River Walk Chronicles ♦ ///

[George7]

Swift has still something to give to the NBA?
Though I would prefer playing Blair more than Swift,I believe it's a nice move strengthening your inside presence

[kibaxx7]

Weekly Rewind N° 9 • Heat-Lakers, Al Horford extension, injuries and more...
nba.com/spurs/morningcoffee | December 26th, 2010


SAN ANTONIO -- Welcome to the latest installment of my “Morning Coffee” blog, Spurs fanatics. I have some more tidbits here in the table for us to discuss. I'm doing a weekly report with things that happened around the league, including: in my opinion, the most interesting game of the week; signings & waivings; POTW honors; Power Rankings; injury report; All-Star voting and trading rumors. Hope you join the discussion!

• Kobe, Fisher lead Lakers over Heat in Christmas • The Miami Heat shut down the Los Angeles Lakers almost completely, but didn't when it mattered the most. The Heat had a 6-point lead entering the fourth quarter but Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher led Los Angeles to keep the Western Conference's 2nd seed behind San Antonio, with an 103-93 Christmas Day win. Bryant led six Lakers in double figures with 26 points, and Fisher added 17 -- 10 in the last period -- for the triumph; Andrew Bynum posted 13 points and 14 boards. Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 38 for Miami, while Chris Bosh notched in 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Lakers wrote their fifth straight win. “This was definitely a benchmark game for both teams. We have talked about this game for a long time, but we couldn't get the win here,” said LeBron James, who posted 14 points and 12 assists, two rebounds shy of a triple-double. “We did what we had to do and took care of the game,” Fisher said. What the Heat had to do was play defense, especially against Pau Gasol, and they did; the Spaniard scored only eight points (yet a season-high 16 boards). The Heat denied Gasol the ball all day, and the Lakers couldn't generate enough around him. But the Heat didn't expect Fisher to carry the team on his shoulders like this.

• Al Horford, Hawks agree on contract extension • The Atlanta Hawks and All-Star center Al Horford agreed Monday to a five-year, $60 million contract extension. “I wanted to get it done for security and just to focus on the team this season,” Horford said. The 24-year-old Horford was the No. 3 overall pick in 2007 out of Florida, helping the Gators win back-to-back national championships. He quickly established himself as one of Atlanta's most valuable players, even as an undersized center. Last year, Horford averaged career highs in points (14.2) and rebounds (9.9), becoming the first Hawks draft pick to make the All-Star Game since Kevin Willis, in 1992. “From the moment he arrived in Atlanta, Al has been a large part of our success,” head coach Larry Drew said. With this move, the Hawks locked up another member of their core group after re-signing Joe Johnson to a maximum deal over the summer. In recent years, the team also has reached multiyear contracts with Josh Smith and Marvin Williams.

• Players of the Week • The Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade and the Denver Nuggets' Chauncey Billups today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played December 19 - 25. Wade and the Heat had a 2-1 week, in wins over Dallas and Phoenix, and a loss to the Lakers in Christmas, where he had 38 points. In the triumph over the Suns, he exploded for 29 points, five boards, eight assists and eight steals, ending the week with averages of 29.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and even 4.6 steals to boot.. Billups averaged 23.5 points along with 10.5 assists and 3.5 steals, as the Nuggets posted a 1-1 week; a last-second loss to San Antonio (21 points, 8 dishes, 4 steals) and a victory at Oklahoma City (26 points, 13 dimes, 3 steals).

• Power Rankings • Best teams of the week? San Antonio (3-0), LA Lakers (3-0), New Jersey (3-0) and Orlando (3-1). The worst? Oklahoma City (1-3), Chicago (0-3), Houston (0-3) and Dallas (0-2). High jumps -- New Jersey (+11), Milwaukee (+8), Washington (+5), Philadelphia (+5). Free falls -- Indiana (-8), Detroit (-6), Chicago (-5), Memphis (-4). Check the power rankings (Top 7) here.

