San Antonio Spurs

With the Spurs looking for a new GM XxCuZiMaSiAnxX has stepped in to fill their void. Looking to shake up the Spurs current roster to build around Defense. Coach Gregg Popovich was looking to their new GM to build a team around what he thinks will do good for the team. With Yao Ming and Russel Westbrook holding the title of Co-Captains they will be loooking to become the biggest Dynamic Duo of the ISBL.

GM - XxCuZiMaSiAnxX

Head Coach - Gregg Popovich


Starting 5

PG - Russel Westbrook
SG - Shane Battier
SF - Michael Beasley
PF - Tyrus Thomas
C - Yao Ming

Bench

Mario Chalmers
Tony Allen
Anthony Parker
Omri Casspi
Louis Amundsin
Darko Milicic
Kendrick Perkins


Depth Chart

PG - Russel Westbrook / Mario Chalmers
SG - Shane Battier / Anthony Parker / Tony Allen
SF - Michael Beasley / Omri Casspi
PF - Tyrus Thomas / Kendrick Perkins / Louis Amundson
C - Yao Ming / Darko Milicic

San Antonio, Texas

It looks like the Spurs new GM will have to wait for his first ISBL win as the Spurs lose to the Lakers in a 4th quarter meltdown. The Spurs could not respond to the late run produced by the Lakers. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant scored 6 unanswered buckets to break the 55-55 tie and give them a 61-55 lead with 58 seconds left on the clock. The Lakers put the game away hitting their free throws.

The Spurs played MAGNIFICENT defense until the 4th quarter run Kobe sparked. "We knew Kobe's killer instinct was gonna kick in soon" Coach Popovich said, " Its what great players posses."

Now the GM will be looking to strengthen his bench as they were of little help in the game.

The Spurs completely DOMINATED the Wizards. Only allowing 1 player to score in double digits ( Durant 23 points ). The Spurs scored 27 first quarter points and allowed only 11 points in the same quarter. "We knew Durant was gonna score. But he could not score all the points and expect a win. We came in knowing he would score but we had the mindset of shutting down his supporting cast." Yao said.

The Spurs lockdown D ultimately allowed them the win. The Spurs had more 1st qyarter points than the wizards had in either half. "I love playing defense." Westbrook said, "Defense is one of my most favourote things to do when I play. Defense leads to many oppourtunities on the break and it prevents the opposing team from catching up."

If the Spurs continue this play they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Article has been put in the ISBL Magazine, you have gained 200 FA points.

With the addition of Casspi, Chalmers, Amundson and Powell the Spurs add size, defense and hustle to their bench. Casspi who is known fo his shooting will replace the aging Peja Stojakovic who was sent in a deal involving Chalmers, Powell and Williams. Amundson who was also added to the team by Free Agency along with Casspi adds a hustle player and defensive big on the team who can also rebound excellently. Amundson will be beside Yao and Pyrzbilla to help with the much needed rebounding.

The Spurs were not finihed yet with shaking up their bench. A trade went down with the Los Angeles Lakers. This brught mario Chalmers and Josh Powell in exchange for Peja Stojakovic and Jason Williams. Chalmers is a very fiesty defender who will come off the bench for explosive and great defender in Westbrook. This will be a 1-2 punch combo as Westbrook who is not that great of a 3 point shooter will be comming out for Chalmers who is able to hit the 3 ball with consistency. Both will be able to hold down the opposing PGs on opposite teams. As with Powell, he will be the offensive big to replace Bass or Amundson.

These new players will debut in the next Spurs game

After the 4th quarter meltdown the Spurs experienced against the Lakers, the Spurs used that to drive this blow out win. Only allowing 17 points in the first half is the best Defensive half the Spurs have played. With the Spurs shutting down Kobe Bryant the Lakers were lost in their offense.

The new additions to the Spurs played really well. Chalmers with 9 points and 4 rebounds, Casspi had 7 points and 4 rebounds as well. While Amundson grabbed 5 rebounds, had a block and a steal. J.R Smith contributed with 12 points off the bench.

If the bench can contribute like this consistently who knows how far the Spurs can go.

Defense was a big factor in this game. The Spurs kept this game tight with their defense as their offense was not great this game. The Spurs defense was most effective in the 4th quarter in the final minutes. The Spurs defense caused turnovers that led to open shots and trips to the free throw line which made them win the game.

