New Jersey Nets' Ben Uzoh knows San Antonio and the San Antonio Spurs well.

He should. The 2006 Warren High School grad has history and roots here.

Uzoh was the San Antonio Express-News Area Player of the Year, a first-team Class 5A all-state, all-district and all-region selection as a senior and was was named the MVP of District 27-5A his senior season along with taking Warren to the State Championship.

Before he was starring at Warren though, Uzoh spent his childhood watching and idolizing the Spurs and trying to emulate their moves in his driveway.

When I talked to Uzoh prior to last week's Nets game, he had just spent All-Star weekend back in the 210 area code.

"It feels good, it feel's like a homecoming," the rookie guard said. "I haven't been back and haven't played in this city in about five years."

If I was coming back to my hometown after being away even a year, I'd have a laundry list of some of my favorite places I had to see before I left.

Even when I lived 45 minutes away from my hometown, I used to plan to go to all of my favorite places when I visited on the weekends. But for Uzoh, he can soak up all of his hometown and memories of his childhood in one place, the Northside home of Francis and Caroline Uzoh, his parents.

"My house for the most part," Uzoh said. "As long as I'm home that's real big for me. I'm a big family guy."

Uzoh has come a long way from buying tickets to Spurs games at the Alamodome and the AT&T Center.

Instead of being up in the nosebleeds, he's in the visiting locker room and sees the players out on the court.

• The San Antonio Spurs will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot this weekend:

Right now the San Antonio Spurs are at 50-11 for the 2010-11 season, and are 18 games ahead of the two teams tied for the ninth seed (Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz). The magic number for the Spurs is now just three, meaning three Spurs wins, or a combination of Spurs wins and the other two teams posting losses, would clinch a playoff spot for San Antonio. There is still a ways to go to figure out their seeding, though, as the Dallas Mavericks are on a very nice winning streak in the Southwest Division. (associatedcontent.com)

• Spurs coach and 2011 Western Conference All-Star coach Gregg Popovich had a "stirring" speech to the West All-Star rookies. Here is what Minnesota Timberwolves and first time All-Star Kevin Love had to say about Popovich's speech:

Spurs coach Greg Popovich led the meeting, and he was pretty funny. He said, "Guys, we're gonna go out and have fun. We're not really gonna run any sets. We're gonna get up and down. And all of you are gonna play a lot and get good minutes-except for probably Russell, Blake and Kevin. You guys are all f--ked." (sbnation.com)

• With a possible NBA lockout next season and the CBA still not agreed upon by the owners and player's union, it seems former Spur Robert Horry says NBA players should take less money:

“The players will hate me for saying this, but yeah – I think they probably should get less,” Horry told MVP at an NBA Fan Zone event in west London.

“When you have the fans, the people buying the tickets, going through hard times – and they can't do anything to earn more money – then to see these players getting paid so much must be hard.”

“When we had the lockout before, the League was at a peak – there were guys like Jordan, Olajawon, Malone. And it hurt the NBA. So I'm very worried about what might happen if it happens again.

“And you'd think that with something this important they'd be talking all the time trying to work it out. But they [league officials and player representatives] are only meeting once a week!” (mvp247.com)

• Spurs legend David Robinson had this to say about the Spurs record this season:

“Absolutely, I’m surprised,’’ Robinson said of the gaudy 50-11 record of the San Antonio Spurs. “I expected them to be good but the record they have put up is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous. (It’s) unbelievable.’’ (hoopsworld.com)

• The Spurs' D-League affiliate Austin Toros dropped another heart breaker in double overtime last night to the Texas Legends. Check out Toros Nation for the full recap.

Hit the jump to read about Tim Duncan's favorite apps, the impact of bought out players and the Spurs, a former Spur is back in the NBA, the Spurs winning 50 games and more.

I had a chance to talk to San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal after last week's New Jersey Nets game in San Antonio and ask him a few quick questions about his experience at All-Star Weekend.

Neal joined DeJuan Blair in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. Here is what he had to say.

What was your All-Star weekend experience like?

It was fun. It was great to be a part of All-Star weekend and stuff like that. I mean I had a good time out there. I was able to make a couple of shots in the game and stuff like that. It was exciting.

I saw you using a floater out there. Any chance we'll see more of that with the Spurs?

Yeah, I mean I shoot floaters all the time. I have to, I'm not really athletic enough to dunk so I got a floater over the top of the big guys. That's something I've added to my game.

What did you think of DeJuan's performance for the sophomore team?