• Injury report • Sorted by injuries with most duration, here you can check the full injury report. Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson announced today that center Tyson Chandler will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. Chandler underwent an MRI exam this morning in Dallas, which revealed the injury. “We are deeply disappointed for Tyson, who worked so hard for us this season,” said Nelson. Head coach Rick Carlisle added, “We know Tyson will work tirelessly to get himself healthy again. Although he is out for the season, we still have over half the season to play. That gives all of our players, especially our younger guys, the opportunity to earn more playing time.” Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Orlando Magic's Brandon Bass are facing up to 8 weeks out of action, with a broken jaw and a broken ankle, respectively. Orlando is also suffering injuries to Rashard Lewis and Marcin Gortat. San Antonio's DeJuan Blair looks to be out for a couple of weeks out as well, with a lower back strain.

• All-Star Voting • The 2011 NBA All-Star Ballot was unveiled on November 18th, during a special tip-off event in Los Angeles, the Official Host City of NBA All-Star 2011, and All-Star Balloting began on November 25th at 3 p.m. ET. The 60th NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at STAPLES Center on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011. NBA All-Star 2011 in Los Angeles will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. Los Angeles and the STAPLES Center will host NBA All-Star 2011, marking the fifth time The City of Angels and the second time STAPLES Center will be the site of the annual celebration. STAPLES Center last played host to NBA All-Star in 2004, and L.A. also hosted the All-Star Game in 1963, 1972, and 1983. To vote for your Spurs players you'd like to see play in the NBA All-Star Game, text the player's LAST NAME to 69622 (MYNBA). Underlined, changes to the leaders.


• West Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL), 1.478.754; Deron Williams (UTA), 1.117.167; Chris Paul (NO), 1.019.520; Monta Ellis (GS), 881.799; Russell Westbrook (OKC), 744.512.
• West Forwards: Kevin Durant (OKC), 1.278.287; Carmelo Anthony (DEN), 1.035.733; Pau Gasol (LAL), 807.837; Dirk Nowitzki (DAL), 794.389; Tim Duncan (SA), 661.899.
• West Centers: Yao Ming (HOU), 688.017; Chris Kaman (LAC), 449.394; Andrew Bynum (LAL), 448.281; Emeka Okafor (NO), 395.335; Marcus Camby (POR), 348.896.

• East Guards: Dwyane Wade (MIA), 1.371.656; Derrick Rose (CHI), 835.115; Rajon Rondo (BOS), 761.353; Stephen Jackson (CHA), 683.125; Vince Carter (ORL), 649.919.
• East Forwards: LeBron James (MIA), 1.657.693; Amar'e Stoudemire (NY), 936.298; Chris Bosh (MIA), 871.614; Josh Smith (ATL), 775.725; Gerald Wallace (CHA), 686.339.
• East Centers: Dwight Howard (ORL), 1.001.782; Brook Lopez (NJ), 616.931; Andrew Bogut (MIL), 500.333; Al Horford (ATL), 416.928; Andrea Bargnani (TOR), 413.737.
• Bobcats sign Patrick Mills • Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins announced today that guard Patrick Mills has been signed as a free agent. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. At 6-0, 185-pounds, Mills averaged 2.6 points on 3.8 minutes last season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Originally selected by the Blazers in the 2009 NBA Draft out of St. Mary's, Mills accepted the offer from the Bobcats, as point guard Sherron Collins is recovering from an injury with the D-League's Maine Red Claws.

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[kibaxx7]

Swift has still something to give to the NBA?
Though I would prefer playing Blair more than Swift,I believe it's a nice move strengthening your inside presence

A lot of personal fouls. Anyone on his sanity would prefer Blair over Swift man, what are you talking about? When both Duncan and Blair are back, will put Swift on the inactive list. Don't have plans of a re-signing for him.

[Martti.]

• Bobcats sign Patrick Mills • Phoenix Suns general manager Rod Higgins announced

Hahaa, the Suns GM announcing the Bobcats' movements.

[kibaxx7]

My bad, fixed. Thanks man.

Completely forgot I had a NCAA game scheduled! Well, goes to next week.

[Valor]

Is it just me or is the header/banner for the "Morning Coffee" not working

[kibaxx7]

Works for me, but edited with a new link.

[rise]

Nice signing for my LolCats, but I'm loling more at the ratings of the players right now. No way there are five Bobcats better than Eduardo Najera. I don't think there are 5 active NBA players better than Najera.