Westbrook who has 27 on the night tied his career high in points. He also grabbed 7 rebounds, 1 shy of tying another career high. Westbrook pulled out for the Spurs when they needed offense. Finding Yao and Martin alot in the 1st Quarter. But when the Spurs needed the offense they looked to Westbrook. Westbrook scored the majority of his points in the 2nd half including his key trips to the foul line late in the game to put them ahead.

The Spurs who struggled on offense were thinking of their past game and thought they could blow out this team. The Spurs got to learn that champions don't take things easy and play all out night in and out.

hahahahahhaa, you did not have to put me on blast like that cuz... hahahaha good one...

Spurs | 22 | 16 |15 | 21 | FINAL 74 |
Grizzlies | 16 | 15 | 22 | 28 | FINAL 81 |

The Spurs and Grizzlies were matching bucket for bucket every trip down the floor until the 4th quarter. Many turnovers took place in the beginning of the 4th. These turnovers ultimately cost the Spurs the game. Shane Battier who isn't known to be a scorer put out 15 points this game. Battier tried to sprout a run near the end of the 4th but unfortunately time was not on his side as his run began with 1 minute left in the game.

" Its a tough loss," Battier said, " Especially to a team we know we could beat." The might have beaten the Grizzlies if they protected the ball and made smarter passes.

The Spurs will likely be focusing on ball control during their next practice.

Spurs Win Big As They Drop the Nets

The Spurs are now 4-2 under their new GM who changed their roster for the better. The Spurs had a slow 1st quarter but got it going in the 2nd with the bench leading the way. The Spurs bench had many players record new career highs. Casspi who was on fire played a career high 16 minutes and recored 23 points. While Chalmers who also had a career high in minutes recorded a new career best 9 dimes and 2 steals. The bigs also got into the career night. Przybilla recored a new career high in minutes and tied his rebounding record with 7 boards. Amundson had 5 offensive rebounds, 8 total rebounds, and 2 assists to record new career highs, while tying his block and steal records with 1 each.

These players would not have gotten the playing time they did if it wasn't for the starters who played excellent defense and converted that defense into easy offense. The Spurs who only allowed the Nets to shoot less than 40% from the field had 14 fastbreak points which were key to allowing the Spurs to get off to a great 1st half.

The Spurs bench are starting to gel as well as the starting 5 but rumors are being swirled around the league with the names of Kevin Martin, Brandon Bass and J.R Smith are being shopped around.

With 4 players in double digit scoring and Westbrook recording a double double the Spurs cruised past the Nets for their 2nd straight win. Conley of the Nets went 15 for 29 from the 3 point line scoring a game high 47 points but it wasn't enough to give the Nets the W.

With the Spurs again playing excellent defense on all the other players shutting Lebron down to just 12 points. The Spurs played team basketball which is what it takes to win. Westbrook had more assists than the Nets combined. This game showed what the Spurs can do when they play like a team.

The Spurs will be looking to extend this winning streak and take the league by storm. The Spurs are now 5 and 2 under their new GM.

Spurs 4th Quarter Rally Breaks the Rockets Winning Streak

The Texas showdown took place in Houston as the Spurs come out on top. The Spurs went 7 for 10 in the final Q to prevent the Rockets from extending their winning streak. Yao and Westbrook combined for 41 points. The game was going wire to wire as both teams continuously traded baskets. The Spurs broke out and played tough defense to prevent this from happening anymore. They sparked a run and never slowed down.

This game was a test to the Spurs playing against the leagues best teams. The Spurs who were expected to not come through with the W surprised the Rockets. The Spurs who played mediocre teams had their way. With a win against the Rockets this proved that the Spurs are in title contention talks. The Spurs are yet again on another 3 game winning streak and are now 6 and 2 under their new GM. This GM change turned this team around from a bottom feeder to a team that will be a force in the league.

Do the Spurs really have a shot at this title or is it all just talk?

TRADE ALERT

The Spurs trade away JR Smith and Brandon Bass for Tyrus Thomas and Anthony Parker.

Spurs Win 4th Straight

The Spurs once again traded baskets with their opponent until the 4th quarter. Late in the 4th quarter events such as Stoudemire missing an easy dunk but hitting a 3 point shot and the multiple turnovers created by the Spurs who were unable to convert. But when the Spurs needed the offense they looked to Yao. Yao had the hot hand this game and with the aid of Kevin Martin and his shooting ability late in the quarter they pulled the Spurs ontop.

