The San Antonio Spurs (35-6) will look to start the second half of the season off on the right foot as they host the Toronto Raptors (13-28).

The Spurs are currently on a six game winning streak and sit atop of the NBA standings with the best record in the league. The Raptors will look to snap their four game losing streak tonight in San Antonio but it will prove to be a daunting task facing the NBA's best team.

To talk about tonight's matchup, I turn to fellow Bloguin blogger Sean at Hoop Heads North a fantastic site for all things Raptors.

In this Q&A we talk about the state of the Raptors after the departure of Chris Bosh, the addition of Leandro Barbosa for Toronto, tonight's contest and much more.

Jeff: This is a question I'm sure you heard over and over but how big of an impact has the loss of Chris Bosh been to the Raptors franchise and is it safe to say the franchise is in a rebuilding phase?

Sean: The loss of Chris Bosh has definitely been huge. There is no way you can immediately replace 24 points and 10 rebounds in your line up. So, this has forced the Raptors organization to rebuild and assess the youth and draft picks they have. The next 6 months will be very interesting time for the Raptors organization - the trade deadline, the NBA entry draft, expiring contracts and the Bosh-trade exception must be used by then. The team will no doubt have a brand new look for the start of the 2011-2012 season.
 
Speaking of losses, Hedo Turkoglu was a flop and was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Leandro Barbosa. Granted Barbosa recently got injured but how do you asses the trade?

At face value, one would look at Hedo's production in Orlando and Leandro's production in Toronto and say "Why would you make that trade?". But we all know that Hedo was not a leader in Toronto, on or off the court - he essentially played when he wanted to play. Colangelo had no choice but to move him. In addition to that, Hedo's numbers in Phoenix, after being initially traded from the Toronto, were pedestrian at best. Leandro Barbosa on the other hand has come in and given the Raptors veteran leadership and he's been willing to help younger players like Bayless, Weems, DeRozan, and Gaines. Unfortunately Leandro continues to be plagued by injury, but as far as the dynamic in the locker room and off the court, Leandro has been a great fit.
 
Andrea Bargnani just seems to not develop a more consistent game. One game is looks great and in another he can't get things going. Now with Bosh gone, do the Rators need more out of Bargnani or is this the best we will see out of him?

I don't think Andrea Bargnani will ever be a franchise player, he just does not seem to have the personality build for that kind of role or responsibility. Overall I have been happy with Bargnani's play this season, but you are right - there are times or games where he isn't able to have the impact the organization and fans alike want him to have. I think the moves the Raptors make between now and July will definitely be focused on trying to bring in another player who can create his own shot and be effective in the clutch, who can help take the pressure off of Bargnani and while still allowing players like DeRozan to continue to grow.
 
Let's talk tonight's matchup. The Raptors are a very young squad facing a battled tested Spurs squad. What should the Raptors do to escape San Antonio with a win?

The Raptors MUST commit to the defensive end of the floor. They pulled out a huge win in Texas the last time they were there against Dallas, and if not for a poor third quarter effort against Houston the game may have ended differently. But it all comes from a commitment to giving 100% on the defensive end.
 
What matchup would you tell Spurs and Raptors fans to keep an eye on? Also, what's your prediction for tonight's game?

I think the matchup between DeRozan & George Hill should be an interesting one - two young players continuing to solidify themselves in the league and make a presence felt on their team. If I was a betting man, I'd put my wager on the Spurs, but if the Raptors play solid defense that they are capable of (we've seen stretches of games this season!) then the Raptors could pull the upset in a very close game.

On Episode 235 of the Spurscast, Jeff and I talk about the week in San Antonio Spurs games, which included wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets. We discussed some of the positives and a few areas for improvement.

As part of our midseason review, we discussed some of the surprises and disappointments of the first half of the season and what the Spurs could improve on in the second half along with our predictions.

To get an outsider's perspective on the team, we were joined by John Karalis of Reds Army, who said he believed all the hype he heard about the Spurs early in the season, but pointed out some weaknesses, particularly the need for some help up front, if the Spurs are going to make a late season run.

The Spurscast. The original San Antonio Spurs podcast.

