The San Antonio Spurs (4-1) are on a roll winning three straight games. The latest was a 124-121 thrilling overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. They will try to it make four straight when they visit the Charlotte Bobcats (1-5) who are coming off a tough 91-88 home loss to the Orlando Magic.

The Bobcats are still winless at home after two games and will try to avoid 0-3 start at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Gerald Wallace is playing well as of late, he scored 25 points and grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds in the game against the Magic.

The Spurs look to build on their early momentum and will have to execute better down the stretch. Despite being 4-1, the Spurs still have a lot to improve on both ends of the floor. Especially on the defensive end. Saturday's overtime win over the short-handed Rockets confirmed that.

The San Antonio Spurs are 10-2 all-time against the Charlotte Bobcats.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense -- It will be key for the Spurs to establish their inside game early on and their outside shooters has to be ready to take the open shots with Duncan being doubled often on the inside. Tony Parker's play-making ability must again anchor the Spurs' offensive attack.

Defense -- The Bobcats are a physical team so it will be key for the Spurs to defend the passing lanes and limit Charlotte's dribble penetrations.

BOBCATS:

Offense -- The Bobcats may not be scoring a lot of points but this team have plenty of fire power. Entering this game, five Bobcats are averaging in double figures.

Defense -- It will be key for Bobcats to set the tone on defense, if they can slow down Duncan in the paint that will help a lot. However, they still have be wary about the Spurs passing and perimeter game with Parker, Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson on the backcourt.

INJURIES

Spurs -- George Hill - trapezius muscle (day-to-day), Matt Bonner - sprained right ankle (out). 

Bobcats -- Kwame Brown - ankle (out)

PREDICTION: The Spurs will try their best to extend their winning streak to four games, but the Bobcats are a physical team that plays tough defense and will try to win their first home game of the season. Both teams will be equally motivated to win this one, but the Spurs will come out victorious in another close game.

The San Antonio Spurs needed to work overtime to put away a scrappy Houston Rockets team that played without Yao Ming.

The Rockets (0-5) decided to rest Ming against the Spurs to preserve him for their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Spurs (4-1) caught a break when Houston lost starters Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin to left ankle sprains.

Still, it was a win in the end, with that let's check out the numbers that stood out in this game.

85.7 - The Rockets took care of their free throws, making 18-21 (85.7%) shots for the game. The Spurs did not fare very well from the foul line, converting just 17-25 (68.0%) of their free throws.

50 - Even without Yao Ming the Rockets managed to dominate inside the paint outscoring the Spurs 50-42, with 20 points coming from Luis Scola.

45 - The Rockets hit their outside shots, connecting on 9-20 (45%) from behind the arc. The Spurs weren't that bad from the three-point line either, making 9-21 (42.9%) of their 3-point attempts, including 4-5 from Richard Jefferson.

38 - For the second straight game the Spurs' reserves were owned by their counterparts. The Rockets' bench outscored the Spurs' second unit 38-28.

28 - Manu Ginobili had a game-high 28 points, including a jumper that forced the game into overtime. The Spurs also continued to share the ball well and finished with 28 assists, fourteen coming from Tony Parker.

27 - The Spurs' running game seemed to be effective, they had 27 fast break points against the Rockets' 18.

24 - Martin led the Rockets with 24 points despite playing only 23 minutes.

22 - Richard Jefferson continues to be efficient and productive, he added 22 points and 3 rebounds from the Spurs while shooting 8-13 (61.5%) from the field and 4-5 (80%) from behind the arc.

11 - After committing 23 turnovers against the Phoenix Suns, the Spurs took care of the ball this time and only had 11 turnovers for the entire game.  They also had 11 steals, including five from Tony Parker. The Rockets only have five steals as a team.

10 - George Hill came back to the Spurs' lineup and scored 10 points, added five rebounds, two assists and a steal in 23 minutes of action.

7 - Tony Parker had a great all-around game, he had 21 points, 14 assists and five steals against the Rockets. More importantly, he scored 7 of the Spurs' 11 in overtime.

0 - Tim Duncan did not commit a single turnover in 38 minutes of action, he had 19 points, 11 boards, 3 assists, three blocks and a steal for the night. Chase Budinger went 0-5 from the field against the Spurs and the Rockets remain winless after five games.