Despite Kevin Martins work will this be his last game as a Spur? As trade rumors surrounding his name grow bigger and bigger each game.

Welcome the New Spurs

Tony Allen, Michael Beasley, Kendrick Perkins and Jeff Foster have been added to the roster. Leaving the Spurs via trade are Jordan Farmar, Kevin Martin and Joel Pyrzbilla. Josh Powell has been released to make room for Tony Allen.

With the new additions it adds depth and strength to the bench and a very tall starting 5 for the Spurs.

Spurs Win Behind Yao's 20 Point Game

Magic | 14 | 15 | 12 | 15 | FINAL 56 |
Spurs | 22 | 18 | 22 | 23 | FINAL 84 |

The Spurs extend their winning streak to 5 as they drop the Magic by 29 points. The new Spurs came out to play as Beasley dropped 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Tony Allen dropped 8 points and had an assist, rebound, steal and a block. While Kendrick Perkins had 4 points and 2 blocks.

The Spurs bench was magnificent as well. With the bench scoring 38 points led by Casspi's 15 points of the bench. Both units of the Spurs played great defense and were rewarded with a great offensive game.

The Spurs are now 8-2 in their last 10 games and under their new GM.

Spurs Winning Streak Ends at 5

Spurs | 16 | 24 | 14 | 14 | FINAL 68 |
76ers | 16 | 21 | 18 | 16 | FINAL 71 |

Despite Yao's 32 point game and Westbrook's double double the Spurs were unable to get the W. After a 6 day break the Spurs could not find their stride. After missing their first 5 shots Beasley hit 3 point shot after 2 minutes. " We had great looks but we couldn't hit them. " Westbrook said, " It was like the net was smaller. " The Spurs shot just under 50% for the game. The first time since their new GM stepped in.

Hopefully the Spurs will get it going for their next game.

Spurs Drop Their Second in a Row

Pacers | 17 | 14 | 16 | 20 | FINAL 67 |
Spurs | 19 | 14 | 9 | 19 | FINAL 61 |

The Spurs have never gone into a losing streak since their new GM arrived. The last time they were in a losing streak was with their first GM. " The refs just sucked, they would not call anything its like they wanted us to lose. " Battier said. The Spurs bench has been non existent during this small losing streak. If the Spurs want to win they'll need contributions from their bench. There isn't much that can be said here but the Spurs will be looking to end this skid.

Beasley's 23 Puts the Spurs on Top

Spurs | 16 | 23 |19 | 19 | FINAL 77 |
Warriors | 12 |14 | 20 | 20 | FINAL 66 |

The Spurs are back on track after this win. With their starting 5 and bench contributing on offense and defense. San Antonio's defense lead to fast break opportunities and easy baskets. Tyrus Thomas was leading the way on the defensive end with 5 blocks, 2 steals and 2 defensive rebounds. The whole team followed him with guards recording blocks and the bigs recording steals.

Yao was 1 rebound away from a double double and Westbrook was 1 assist short of one as well. The starting 5 for the Spurs filled up the stat sheet recording something in almost every single category. " If we can do this every game we can go really far. " Beasley said, " I'm beginning to like being here, I'm getting the touches I want and the trust from my coach. "

Westbrook and Yao Lead the Spurs to a W

Spurs | 22 | 14 | 17 | 25 | FINAL 78 |
Wizards | 17 | 13 | 16 | 25 | FINAL 71 |

Despite losing in the rebounding and assist category the Spurs still came out on top. With the team recording 9 steals and 7 blocks and Yao's 28 points followed by Westbrook' s double double (25 points, 11 assists) the Spurs win their second straight. The bench was not as dominant like they usually are only scoring 6 bench points in the game.

The Wizards are a team the Spurs handle with ease. This game was different. The Wizards put out a fight. With Durant being fed up losing to the Spurs by 20+ points in their last 2 meetings he put the team on his back and his squad followed. Despite their efforts defense always wins games. The Spurs forced 9 turnovers, 9 steals, 7 blocks and contested almost every single shot.

The Spurs will be looking to extend their streak with their next game but they'll need more help from their bench.

3 Point Barrage Pushes Spurs Past Celtics

Celtics | 22 | 14 | 20 | 23 | FINAL 79 |
Spurs | 22 | 32 | 19 | 21 | FINAL 94 |

The Spurs hit 13 three pointers in the game and did most of their damage against the Celtics in the 2nd quarter. With Beasley leading the way in scoring Westbrook nearly recorded a triple double. Westbrook was 1 rebound shy from a triple double recording 23 points , 14 assists and 9 rebounds. Despite Yao's lack of touches in the game the Spurs found other scoring options from Battier and their bench.

