Gregg Popovich has done this before. Back in February 2009, the San Antonio Spurs' coach held out his three stars -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, none of whom were really injured -- for a road game against the Denver Nuggets to both rest his team and concede a game to a likely playoff opponent. Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers wasn't quite a rerun, as Duncan has been out for a week and Ginobili was said to be legitimately nicked up. But facing a team the Spurs lost to on Friday, a potential first-round opponent, Pop did pull Parker and Antonio McDyess, all but conceding a game to earn some rest down the stretch.
Blazers Vs. Spurs: Portland Climbs Over Stripped San Antonio Squad Missing Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker
Only the Spurs led the Blazers heading into the fourth quarter, and Portland looked extremely beatable. San Antonio’s lineup woes finally caught up with the team with about eight minutes remaining, as Portland went on a 17-2 run to take the lead and seal a 100-92 victory.
George Hill and Tiago Splitter stepped up for the stripped Spurs; Hill scored 27 points on 11-20 shooting, and Splitter popped in 14 points and nine rebounds. Andre Miller led the Blazers with 26; he, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews did the damage in the fourth quarter as Portland outscored San Antonio 33-20.
There will be no caterwauling this time around as Pop made his play at home, with two starters injured and needing to hold off the Lakers for the No. 1 seed. But keep it in mind. Popovich is always looking for that edge, even if it means conceding a battle to win the war.
In other action:
Pacers 107, Celtics 100: Dear Indiana, you are weird. Weekend loss to the Pistons and Kings followed up with a win over the Celtics? Ay ay ay. The C's are slumping hard; their defense got pummeled by the Pacers. Roy Hibbert had 26. Kendrick Perkins is shaking his head somewhere.
Bobcats 87, Bucks 86: If Charlotte and Indiana weren't so erratic, you might think this game eliminated the Bucks from postseason contention. Milwaukee missed its final 11 shots in the game, a pretty fitting goodbye for this bunch. Also, Boris Diaw at center and Stephen Jackson at power forward ... in the fourth quarter. And won!
Wizards 100, Jazz 95: The Washington Wizards will not tie the record for worst road record ever! The Wiz picked up their second road win of the season on Monday, batting down the Jazz. John Wall had 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Derrick Favors had a double-double for Utah, so I suppose everyone wins.
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