Rookie Watch: Gary Neal had five points off the bench but only shot 2-9 from the field. Tiago Splitter had two points and two rebounds in 11 minutes of action. Rookie James Anderson did not play against the Rockets as he returned to his hometown of Junction City, Arkansas to be with his fiancee during the birth of their daughter.

What's Next? The Spurs will hit the road once again when they visit the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday.

The San Antonio Spurs will try to extend their winning streak to three games and look to match their best start since 2007-2008 season when they host the Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

The Rockets (0-4) remain surprisingly winless after four games and are coming off a 107-99 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. The same team that handed the Spurs their first regular season defeat.

The Spurs (3-1) are slowly getting their rhythm and will try to build momentum from an exciting 112-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets are a gritty team and are controlling the boards. They are averaging 45.3 rebounds after four games, compared to the Spurs who are only averaging 40.0 rebounds per ball game. However, the Rockets have to focus on defense. They have allowed an average of 114.5 points per game in their first four outings.

George Hill could be available for the game after missing the game in Phoenix because of a trapezius muscle injury in the second quarter due to a flagrant-foul 2 by Los Angeles Clippers' Craig Smith. It will be interesting to see on how the Spurs will manage DeJuan Blair and Tiago Splitter's minutes against Houston Rockets' imposing frontline with Yao Ming and Luis Scola.

The division rivals have split their last eight meetings in San Antonio. Houston Rockets' leading scorer Kevin Martin will play his first game in San Antonio in a Rockets uniform.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense -- Tim Duncan will need more help in the middle against the taller Rockets. It also means that the Spurs' outside shooters need to be sharp in this game to open their inside game. Richard Jefferson, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker's dribble penetrations will also be key.

Defense -- The Rockets have a solid inside and outside game. This will be a good test for the Spurs defense. They need to battle it out on the boards and try to limit the Rockets inside production. Also containing Martin and limiting Aaron Brooks' play-making ability will help. Can you say perimeter defense wanted for this game?

ROCKETS:

Offense -- The Rockets have a good inside and outside combo in Scola and Martin but they also have a lot of offensive weapons. Entering this game, five Rockets are averaging in double figures.

Defense -- It will be key for Houston to take away the Spurs' inside game, but they also have to be wary of the Spurs' outside shooters and passing game. They Spurs are currently 3rd in assist in the NBA, averaging 25.8 dimes per ball game. Another note is, for as much as the offensive power the Rockets have at the guard position with Brooks and Martin, both are not known for defense which is something the Spurs should take advantage of.

INJURIES

Spurs -- George Hill - trapezius muscle (day-to-day), Matt Bonner - sprained right ankle (out). 

Rockets -- Brad Miller - ankle (day-to-day)

PREDICTION: The Rockets might be winless in four games but that doesn't necessarily mean they are a weak team. They will try their hardest to get their first victory of the season. However, the Spurs will be equally determined to get another win on their home floor. This should be another close game and defense will be the key. The Spurs will extend their winning streak to three games and keep the Rockets winless after five games.

In episode 228 of the Spurscast, Michael and Jeff talk about the first four games of the season. The San Antonio Spurs went 3-1 with wins coming against all but New Orleans.

We talked about how the new players are faring, Richard Jefferson's emergence in the last few games, Tiago Splitter's debut, Tony Parker's extension and give thanks to former Spur Fabricio Oberto who retired from the NBA this week among other Spurs news.

The Spurscast. The first and original Spurs podcast.

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The San Antonio Spurs have signed guard Chris Quinn and at the same time released forward Bobby Simmons from the team:

The Spurs signed PG Chris Quinn on Friday, coach Gregg Popovich told the San Antonio Express-News. They released SF Bobby Simmons to make room for him. (source Express News)

Quinn has spent time with the Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets recently. More than likely he was signed due to George Hill being injured. An insurance move.

Simmons rarely received playing time while with the Spurs which was probably a sign he was not going to last long with the team.

As for the back-up small-forward position, seems the Spurs are more than comfortable using James Anderson to back-up Richard Jefferson. Could the move also make way for playing time for Alonzo Gee?

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Richard Jefferson is a man on a mission.

After agreeing to a restructured deal with the San Antonio Spurs in the offseason, he dedicated his time over the summer to work and improve his game.