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You just stumbled upon this article. You’re sitting there, reading right now. PAUSE! Go outside, quick! You walk outside and see the “DeLorean car” parked from ‘Back To The Future.’ Do you see it? Well, I need you to get inside and set the date for October 12, 2010. Done?

Lightning flashes around the sky, as Doc Brown tells you to begin accelerating at 88 mph. You hit 88 mph and BAM! You’re back in 2010. You get out of the DeLorean, hide it and walk into an emphatic arena. The basketball court is bright red and there are thousands of fans cheering on, as the Spurs and Clippers are in a close game. You ask a fan “Where am I?” The fan replies “Estas en Mexico!” You then realize; you’re in Mexico City for a San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Clippers preseason game.

You look down at the court, the Clippers score a late basket to make it Clippers 99, Spurs 97. Coach Pop calls a timeout. He hands the clipboard to Manu Ginobili, Manu gathers the team around and draws up a play. With seven seconds left in the ball game, the Spurs pass to Gary Neal; he quickly passes it to Bobby Simmons, then Simmons throws it back to him. Neal dribbles around in between the top of the key three-point line, on the right side and hoists up a 3-pointer. Swish! Gary Neal hits a game winner and the Spurs win 100-99! Mexico is going wild! Now, pinch yourself and wake up! That was just a dream! But watch out, Gary Neal, is real!

The San Antonio Spurs acquired three rookies at the beginning of the season, with strong hopes for two of them: Tiago Splitter (big name coming in), James Anderson (drafted in the first round) and Gary Neal (wait, who?). With half the season in the books, let’s see how these three rookies have panned out thus far.

The Brazilian (I haven’t really earned a nickname yet) Big Man
 
In the summer, the Spurs learned they were going to be able to finally bring in Tiago Splitter from overseas. Hype had begun building. Phrases like: “He’s a mixture of Scola and Oberto,” “he’s going to score in the post so Timmy can rest,” and “he’s the big man of the future for the Spurs” were all ramblings to be heard from everywhere. Splitter came in with the title of “Best Big Man in Europe, not in the NBA.” He arrived, and immediately got hurt in training camp. He missed both training camp and the preseason games. He made his NBA debut against the Clippers and scored two points and one rebound.

His second game showed Spurs fans a glimpse of what he could be. Against the Phoenix Suns, Tiago poured in seven points and three rebounds in limited action. Seven points and three rebounds looked decent but it wasn’t the production Tiago would consistently give.

Let’s look at some of his numbers to dig down a little further.

Current stat line: 30 games, 11 mpg, FG 50%, FT 61%, 2.5 rbd, .33 blk, .60 TO, 1.6PF, 4.2 ppg.

So, all this hype coming in, and we have a guy only playing eleven minutes while providing four points and three rebounds? What happened to the Luis Scola correlation? Where’s the Fabricio Oberto passing and rebounding ability?

Now let’s look at how he’s played against nine good teams (Orlando, Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans, Portland, Utah, Oklahoma City)

Against good teams: 8.9 mpg, 2.3 rbd, 3.1 ppg.

Now, let’s look at his production through the months:

November: 12 mpg, 5 ppg, 3 rbd.

December: 10 mpg, 4 ppg, 2 rbd.

January: 11 mpg, 4 ppg, 2 rbd.

As you can see, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is only giving him about eleven minutes per game. That is his only chance to try and make an impact for the coaches to see.

What’s wrong?

As I’ve watched Splitter this season, he looks really confused on the defensive end. He just doesn’t look comfortable out there. He always looks one step slower than the rest of the team. On the offensive end, when he catches the ball he always looks confused as to whether to pass it or post his defender.

Is there any hope for the future?

Yes, Splitter has shown some bright spots in his game. He had a career high against Cleveland with 18 points in 26 minutes. He’s reached 10+ points four times (18 pts vs Cleveland, 12 pts vs. Golden State, 12 pts vs. Denver, 11 pts vs. Orlando).

Also, you do need to understand he’s not getting the playing time due to: Matt Bonner shooting lights out, Duncan being Duncan, DeJuan Blair having big games every other night and Antonio McDyess being as consistent as usual. So with the other four big guys playing at a high level, it’s hard for Tiago, let alone any big guy, to get some minutes on this Spurs team. Here’s how Tiago might get some playing time: if the Spurs can stay hot and gain a huge lead on the second team in the league, I think Pop will begin to rest Duncan and McDyess even more. With more playing time, Tiago will have his chance to show off his talents right before the playoffs.

