After falling to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, San Antonio Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich readjusted the starting line up by putting George Hill in for Manu Ginobili.
How did the move workout?
George Hill scored 18 points while Manu Ginobili only had to play eight minutes as the Spurs (45-9) ran the youthful Washington Wizards (14-38) out of the Verizon Center, 118-94.
After shooting 27-81 (33%) from the field in Philadelphia, the Spurs regained their shooting touch by connecting on 45-77 shots (58%) in Washington.
The Spurs came out in the first quarter ready for offensive redemption by shooting 63% in the quarter. After only scoring 9 points against Philadelphia, Tony Parker eclipsed his total by pouring in 14 points, along with four assists and three steals in the first. The Spurs led 37-18 after the first quarter.
There was an abundance of three point baskets to be shared in the second quarter as the team made six three pointers. The Spurs shot so well in the first half that they passed the season low in points (71) they had set yesterday, in just one half.
Richard Jefferson scored eight points in the quarter as the Spurs headed into halftime leading 72-45.
Hit the “read more” tab to see how the Spurs got the double digit win in Washington.
The Spurs continued to shoot lights out in the third quarter by connecting on five more three pointers. The Spurs held the Wizards to just 20 points in the quarter. With 2:30 left in the third quarter, the Spurs had already scored over 100 points. The Spurs led 101-65 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth was an “extra minutes” opportunity for players like Steve Novak (seven points) and Chris Quinn (six points). The Spurs quietly held onto the double digit lead and won by 24 points.
Cartier Martin and Andray Blatche led the Wizards with 16 points apiece.
The Spurs continue their Rodeo Road Trip as they head out to face New Jersey on Monday.
Notes
- San Antonio Express News had this to say on the Ginobili-Hill swap: Pop says lineup decision made to keep Manu fresh for 4th, though he wasn’t needed. Says it will be a one-night thing.
- The Spurs had 6 players score in double figures: Tony Parker (18 points) George Hill (18 points) Gary Neal (16 points) Richard Jefferson (14 points) DeJuan Blair (13 points) and Matt Bonner (12 points).
- Every player on the Spurs roster that played tonight scored a basket.
- Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili only played a combined 20 minutes.
- The Wizards leading scorer Nick Young only scored four points (FG 2-10) and committed four fouls.
