that when in reverse fashion, has no doubt contributed to many losses lately. Shooting percentage wasn't really a factor here (51% - 44%), but going 11 of 23 from three certainly helps. Thank you Matt Bonner (5-7 from three, RJ, Green, and even Tony also hit 2 each).

Tony Parker now has 37 assists in his last 3 games. I like this. And one other thing: It's about time we finally beat a team badly who didn't have "an off-night shooting". Hawks shot 43.8%. No argument can be made that "they had a bad shooting night". And we only shot 51.2%.

Next is a 3-game road trip to Minnesota (Fri.), @Dallas (Sun. the 29th), and the next night at Memphis on Monday the 30th.

Sad Kitty is Sad

2012-01-25T22:28:00.001-06:00

Via - (NSFW)

This one's for you, Mom! Oh, and Tippytoes too..

Female Stereotyping

2012-01-25T22:23:00.003-06:00

Click for clarity..

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The Rock of Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland

2012-01-25T22:00:00.010-06:00

Click to enlarge! Via

The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. (Source)

Phil Mickelson's Top-10 Shots

2012-01-24T21:24:00.002-06:00

(excluding majors)

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And let's not forget his famous backwards shot:

Source

Piles

2012-01-24T04:02:00.004-06:00

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Frustration

2012-01-24T03:43:00.005-06:00

Image Source

Sorry.. I just haven't found much of anything that you haven't seen before.

It's not me - it's the Internets's's fault.

Thanks, Steven

2012-01-24T03:21:00.001-06:00

Via

Beautiful Aurora over Iceland

2012-01-24T03:14:00.001-06:00

Via

Dude - Your Hand..

2012-01-24T03:11:00.001-06:00

Via and a ton of sites

Hello, Patriots?

2012-01-23T04:02:00.010-06:00

Via

That is a classic! Or well, it's gonna be.

On a related note, check out just how close the voting is at ESPN.com for the first 84,040 votes nationwide: (link)

Click to clarify..

Source

UPDATE: Still 50/50 through 283,000 votes..

UPDATE II: Still 50/50 through 353,626 votes..

ACTA Explained

2012-01-22T12:41:00.003-06:00

Source / Via

We MUST act against ACTA, and all legislation aimed at limiting our Internet!

We've Won the Battle, but Not the War

2012-01-21T23:57:00.002-06:00

Click to enlarge..

Via - (NSFW)

The Most Interesting Captain

2012-01-21T23:52:00.002-06:00

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An Oldies Set

2012-01-21T23:07:00.007-06:00

for my sister, Lisa!

Journey - Feeling That Way / Anytime

REO Speedwagon - Keep On Loving You

REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run

The Eagles - Take It To The Limit

Spurs Update

2012-01-21T22:42:00.004-06:00

Image Source (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)

I'm gonna be lazy on this post, simply because I don't feel like typing up an analysis of two games that showcased how crappy the Spurs have been playing ever since being up by 17 in the late 2nd Q in Miami. But here are some links:

• Our 1st home loss vs. the Sacramento Kings, 88-86.

• With Duncan "resting," another loss in Houston, 105-102.

Couple Images Likely in the Running for Photo of the Year

2012-01-21T22:20:00.005-06:00

CTE!

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CTE!

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Spurs Update

2012-01-20T01:06:00.011-06:00

Another stellar outing from Tim Duncan headlined our 9th home victory of the season - 24 pts. 11 reb. 4 ast. in 31 minutes. Like most games this season, the Spurs got out to a great start, and led 56-42 at halftime. The Suns were able to cut into the lead enough that Pop had to play the starters more minutes than we would've expected (all 30+). Tony had 17 pts. on 8 of 20 shooting, and 9 ast. Phoenix closed within 5 twice in the 4th, but it was solid defense down the stretch, and a few key shot from Jefferson, Parker, and Duncan, too, to give the Spurs the 102-91 WIN.

Once again my Spurs came out of the gate HOT in Miami and Blair & Parker were key contributors, as we jumped out to a 35-26 lead after 1Q. Danny Green hit a jumper at the end of the first that was sure help our momentum. We outscored the Heat 12-2 for about 6 minutes in the 2nd, as Gary Neal got hot, but then Chris Bosh started hitting several outside shots. Neal kept it up, and Parker hit 4 late FTs. Danny Green hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give us a 63-49 half-time lead. The 63 is our season high for a half, thus far.

The 3rd Q began with a quick Joel Anthony dunk, two more Bosh jumpers, a couple of nice shots by Duncan and Parker, but then a key jumper by LeBron. And it was all he needed to find his game. LeBron scored 17 in the Q, and the Heat outscored us 39-12 in the 3rd.

Here is NBA.com's video summary of the game..

The closest we were in the 4th Q was 15, but then Mike Miller started hitting threes like a robot. He went 6-6 from three in his first game back from a sports hernia injury, and sealed the deal for Miami 120-98. Danny Green led us in scoring with a sweet 6 of 7 night from three-range, and 20 points. Parker also added 18.

In Orlando the next night nothing was pretty. Both teams struggled shooting, and both defenses were very good throughout. Duncan, Splitter, and Blair led us in the first half to a 40-37 lead. We would lead most of this game until the early 4th when Ryan Anderson got hot, and he & Dwight Howard made it a game again. An amazing Parker fall-away gave us a 73-69 lead with just less than 3 minutes left. With the score tied at 73, and 36 seconds left, Danny Green drove the lane, dished to Duncan, and he hit a one-hander. In the final seconds of regulation, JJ Reddick was fouled by Danny Green. Reddick then hit both FTs, and a Parker jumper at the buzzer missed.

Parker, Reddick, Jefferson, and Howard traded buckets, but it was Gary Neal's three with 28 seconds left that gave us a 3-point lead. Von Wafer made a layup, but Jefferson hit a clutch FT to give the Spurs our 1st road WIN of the year, 85-83 in OT.

Images Source / Video Source

10-5 now. Next victim is Sacramento in our place, followed by trips to Houston and New Orleans. The back-to-back is a flight to Houston after the home game vs. SAC in this case. We should get on a roll here, but with 5 of 7 games on the road coming up, you never know. Atlanta at home next Wed. is gonna be a good measuring stick.

By the Way

2012-01-20T00:51:00.008-06:00

Here's Manu's hand just over 2-weeks after his broken 5th metacarpal:

Image Source / Via
I guess I won't be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a hand model after my NBA career." --Manu Ginobili

Looks very familiar, as my wife broke the exact same bone (along with the 3rd metacarpal also) in a car accident on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006. She had two tiny titanium screws put into each bone (4 total in her left hand), and they have healed very, very well.

Two-three more weeks, and I expect him to start testing it out. Hopefully he had as good a surgeon as my wife had.

What if..

2012-01-20T00:32:00.003-06:00

You ever think these guys in the NBA get tired of just running up & down the court every night doing the same thing over and over and over again? I was thinking this the other night during a Mavs/Lakers game (no wonder my mind was wandering). Then I said to myself, "they need to add a 3rd basket!"

Kinda like this:

Most rules are exactly the same, except, when your team secures a rebound, or it's your possession now after the other team just scored, you have the option to go play offense at either of the other two baskets. Obviously, once the ball crosses half-court, your team is locked into shooting at the goal on that side of the floor.

But think about all the variations. Think about how fast-breaks would take place! I'll let you think about it. It'd be kinda cool to watch.

No, I'm not trying to be another James Naismith, but you never know how much ~~people~~ kids would like something new.