Let's also not forget, Splitter came into the NBA playing a lot over the summer with the Brazilian National Team, suffered nagging injuries before the injury in training camp and played deep into the Spanish Finals.

My Call

I believe Splitter is a year away from being an effective big man on this team. If he does play in April, he’ll just be an extra body to rack up fouls against the Lakers, Mavericks, Celtics and Magic. But for this season, looking at how his monthly average has stayed the same, I don’t really see him being much of an impact. Post play will go as far as Duncan, McDyess, Blair and Bonner hold it down.

Ahhhhh, Mr. Anderson………. (Matrix Voice) 

The San Antonio Spurs' D-League affiliate the Austin Toros continue to give fans a glimpse of life in the D-League with Toros' guard Squeaky Johnson's "Squeak TV" episode three. Enjoy!

• The San Antonio Spurs have maintained their status as the best team in the NBA and it seems they are finally getting the respect they deserve:

While we've all been busy jumping on, off, and back on the Miami Heat bandwagon with one eye on the Carmelo Anthony saga, something strange and different -- yet not very new at all -- has defined the first half of the 2010-11 NBA season.

It's a team with a core and philosophy that's been plugging along for more than a decade now, just winning games, and more than occasionally, championships. They're not interesting or controversial, and hardly ever lead the Hoopshype rumors page. They're just good.

Better than everybody else, in fact. They're the San Antonio Spurs. (source cbssports.com)

• Express News' Tim Griffin looks at the historical counterparts to the Spurs' Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili

• If you happen to be in California, former Spur Bruce Bowen will be at his alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, to give a speech:

Former Cal State Fullerton star Bruce Bowen, a three-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, will speak at Saturday's Titan Hoop Club Chalk Talk before the CSF-UC Santa Barbara hoop game at Titan Gym. Admission is free. Event starts at 4 p.m. in the University Village dining hall (Yorba Linda Boulevard and Oxford Avenue). Bowen is in his second year as an ESPN basketball commentator. (source ocregister.com)

• The Onion once again has fun with Tim Duncan:

Spurs center Tim Duncan confirmed Monday that since he had not put off answering e-mails once during the entire year, 2010 would mark the fifth consecutive year he had held true to his New Year's resolution. "In 2006, I vowed to cut down on the sodium in my diet, and in 2007, I promised myself I would win another NBA championship and finally visit Denmark," said Duncan, adding that 2009's resolution to "loosen up and have more fun" was achieved by auditing a sociology course at the University of Texas at San Antonio. "2008 was hard, but on Dec. 31, I finally built up enough courage to talk to [AT&T Center concession-stand worker] Erin [Matthews]." This year, the 12-time All-Star has resolved to start cooking for himself more and to put more thought into the gifts he gives. (source onionsportsnetwork.com)

A pesar de las dos derrotas que sufrieron los Spurs a principios de año contra los New York Knicks y los Celtics de Boston, los Spurs han logrado mantenerse en primer lugar con un total de 35 victorias y 6 derrotas.

Iniciamos nuestro repaso con el primer juego de los Spurs contra los Timberwolves para este año 2011.  El juego tomo lugar el pasado domingo, 9 de enero en casa de los Spurs.  El juego fue bastante emocionante ya que ambos equipos no daban su brazo a torcer, poniendo todo de su parte para vencer a su oponente. Afortunadamente para los Spurs, Manu Ginobili ayudo a derrotar a los Timberwolves con 21 puntos mientras Gary Neal fue sacado de la banca para mostrar sus habilidades en la cancha aportando a la puntuación final con 13 puntos al igual que Richard Jefferson. La puntacion final fue 91-94 esto a favor de los Spurs. 

Y dos días después, el martes, 11 de enero, se enfrentaron los Spurs por segunda vez consecutiva a los Timberwolves de Minnesota, saliendo victoriosos nuevamente 107-96. Para este juego nuestro mas grande contribuidor fue Manu Ginobili con 19 puntos, 9 rebotes, y 6 asistencias. La defensa de los Spurs durante este juego fue fenomenal ya que lograron mantener a los Timberwolves con un bajo porcentaje de tiro de 37.8.