DeJuan played great. I think if the sophomores had won the game he would have been MVP, but they lost. I think he played good. I think he had a good game.

Neal played great as well, finishing the game with 20 points and four assists in just 26 minutes.

The San Antonio Spurs own the best record in the NBA (50-11), were the first team to 50 wins this season and own the lead in the Southwest Division.

Despite that, Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki thinks the Los Angeles Lakers, not the Spurs, are the team to beat:

"I think the Lakers to me are still the heavy favorite in the West. After that, there are a bunch of teams bundled up. But I still think the Lakers are the heavy favorite in the West.''

"They've won two (titles) in a row, they're long and they got the same players and they got the best player in the world,'' Nowitzki said.

Of course Spurs fans "favorite" Maverick Jason Terry agreed with his teammate and in an ironic twist, actually complimented the Spurs' success this season:

"No question, the Lakers, always, because they're the champs,'' Terry said of who the favorite is in the West. "But what San Antonio has done makes them a favorite, too. We're chasing all those guys and we're going to play out this underdog role."

I understand the Lakers are the defending champs and own the crown but shall I remind Nowitzki and Terry the Spurs are 2-0 against Los Angeles. Also, it's the Spurs the Mavericks are chasing for the number one seed and not the Lakers.

(mavsblog.dallasnews.com)

He may not have enjoyed the spotlight and spoils that came with the NBA All-Star Weekend like teammate Gary Neal did. He may not make ESPN’s top 10 Plays of the Night like Los Angeles Clippers forward and dunk expert Blake Griffin does. Heck, come to think of it, most NBA fans across the country probably don’t even know who he is until he substitutes in the game. At least that’s the case now for San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter.

Though his rookie season may not be playing out the way many had hoped, the 6-foot-11 Brazilian has no doubt already given coaches and fans plenty of reasons to salivate over his future with the Silver and Black. Sure he has been sidelined with injuries for a good portion of his first year, and his averages may not be the best. But make no doubt about it, each time he has stepped on the court he has more than made his presence known.

Splitter is currently averaging 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? Considering he’s averaging 11.2 minutes per game and has played in 41 total games this season, those aren’t bad numbers at all. Also keep in mind that most of the time he’s playing these low minutes with some of the Spurs’ biggest game changers — Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Richard Jefferson — are watching from the bench.

To be able to produce the kinds of averages he is when he is not, only speaks volumes about his talent, it gives the Spurs an added asset when they need to rest their two veteran big men, Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess. And his play is phenomenal. The next time he subs into the game, keep an eye solely on him, and watch what he does. He’s always chasing loose balls, placing himself in position to grab the rebound and defending some of league’s best big men.

Fellow Bloguin brother Jeff Fox of Hoops Manifesto sent out his weekly questions this past weekend and there was one question I could not pass on answering.

Jeff asked if former San Antonio Spurs player Dennis Rodman should get into the Hall of Fame.

My answer: 

"When Dennis wasn't busy being a malcontent and drawing all the wrong kinds of attention to him and his team, he was one of the best power forwards in the game. I didn't like him much because he decided to trash David Robinson and the Spurs team when he left, but let's be honest, the man was a beast. His rebounding numbers are off the charts and he led the NBA in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons. However, he was a bit one-dimensional, and someone like Artis Gilmore, who has been passed over again and again, was more of a complete player and put up better overall numbers. So I think Rodman should make it in, but if I had my way, Gilmore would have made it in before him."

This isn't the first time I make my case for Gilmore. Last year I also wrote about the travesty of an NBA and ABA great like Gilmore not making it into the hall.

After a career like that, you almost have to question the committee. How can a player that accomplished so much on the collegiate level, in the ABA and the NBA, not get a single vote?

You could say he never won a title, but neither did several other Hall-of-Famers, including recent inductee Karl Malone. Maybe it was his low-key, no hype personality, like current Spur Tim Duncan, but regardless of his personality, his numbers and accolades can speak for him more than he will.

To read the rest of my answers, and the panel's answers, to the other big questions, make sure to visit Hoops Manifesto. 

The San Antonio Spurs picked up their 50th win of the season last night in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With over a month left in the regular season, they have already matched last season's win total.

George Hill, who struggled in his first start for the injured Tony Parker against Memphis, must have shaken off any remaining rust on his way to 22 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal all scored in double figures for the Spurs while former Spur Alonzo Gee put up 18 for the Cavaliers.