Four games into his second season with the Spurs and it seems Jefferson's offseason regimen is paying off. He currently leads the team in scoring at 20 points per game, and is shooting 65.9 percent from the field, including 53.3% from behind the three-point line.

If there is any doubt he has regained his old form, his performance against the Phoenix Suns could keep skeptics on hold. Jefferson scored 28 points, made all of his six shot attempts in the final quarter, including four 3-pointers that turned the game into the Spurs' favor. The result was a thrilling finish with the Spurs winning it 112-110 in Phoenix.

When Jefferson arrived in San Antonio a year ago, the Spurs and their fans had high hopes and expectations for the team. However, Jefferson was inconsistent during his first year with the Spurs and finished the season averaging 12.3 points per game. His lowest scoring average since his rookie year.

However, with one year under his belt with the Spurs' complex system, Jefferson appears to have exorcised the ghosts which haunted him in his previous season with San Antonio. Last year, Jefferson looked hesitant and at times seemed lost on the floor. This season he looked more confident, focused and aggressive. And he knows when and where to pick his spots.

He chose to stay with the Spurs, improved his game and is trying to prove his doubters wrong.

It's still early in the season, four games are too few to tell how will Jefferson's sophomore year as a Spur will end up. Nonetheless it has been a good start and if his early rebound continues, then the Spurs will be a tougher team to beat in the NBA.

Former San Antonio Spurs center Fabricio Oberto has announced he will retire from the NBA due to health issues:

Portland Trail Blazers center Fabricio Oberto has announced his retirement from basketball due to recurrent palpitations stemming from a prior cardiac condition.

"I made this decision to put my health and my family in front of basketball," Oberto said. "It was a tough decision to make after playing for so many years, but it was the right one."

Oberto was signed by the Portland Trail Blazers this season but was suffering from dizziness during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks which prompted his decision.

He was a member of the Spurs 2007 team which won an NBA title against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

From a Spurs fans point of view he will be missed on the court. He brought the energy, the never-give-up attitude and not to mention the funny dance he did in San Antonio's Alamodome in celebration of the Spurs 2007 NBA title.

We here at Project Spurs had the pleasure to interview Oberto this offseason. He spoke about his cardiac condition and was looking forward to playing this season.

To listen to the interview we did with Oberto click HERE.

Editors Note: The following interview was done by Mikkayla Guillett, staff-writer for Toros Nation a Project Spurs site.

By Mikkayla Guillett

Austin Toros (the San Antonio Spurs D-League affiliate) veteran Cardell ‘Squeaky’ Johnson is set to join new head coach Brad Jones and first round pick Dominique Archie at training camp on November 9. Drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA D-League draft, Johnson continues to be a solid sixth man off the bench.

His work ethic and love for the game is displayed season after season.
“We’re excited to have Squeaky back for his fourth season,” said Peter Lubell, Austin Toros Chief Operating Officer. “He’s led us to numerous wins in Toros history.”

One of those wins includes last season’s game three of the first round of the playoffs. Johnson propelled the Toros in to the second round with a season high 19 points off the bench. His ability to connect from 3-point land (4-of-6) and his eight rebounds earned him Adidas player of the game.

With numerous displays of his ability to help the team when needed, one would hope that this is the year for Squeaky to earn his first Gatorade Call Up.

“I want to continue to get better,” said Squeaky. “Let those things (call ups) take care of themselves.”

Instead of worrying about stats and when he will receive a call from an NBA team Squeaky does his part to help the Toros organization in any aspect he can. From taking it upon himself to inform Austinities about the Toros on his free time to volunteering in numerous community events, Squeaky does it all.

“I love getting out and meeting new people. I especially love the food drives because they really appreciate us.”

Speaking of appreciation I think it’s necessary that we take a minute to discuss Squeaky’s hair. If you have yet to see it in person you are missing out and need to catch a game this season at the Cedar Park Center. The New Orleans native has not cut his hair since 2001. no comments

It was the kind of game expected between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns -- a down-the-wire finish. With a big game from Richard Jefferson, the Spurs (3-1) came out with a 112-110 victory over the slumping Suns (1-3) and make it two-in-a-row on the road.

