The San Antonio Spurs’ Bench Continues to Improve in Win Over Celtics
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
After a rough first half, the San Antonio Spurs rallied in the second half and easily coasted to a 111-89 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Ten players for the Spurs scored at least five points. While the “Big Three” of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili struggled to get going, only combining for 30 points, the real story was the supporting cast of the team. Danny Green recorded four three-pointers in an 18-point effort, and Boris Diaw put up 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in only 24 minutes.
The success of the Spurs has always been tied to the Big Three and how they have bought into the system head coach Gregg Popovich preaches, but the Spurs are starting to show that they are truly a 12-men deep. They were once again without Tiago Splitter and Patty Mills due to their injuries, but the contributions by Aron Baynes (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Cory Joseph (8 points, 4 assists) demonstrated just how far the end of the bench has come.
Granted, this game was against the Celtics, who are a rebuilding team and were not favored to win this match, but now that players like Baynes and Joseph are finding themselves with the team and finding ways to attack the basket with confidence, it is truly scary to imagine just how good this Spurs team will be once they get everyone back at full strength. Popovich has masterfully balanced the amount of minutes he gives each one of his players over the last few years, and this season will be his greatest test yet in order to keep everyone happy given just how deep, talented and dangerous this Spurs team is.
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
76ers Becoming A Likable Cast of Characters
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Oklahoma City: 5 Players Team Should Target
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
Boston Celtics: 5 Trades Team Should Make
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant Does Not Care About Lakers
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Read More
Sixers Should Not Trade Tony Wroten
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
Despite Win, Lowry's All-Star Fate Takes Hit
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
5 Players Warriors Should Target Before Deadline
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More
Dwyane Wade Shouldn't Lead Heat In Scoring
Everyone said Dwyane Wade was on his last legs, but the veteran currently leads the Miami Heat in scoring, even ahead of Chris Bosh. However, the Heat star should not be the high scorer. Read More
Whitesde Could Become Heat's Starting Center
The Miami Heat need to reevaluate their starting center position, and Hassan Whiteside is clearly the best option going forward. See why here. Read More
Examining Why Pistons Should Give Monroe Max Deal
Why must the Detroit Pistons offer Greg Monroe the max this offseason if they want to hang on to him? Find out here. Read More