Bueno y justo al siguiente día, el miércoles 12 de enero, los Spurs se confrontaron ante los Milwaukee Bucks, haciendo de este encuentro todo un triunfo.  Aunque al inicio y hasta el tercer cuarto del juego para los Milwaukee Bucks este juego parecía ser un triunfo seguro, los Spurs se recuperaron sin obstáculo alguno durante el ultimo cuarto del juego logrando así derrotar a los Bucks por 7 puntos 91-84.  Nuevamente para este juego nuestro mayor contribuidor fue Manu Ginobili luciendose con 23 puntos, mientras realmente quien se lucio con su empeño sensacional fue Matt Bonner, ya que se lucio con 17 puntos, logrando 7 canastas, 3 de ellas de 3 puntos.

Continuamos con el juego de los Spurs contra los Mavericks de Dallas que tomo lugar el viernes 14 de enero. El juego fue bastante predecible ya que los Spurs mantuvieron siempre la delantera aprovechando la ausencia continua de Dirk Nowitzki de los Mavericks debido a una lesión de rodilla.  Lamentablemente para los Mavericks, su intento de recuperación durante el ultimo cuarto del juego fue en vano, ya que finalmente fueron derrotados por los Spurs 101-89.  Tony Parker y Dejuan Blair anotaron 18 puntos cada uno mientras Tim Duncan tampoco se quedo atrás aportando a la puntuación final con 16 puntos.  Para Dejuan Blair estos 18 puntos contribuidos fueron su puntuación mas alta de la temporada anadiendo también 13 rebotes y 4 asistencias.

Por ultimo los Spurs se presentaron ante los Nuggets de Denver el domingo pasado, 16 de enero, donde Tony Parker puso todo de su parte para ayudar a su equipo con 30 puntos llevando a los Spurs a su victoria numero 35. El marcador final fue de 97-110, esto claro a favor de los Spurs.

Bueno amigos, yo con esto me despido. No olviden mantenerse actualizados en nuestra pagina Projectspurs.com a diario. Nuestra próxima enfrentacion será ante los Raptors de Toronto, así es que ya saben, aquí los esperamos con la mejor cobertura del juego.  Les deseo un feliz inicio de semana.

So raise your hand if you had the San Antonio Spurs crossing the halfway point in the season with the best record in the NBA. Sir, sir, .....put your hand down.

The Spurs have been operating like the proverbial well-oiled machine. The offensive spacing and decision making has been, to put it simply, the best in the NBA. The Spurs' offensive system is much like a classic college basketball program with a well established coach at the helm. The system wins the team games as much as talent does.

For example, players like Gary Neal and Matt Bonner, are hitting big three-point shots every night because the system is operating at a high level. The system relies on a delicate balance of a number of factors relying on each other to get someone a relatively high percentage shot every time down the floor. It relies on constant movement and moving in space. Slashing and cutting and keeping the defense off balance. It works effectively on most possessions.That's the beauty of the Spurs' system. You can plug in two guys like Bonner and Neal who 29 other General Managers would pass up but possess discernible skills to Pop which make his system run.

That's the story of the season. Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich's system has all its necessary parts moving together again. This isn't just about getting everyone back healthy again, though that is a major factor. Having Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobilli and Tony Parker all healthy is necessary to make the system run. They are the straw that stirs the drink so to speak.

But Pop's system needs a good wing player to play tough defense and hit open three-point shots. Most good teams have a killer wing player who can light you up if you have no one who can compete with them physically. You need a good defensive wing player to slow them down, and if you are a wing player and can't hit a open three, you aren't playing for Pop. The Spurs haven't had these things in one player since Bruce Bowen was terrifying every wing player in the league. 