With the win, the Spurs are now 5.5 games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is also just 10 wins away from eclipsing Red Auerbach for second place in most coaching wins with one team. 

In Retrospect

Jeff Garcia spoke to Glenn Moore of the Dugout Sports Show before the game. He had this to say about last night's game:

"With Tony Parker out, I want to see Ramon Sessions play well against the Spurs. Also, I want to see Hickson bang around with a guy like Blair. The Cavs have been giving up a lot of offensive rebounds to their opponents. If the Cavs can get fast break points and control the glass, they have a chance. I say the magic continues in Cleveland and they beat the Spurs, 109-105."

Quoteable

"As long as TP is out, that is what he is going to have to do. He will have to accept that role and give us some fire from that position" - Tim Duncan on George Hill.

In Black and White

Spurs bounce back against Cavs (San Antonio Express-News).

San Antonio Easily Dismisses Cleveland (Cleveland Plain Dealer).

Fantasy Focus

If George Hill is sitting on the waiver wire, grab him now. He struggled in his first game, but I don't foresee that happening again. He is seeing a major increase in playing time since Tony Parker is out and the Spurs will be counting on him to deliver. His 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and field goal percentage should help in several categories and, while it wasn't the case last night, he's known to be very accurate on his corner threes.

Cavs forward Samardo Samuels is definitely one to put on your watch list. He was promoted to the starting lineup prior to last night's game and he did not disappoint. Samuels finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and while I don't expect him to consistently put up those kinds of points, he's had big nights when given decent minutes and will have more opportunities now as a starter. 

The Four Factors

 

• The San Antonio Spurs were in contention to sign free agent swing man Corey Brewer but it appears he will be heading to the Dallas Mavericks:

Free-agent-to-be Corey Brewer -- armmed with financial packages from the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Mavericks -- is close to signing a contract with the Mavs. Dallas, according to a source, is expected to give Brewer a three-year contract in excess of $7 million once he clears waivers Thursday. (sportsblogs.star-telegram.com)

• In last night's Spurs' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Grizzlies' Marc Gasol was ejected for pointing to the big screen above the court. Check out the video.

• Mavericks, Jason Kidd spoke on how much Dallas must play  consistent basketball with the Spurs playing so well:

"This was another dress rehearsal for the playoffs," said point guard Jason Kidd, who got the 107th triple-double of his career. "San Antonio is playing extremely well. So are the Lakers. We have to keep playing consistent basketball, especially as we get closer to the playoffs." (americanchronicle.com)

• Who is the NBA 2011 Coach of the year? NBA.com discussed many candidates but Spurs' Gregg Popovich took most of the votes. Here is a sample:

Fran Blinebury: Gregg Popovich.  The annual flaw in the Coach of the Year voting is that it rarely goes to the guy whose teams finishes with the best record in the league.  It seems he’s expected to be a big winner. Well, virtually nobody that I saw in any preseason predictions expected the Spurs to finish with the No. 1 record in the league.  Pop has rejuvenated Richard Jefferson, remade his offense, still complains about his defense and he’s got the Spurs sailing along with the best record while the Heat, Lakers, Magic, Knicks, etc have drawn all the headlines.

• The WNBA will announce that San Antonio will host the next WNBA All-Star game:

The WNBA All-Star game will be played on July 23 at the AT&T Center, multiple sources have told the San Antonio Express-News.

WNBA, Spurs Sports & Entertainment and county officials are expected to make the announcement at an 11 a.m. news conference Thursday at the AT&T Center, site of the game. (Express News)

Hit the jump to read about the Sacramento Kings memorable moments which involve the Spurs, Boston Celtics fans keeping an eye on the Spurs, a new episode of Fundamentals with Coach "B," and more.

The San Antonio Spurs have called up Othyus Jeffers from the Iowa Energy of the D-League according to his teammate Courtney Sims:

Jeffers is a 6-5 guard-forward and has averaged 21.2 points, 9 rebounds, 48% shooting and 3.1 assists with the Energy. In his rookie year with Iowa, he was named to the 2009 D-League All-Star Game, having averaged 19.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

He played with the Utah Jazz on two 10-day contracts last season and played well enough to finish out the season with the Jazz. The Jazz waived Jeffers six days prior to the start of this season.

With the San Antonio Spurs facing the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, here are some pregame thoughts from head coach Gregg Popovich on the Cavaliers, last night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, former Spur Alonzo Gee and more.

Here are the pregame thoughts from Cavaliers coach Byron Scott.

(video Glenn Moore, Dug Out Sports Show)