Spurs G Ginobili (hip) will miss two games
“He’s still got it, ” Denver rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay said. “He is one of the elite guards”. The Spurs led 31-24 after one.
Parker finished with season-highs in both points (25, on 9-of-14 shooting) and assists (9) and taught Mudiay a few things.
Parker hit a couple of short jumpers late and both teams finished with 34 in the quarter, giving the Spurs a 65-58 lead at recess.
In his 15th season, Parker responded to a favorable matchup against Mudiay.
“He’s had a few games where he’s started slowly, but overall what matters is what he is doing now. He’s being really active and aggressive offensively”.
“The way he attacks and gets everyone involved tonight it was really really pleasing to see”, said Mills. “Once he gets it going, he makes the game easier for all of us”. We’re so used to the Nuggs being the springy team swatting shots into the rafters against the ground-bound Spurs, but San Antonio had 13 blocks in this one with Aldridge and Butler also collecting two apiece and making Denver work for everything they got around the basket. The 20-year-old ended with a massive double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds and even hit the first three of his National Basketball Association career.
“I thought Tony Parker was able to live in the paint”. Still, Mike Malone is a defense-first coach like Popovich and someone who has a reputation for holding players accountable, regardless of pedigree.
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9), of France, chases the ball…
Manu Ginobili scored 14 of his 17 points in the final quarter to help the San Antonio Spurs overcome a listless start and beat the Portland Trail Blazers 93-80 on Monday night. Ginobili will be re-evaluated before San Antonio’s next home game Saturday against Memphis.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 18: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs the rebound agai … Maybe he’s too old or maybe he’s not that good anymore.
Noah Vonleh’s first 3-pointer of the season pulled Portland within 81-78, but they were unable to get any closer.
It was the fourth win in five games for the Nuggets, who last won two straight on the road January 5 and 9. Leonard had an upper respiratory infection and Ginobili sat out with a strained abductor…. The Spurs have 10 double-doubles. Aldridge and Leonard are the only players to lead the team in scoring this season, with Leonard leading the way six times. “I go to sleep dreaming about playing like the Spurs, ” he said. “I wish I was that fast again, you know?”
Jokic went on to make his second 3-point attempt of the season. We were taking good shots, it just sometimes happens. That’s what we want.
There are times the Nuggets have played well in San Antonio.
Nuggets: Host Phoenix on Friday.