[Houndy]

Nice Coffee, but aren't there any better players out there than Swift

[kibaxx7]

Nice signing for my LolCats, but I'm loling more at the ratings of the players right now. No way there are five Bobcats better than Eduardo Najera. I don't think there are 5 active NBA players better than Najera.

Not active, but Ha Seung-Jin, man!

Nice Coffee, but aren't there any better players out there than Swift

Dwyane Jones, Chris Mihm, Primoz Brezec, Steven Hill, Shavlik Randolph. So no.

[Houndy]

Brezec is a beast! What are you talking about?

[shadowgrin]

Chandler out for the season. lol Dallas.

[hova-]

Pretty bad for the Mavs. How was Mills a FA? Did the Blazers waive him?

[dare]

I really like coffee blog man, good way to show updates.

[Mark.]

Stromile Swift! Stromile Swift! Stromile Swiiiiiiiiiiiiiift!........ Stromile Swift!

Love that signing!!

Good to see Dwight being Dwight, but Vince...... made me be sick a little in my mouth. If he did that in real life he would not be spending the post all star break in Orlando.

Loving your presentation dude, like the morning coffee blog, all the little hyperlinks just add so much to it. Gah, I should be asleep. Good Night.

[kibaxx7]

Brezec is a beast! What are you talking about?

Only a good player when he starts regularly (check the Bobcats inaugural season). He sucks man

Chandler out for the season. lol Dallas.

They also had Marion out for a couple of weeks. They started like 13-2, but they are 17-11 now, if I remember correctly.

Pretty bad for the Mavs. How was Mills a FA? Did the Blazers waive him?

Yep the Blazers waived Mills. They had Andre Miller, Bayless and Armon Johnson, but I did the Hornets trade and now they only have 2 PGs, Roy playing some time there.

I really like coffee blog man, good way to show updates.

Thanks man.

Stromile Swift! Stromile Swift! Stromile Swiiiiiiiiiiiiiift!........ Stromile Swift!

Love that signing!!

Good to see Dwight being Dwight, but Vince...... made me be sick a little in my mouth. If he did that in real life he would not be spending the post all star break in Orlando.

Loving your presentation dude, like the morning coffee blog, all the little hyperlinks just add so much to it. Gah, I should be asleep. Good Night.

One of my favs players from some years ago. Dwight is always more than Dwight against me... in other games he struggles. Carter is always less against me, in other games he shines (check a past Coffee where he went 16-of-18 from the field). Thanks a lot bro!

Spent the afternoon with friends and also some family members came over yesterday. Game against the Wizards tonight!

Also edited the full index with a 2.0 roster

[kidgravity]

I don't think Brezec is that bad. but maybe it's just a little bias because of the Charlotte Dynasty days in NBA Live I like Magette on the spurs. seems like the kind of guy that needs a system hammered into his head to bring out the best.

[mp3]

Enjoyed my coffee thanks , hopefully Amare will start at pf in teh allstar game !

[kibaxx7]

Maggette, rookie Anderson pick up Ginobili's struggles as Spurs race past Arenas, Wizards
Preview | Recap | Game Info | Full Play-by-Play | Boxscores (WAS :: SAS)
SAN ANTONIO, December 26 -- With some good execution down the stretch, specially in the third quarter, the San Antonio Spurs put a hold on the Washington Wizards' aspirations. Corey Maggette had 20 points and four assists, James Anderson added 15 points and the Spurs won the battle, 111-104 Sunday, sending the Wizards to its first loss in their last three games. The Wizards, who opened the season 4-6, are now 15-13, winning 7 of their last 10 contests. “That third period was a big difference for us. When it came down to the end of the game, we made our plays and good use of our defense to make sure we get the win for our fans,” Anderson said. Tony Parker finished with 15 points to go with five assists for San Antonio, and Manu Ginobili had 14 points and four assists, but struggled with his shot -- 3-of-12 from the field. The Argentinian was 6-of-6 from the charity stripe. Gilbert Arenas had 23 points to lead Washington, shooting 5/8 from 3-point territory. John Wall, the ROY race leader as of now, scored 16 points for Washington, shooting 7-of-11 from the field while adding 13 assists -- but 6 turnovers.