The Spurs hit some big shots down the stretch to win this game. Now, let's check some of the stats on how the Spurs got this one.

54.5 - The Spurs shot the ball well, making 42-77 (54.5%) attempts from the floor, including 11-13 from Tim Duncan.

44.6 - For the second straight game, the Spurs have held their opponents below 50% shooting from the field. The Suns converted 41-92 (44.6%) of their shots for the game.

42.9 - The Spurs missed nine of their first ten 3-point attempts before making their last five. They finished the game converting 6-14 (42.9%) of their shots from behind the arc. The Suns connected on 8-21 (38.1%) from the three point area.

45 - With George Hill out with an injury, the Suns' bench torched the Spurs' reserves 45-26, with Hakim Warrick scoring 19 .However, the Spurs won the rebounding battle, 45-40. With 17 boards coming from Duncan.

25 - Duncan had a great all-around game as he scored 25 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, blocked three shots and dished out two assists. Duncan also became second in scoring in franchise history by surpassing George Gervins' 20,708 point total and is right on the heels of Spurs' legend David Robinson.

23 - The Spurs were sloppy in this game and it nearly cost them. They had 23 turnovers compared to the Suns' 13.

21 - Jason Richardson led the Phoenix Suns with 21 points and 3 rebounds.

6 - Jefferson was 6-6 from the floor in the fourth quarter and made all six free throws for the game, he had a game-high 28 points. The Spurs also held Suns' starting forward Hedo Turkoglu to just 6 points.

4 - Jefferson hit 4 fourth quarter three-pointers including the go-ahead basket with 1:38 remaining in the game. DeJuan Blair also has 4 points and seven rebounds for the game.

Rookie Watch: Tiago Splitter looked more comfortable on the floor on his second game, he had 7 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes of action. James Anderson is steady off the bench, he had 6 points and 3 assists, with two of those resulting into a Jefferson three-pointer in the final period. Gary Neal only played 7 minutes but had two points and a steal.

What's Next? The Spurs will try to extend their winning streak to three when they face the Houston Rockets in San Antonio on Saturday.

Official press release:

SAN ANTONIO, (Nov. 3, 2010) - Spurs guard George Hill will not play tonight at Phoenix. Hill is suffering from muscle spasms in his right trapezius after being fouled by Craig Smith in the second quarter of the Spurs 97-88 win over the L.A. Clippers on Nov. 1. Smith received a flagrant foul 2 and was subsequently ejected from the game.

Hill is “feeling better” but the San Antonio Spurs, to no one’s surprise, have decided to err on the side of caution. Jeff McDonald reports Hill was thinking as if it would be a game-time decision, but the Spurs nipped that in the bud just moments later – no need to risk anything lingering for the fourth game of the season.

What can’t help but linger are the images seared into the mind of this Spurs fan from the last time the Suns were the opponent. San Antonio looked old, beaten down and out of gas, as the Phoenix Suns ran pick-and-roll after pick-and-roll to the success of 4-0.

Nash and Dragic broke containment time after time and Hill was taken advantage of it seemed just as often. After having what was a break-out series against the Mavericks, Hill had almost as equally a disappointing series against the Suns – his redemption and-or ability to put Spurs’ fans minds at ease after an off-season of improvement will haveto wait for another day; though his second-half defensive performance against Chris Paul in the Spurs’ 90-99 loss the Hornets gave some reason for optimism.

What will be on display is if the Spurs have made any strides with regards to their frontcourt against the Suns small-ball attack. Because if Nash and Dragic weren’t the first image seared into your mind as a Spurs fan, all of the switching and 3-point shots or jumpers that followed certainly were – Duncan’s deterioration in mobility allowed him to be taken advantage of more than at maybe anytime in his stellar career (See: Hill, Grant). It should be interesting to see if the Spurs can take advantage of the Suns’ penchant for spreading the court with smaller players and if they can match up when it’s mandatory they go small; can the Spurs buy some time with Simmons at the 4?

An early-season outing and not too important in the grand scheme of things, but tonight’s game should provide for decent gauge of the newcomers and their ability to help the cause and address last year’s shortcomings – with Splitter, Anderson and Neal, two of the biggest areas of concern (pick-and-roll defense and 3-point shooting) are at least looking as if they’ve an opportunity for solid improvement.

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