Now the Spurs have the arrival of the new and improved Richard Jefferson. But his journey to this point hasn't been without bumps. Richard Jefferson was a absolute train wreck last year. Watching him play last year was like watching a car slide down a ice covered hill. You had no idea what was going to happen. After a summer of completely fine tuning his game with Pop, from getting proper form on his shot to really learning the ins and outs of the offense, he is playing committed, aggressive, defense and makes great decisions on offense. His three-point percentage is at a career high and he fits this offense like a glove. His cohesiveness with Manu and Tony makes it seem like he's been with the team 10 years. Jefferson gives them a big, athletic, wing player to throw at Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant or Shawn Marion. A player with his multitude of skills who accepts such a gritty, thankless role is very rare in this league. Without his emergence, the Spurs would not be on this record-setting pace. The Spurs have found the wing player they have been lacking in recent years probably since Sean Elliott. His improved play on both ends of the floor have as much to do with the Spurs being legitimate contenders as any other factor on this team.

Like any great coach he will tweak his system according to need. Pop's offense is reliant upon optimum efficiency. Like Kenny Smith on TNT said and I'm paraphrasing ''The Spurs system is relying on you to take dumb shots because they are going to take good shots every time down the court.''  With Timmy slowing down, Popovich saw the best way to get good shots and run the most efficient offense possible was to give the keys to the offense to the guards. Manu and Tony dictate the offense now. Henceforth, the Spurs became one of the highest scoring teams in the NBA. The conservative and methodical offensive philosophy is gone. Now it's slashing and dashing guards getting into the paint. It's outlet passes from Timmy and getting out and running. The offense operates at a feverish and at times risk taking pace. Point blank, it's the most exciting Spurs team fans seen in close to two decades, and it's highly efficient. Without this necessary style change, the Spurs would be stuck in that 6-8 playoff seed range, if that. The Spurs needed this if they wanted to kick open that window of opportunity a little wider for a run at the title.

Midway into the season and the San Antonio Spurs (35-6) continue their winning ways to the surprise of many.

With winning streaks of 12 and 10, sitting atop the NBA standings, a much improved offensive attack, and only suffering a two-game losing streak, Spurs fans might think this team would receive high marks at the midseason.

However, there is some room for improvement and concerns heading into the second half of the season.

In the meantime, just how well did the Spurs play in the first half of the season? To answer that question, let's see how the Spurs fared as I hand out my midseason grades for the Spurs by position.

Point Guard

Tony Parker is having one of the best seasons in his NBA career, he is facilitating and leading the Spurs' offensive attack and is having a career high (6.9 apg) in the assists department. George Hill has improved on the defensive end and is making a case for the Sixth Man of the Year award while rookie Gary Neal has made the Spurs' bench stronger and has been a pleasant surprise so far. Midseason Grade: A+

Shooting Guard

Manu Ginobili is playing like an MVP and is currently leading the Spurs in scoring and steals (18.9 ppg and 1.8 spg). The only problem is there isn't much depth and the shooting guard position. George Hill is splitting time between the point guard and shooting guard spots and rookie James Anderson had a good start to his NBA career earlier this season before getting injured. Midseason Grade: A
Small Forward

Stats wise, there is little difference between Richard Jefferson's first and second seasons. However, he is more consistent on both ends of the floor and is shooting better from the field while having a career-high (42.4%) in three-point shooting percentage.

Likewise, the Spurs have no consistent backup at the small forward position, they started the season with Bobby Simmons, and Alonzo Gee as backup small forwards and then later on turned to Ime Udoka before getting released by the team. However, they recently signed Larry Owens from the D-League to backup Jefferson. Midseason Grade: B

Power Forward

Surprisingly, the Spurs have used the same starting lineup all season unlike last season when Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich had numerous starting lineups. 

First off, I know Tim Duncan has always been considered a power forward but this year more than ever, it is clear that Duncan is the Spurs' only legitimate center despite starting at the power forward position. Duncan is a having a career low in points, rebounds and minutes but he can still bring it on a given night.

Matt Bonner is also helping out as the teams' "stretch 4" and is shooting a career best 50.4% from behind the arc. Antonio McDyess is also been productive off the bench in limited minutes. As for getting the job done and effort, the Spurs power forward rotation may have exceeded expectations. The problem? The Spurs could have matchup problems in a playoff series because of their lack of size at this position. Midseason Grade: B+

Center

DeJuan Blair has had an up-and-down season since being named as the starting center for the Spurs but has done a pretty good job recently. Let's not forget he is the smallest starting center in the NBA which could be an issue going forward in the NBA season.