The teams were tied at 54 with 1:30 minutes in the first half. Tiago Splitter scored inside to give San Antonio a 56-54 lead, which they maintained when Josh Howard missed a pair from the line. From there, Maggette hit a 3-pointer to enter halftime. The Spurs held a 87-77 lead after three, after a 12-2 run to close the third period. “We played extremely well in the third quarter,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. Howard said, “That run we suffered, took out our air for the last period. Like we did everything wrong that we could do. That third period wasn't one of our best.” After Anderson made a pair of free throws to put the Spurs up 101-91 in the fourth quarter, Arenas answered with a 3-pointer and a fastbreak layup to bring the Wizards within 101-96. Wall then added a long range jumper, but Parker ensured the Wizards would get no closer, drilling a shot from just inside the arc on the next trip, then drawing a double-team and finding Maggette for a trey that increased the lead to 106-98. “I wanted to be a little more aggressive and take over the game a little bit. I guess I was feeling it tonight,” Maggette said; the #5 shot 7-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-4 3-pointers and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. “Any time you want to win games, you've got to make stops down the stretch,” Parker said. “They had capable scorers. Gilbert's a great basketball player. We had to make some stops, and we did that.” Splitter had another double-double: 12 points and 15 boards. Tim Duncan returns this Tuesday: against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wizards big men Andray Blatche and Trevor Booker who have been limited recently by a variety of injuries, ended up dressing for the Wizards. Blatche was part of Washington's starting lineup and had 14 points and 12 rebounds after a strained Achilles, but Booker's twisted ankle kept him on the Wiz bench all day. The Spurs made 22-of-23 free throws, while the Wizards only 4-of-9, but the rest of the stats weren't that far away. San Antonio controlled the boards 42-35, but 5 of Washington's were on offense; the Spurs outscored the Wizards in the paint 48-42, while Washington shot 49 percent from the floor against 47 percent for San Antonio. Meanwhile, the Spurs' reserves managed 47 points, and made nine of their first ten shots. Nick Young and Yi Jianlian, both coming off the bench, finished with 11 points apiece for the Wizards. JaVale McGee had 7 points and seven boards, but a terrible plus-minus of -12. “They went to their bread and butter tonight,” Wizards coach Flip Saunders said, referring to Maggette. “We have to learn how to handle guys that are that good and get on a shooting streak that fast.” In his debut with the Spurs, Stromile Swift shot 3-of-3 shots for 6 points and four rebounds.

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Video Music :: Junkie XL ft. Peter Tos • “Sleepy Policeman”

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[kibaxx7]

I don't think Brezec is that bad. but maybe it's just a little bias because of the Charlotte Dynasty days in NBA Live I like Magette on the spurs. seems like the kind of guy that needs a system hammered into his head to bring out the best.

I'm not saying he's bad, I'm just saying he needs minutes in every game to have constant productions... but I don't see him as a Spur.

Enjoyed my coffee thanks , hopefully Amare will start at pf in teh allstar game !

Watching Celtics-Knicks. He must be the East starting PF. This guy is going berserk every night.

[Houndy]

Nice game! I really like Anderson, very good prospect.

[Mark.]

Good win. Anderson looking good

[Justine.]

Loving this. Anderson is very useful to you. The coffee blog is awesome and informative.

[J@3]

You know if you were doing 29 game seasons you'd be in the play-offs now

[kibaxx7]

Nice game! I really like Anderson, very good prospect.

Good win. Anderson looking good

Yep he's my first backup for Maggette. He also gets on a shooting streak fast; if he starts making buckets early, he won't stop.

Loving this. Anderson is very useful to you. The coffee blog is awesome and informative.

Thank God I had Anderson. Couldn't find Manu's shot all night, but at least I had him on the free throw line multiple times. Also loving the Coffee, my favorite section

You know if you were doing 29 game seasons you'd be in the play-offs now

Lol yeah I know, but I don't like short seasons. But relax, saw some other team's games and the FA list; I have a TXT file with some offseason targets. Thanks for stopping by, Jae

OMFG Page 13!