The Celtics were running into foul trouble early seeing Rondo and Hibbert sit out early in the game to prevent them from any more fouls. This hurt the Celtics in the first half.

The Spurs recorded 32 of their 94 points in the 2nd and ultimately controlled the game. With Beasley and Battier leading the charge in the 2nd the Spurs took an 18 point leading heading into the half.

The second half had a few highlights and the Celtics had never came within single digits.

Now 11-9 the Spurs are now half way through the season and are in serious talks of a playoff push.

XxCuZiMaSiAnxX wrote:

3 Point Barrage Pushes Spurs Past Celtics

Celtics | 22 | 14 | 20 | 23 | FINAL 79 |
Spurs | 22 | 32 | 19 | 21 | FINAL 94 |

The Spurs hit 13 three pointers in the game and did most of their damage against the Celtics in the 2nd quarter. With Beasley leading the way in scoring Westbrook nearly recorded a triple double. Westbrook was 1 rebound shy from a triple double recording 23 points , 14 assists and 9 rebounds. Despite Yao's lack of touches in the game the Spurs found other scoring options from Battier and their bench.

The Celtics were running into foul trouble early seeing Rondo and Hibbert sit out early in the game to prevent them from any more fouls. This hurt the Celtics in the first half.

The Spurs recorded 32 of their 94 points in the 2nd and ultimately controlled the game. With Beasley and Battier leading the charge in the 2nd the Spurs took an 18 point leading heading into the half.

The second half had a few highlights and the Celtics had never came within single digits.

Now 11-9 the Spurs are now half way through the season and are in serious talks of a playoff push.

Damn, you killed the celtics... hahaha

The Spurs Win Their Fourth Straight in OT

Spurs | 20 | 15 | 11 |16 | 6 | FINAL 68 |
Cavaliers | 16 | 12 | 21 | 13 | 5 | FINAL 67 |

This game was a close on. The game began to change late in the 3rd as the Spurs substituted their bench in. The game went from an 8 point lead for the Spurs to a 3 point deficit heading to the 4th. Where Westbrook and Yao took the scoring load in the 4th to force over time. Yao hit a layup to put the team on top and won the game for them. In the dieing seconds the Spurs played tough defence. Tyrus Thomas grabbed 14 rebounds, rejected 8 shots and recorded a steal in the win.

Tyrus Thomas has been a defensive force in their 4 game winning streak averaging 4.5 blocks , 7.25 rebounds, and 1.25 steals. He has been playing career basketball since his arrival in San Antonio.

Beasley's Career High 36 Leads Spurs Past Magic

Spurs | 14 | 24 | 22 | 27 | FINAL 87 |
Magic | 17 | 19 | 15 | 12 | FINAL 63 |

The Spurs had 3 players in double figures ( Beasley 36, Yao 18, and Westbrook 18 ). With a commanding 87 to 63 defeat over the Magic this extended their winning streak to 5.

With Tyrus Thomas spending most of his time on the bench due to foul trouble, Michael Beasley took the game over on both ends of the court. Beasley went on to hit 6 three pointers, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

The Spurs nearly tied their own league record with 12 blocks 1 shy from tying the league record of 13 blocks.

The Spurs have seen an emergence of a star in the making in Beasley. He has been averaging stellar numbers since his arrival in San Antonio. The once dynamic duo of Yao and Westbrook looks like it will be changing to a big 3 with Beasley.

Yao and Westbrook Record Double Doubles to Beat the Bucks

Spurs | 19 | 20 | 25 | 25 | FINAL 89 |
Bucks | 17 | 25 | 17 | 18 | FINAL 77 |

As this winning streak improves so does the Big 3's play. When a player is not finding his offense there will always be 2 other guys to help the team out on the offensive end. This Big 3 not only play well on offense but they play great defence as well. Shutting down Dwight Howard and David Lee. " It is tough to guard bigs of those caliber. We just got lucky they haven't played for a while " Thomas said.

Westbrook and Beasley each scored 28 points while Yao chipped in with 10 points, 10 rebounds 3 blocks and a steal.

The Spurs scored 50 second half points which gave them the lead and the W.

The Spurs will be looking to extend their streak in their next game.