Rookie Tiago Splitter still can't get consistent playing time and hasn't panned out as expected. Yes, the Spurs are winning with this frontline rotation in the regular season, but they can do better. Midseason Grade: C+ 

Overall, the Spurs have done an excellent job during the first half of the season but that doesn't mean their work is done. This team has some room to improve and maybe adding a rotation player or two will help them towards a strong second half push and bring that needed momentum heading into the 2011 playoffs.

What do you think? Agree with these grades? Leave us your thoughts.

• Express News' Tim Griffin reports Matt Bonner was out of the San Antonio Spurs' practice and Tiago Splitter is OK after his fall off a dunk late in last night's game against the Denver Nuggets:

Spurs forward Matt Bonner missed his second practice in two days as he recovers from a bone bruise on his right knee.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said that there is no immediate rush to get Bonner back into practice as the Spurs prepare for Wednesday’s game against Toronto.

But Tiago Splitter was back at practice after sustaining a wicked fall, landing on his rear end after a dunk in the final seconds of the Spurs’ victory over Denver Sunday night.

• Here is what Spurs' Manu Ginobili had to say about beating the Denver Nuggets:

• Here is some food for thought from NBA.com's 24-Second thoughts:

Meanwhile, here's a scary thought about the "boring Spurs" in the West: Only twice in the eight seasons since they moved into the AT&T have the Spurs (35-6) lost more games in the second half of the season than the first.

• For the first time since Tim Duncan's rookie season, Duncan will not be a starter for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. Here is what he had to say about it:

• Speaking of the NBA All-Star Game, the Sports Jury picks Manu Ginobili over Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant for the 2011 All-Star Game:

Kobe Bryant will suit up to start his 13th-straight NBA All-Star game this coming February while Spurs stalwart Manu Ginobili rides the bench or quite possibly sits out altogether as Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, and Steve Nash are certain to garner votes from the coaches after fan-voting is finalized.

I’m here to tell you that something is slightly wrong with the above and while you may not agree with what I have to say I hope to enlighten the folks out there who want Kobe to start simply because, you know, he’s Kobe Bryant.

I firmly believe Manu Ginobili deserves to start in the 2011 NBA All-Star game over everyone mentioned above including one Kobe Bean Bryant.

• Hoops Manifesto did its weekly NBA Big Questions and here is who they picked for Coach of the Year and if the Spurs will make the 2011 NBA Finals:

Gregg Popovich, Spurs- The Spurs were supposed to be over the hill, yet Popovich has them cruising with the best record in the NBA.  This despite Tim Duncan contributing the least (statistically) he has in his whole career.  A fantastic job by Pop thus far. - Jeff Fox

Gregg Popovich, Spurs - San Antonio's title teams were known for vicious defense, and a precise, exacting offense. They were a slow-paced team that not many people wanted to watch. So how did he transform this team into the run and gun Spurs that have the best record in the NBA? Gregg Popovich is that good. - Philip

And who did they pick to make the NBA Finals?

Boston over San Antonio - Celtics to get past the Heat in the conference finals and defeat the Spurs for banner #18. - brumbygg

• Hoops Manifesto also ranked the Spurs' "Big 3" of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan as the sixth best trio in the NBA:

• With-Malice picks which teams will make it to tne 2011 NBA Finals and Spurs fans may not like what they had to say:

NBA Finals...
Don: Boston vs LA. The Lakers complete history and get the three-peat.
Rob: Celtics to get past the Heat in the conference finals and defeat the Spurs for banner #18.

In case you missed it, in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter in last night's San Antonio Spurs-Denver Nuggets game, Spurs' rookie Tiago Splitter had a dunk which ended in him falling to the court hard.

First, thank goodness he didn't end up hurting himself with that fall. It was very reminiscent of the dunk which led to Milwaukee Bucks' Andrew Bogut's elbow injury. 

Second, I was talking with John Karalis of Reds Army and we both agreed this was totally unnecessary by Splitter. If you look at the video, the Spurs were up by 11 points (108-97) with about 18 seconds left in the game when Splitter got the ball. The smart thing Splitter should have done was simply dribble the ball and let the game clock expire. The game was already a win for the Spurs yet he risked injury and it could have been seen by the Nuggets as Splitter rubbing it in. Got to be smarter on the court Splitter!