RealGM

WHERE: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
TV: FOX Sports Southwest, FOX Sports Southeast
VEGAS: O/U 203, Charlotte -1.5

The extra day of rest had to be welcome after the Spurs dropped a tough one in the Big Easy. Hopefully, the loss to the once-Hornets will motivate the good guys to step it up against the once-and-current Hornets in their own hive. Kemba Walker's putting an all-star-caliber season together, so between him and #2 scorer Jeremy Lamb, Danny Green and the backcourt will have their hands full defensively. Dwight Howard's having a semi-resurgent season as well; look for Clifford to stick him on LMA a fair amount. On the whole, the Hornets haven't quite equaled the sum of their parts in the standings, but it's a home game for them and they may have some extra motivation depending on the outcome of their tilt tonight against the Cavs.

Nic Batum is day to day with an elbow injury, and for the Spurs, it's the usual suspects.

Also, I know it's late, but...

I don't care who's hurt or how we've been playing. Any team with Dwight Howard on it we should beat easily....

After what can most kindly be described as a sluggish first quarter (luckily for both teams), Spurs locked in and essentially didn't look back, with the exception of the last few minutes of the third. I love that Pop calls timeouts when he sees Spurs execute poorly on either end regardless of how big the lead is. Murray wasn't running much of anything, and after a quick timeout and earful from Pop, back in he went.

Murray has shown flashes of what he could grow into, but at this point he's still inconsistent in terms of channeling his skills within the team system. He's very crafty and has good instincts, but he hasn't shown a steady ability to lead and run the O. Then again, he's still really young and learning/being taught about the game in what can only be the best possible environment to become a complete player. The commentators were saying that he worked with Kawhi this summer. I can't wait to see Murray when he starts putting it all together.

Speaking of the Spurs commentators, outside of the slightly cheesy lines when Patty makes a 3, they're a pleasure to listen to. There's very little homerism, they're honest about how the team is playing, and they explain the plays Spurs run between whistles. No need to switch to opponent feeds! Refreshing.

Despite playing a tired Hornets squad, it was still back to a full team effort tonight for the Spurs, great to see. I love that any number and combination of guys step up on any given night and it's not a surprise. LMA, Gasol, Anderson, Mills, Green, Gay, Gino stood out tonight - and not just with points, but rebounds, assists, blocks, etc.

"Just ball movement, making the extra pass, trying to get to the rim and just finding the open guy," Aldridge said.

http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975028
I was impressed with Anderson's game. He's growing into a reliable steady anchor in the starting line-up. He's really making the most of his opportunity. If there's a silver lining to Kawhi's injury, it's other players becoming bigger threats come playoffs.

I'm glad Kemba was ok. Always liked him because he plays with heart and is improving. Fun to watch.

Checked out our next opponent. Mavs demolished OKC. Mavs looked like a playoff team, but OKC is more Hyde than Jekyll this year so I'm not sure what it means about Dallas, only that any opponent can step up and no win is automatic. I expect the Spurs to respect the Mavs and show up prepared.

The biggest change in Anderson's game has been simply the aggressiveness on offense. He has gone from a pain my ass to a pretty reliable piece on this team finally.

How many times last year (or every year he's been on the team) have we ranted about how he destroyed our offense by passing up wide open shots. That timidness kills us. This year he has been very assertive and either puts it up or goes strong to the basket. Much more pleasurable to watch.

The timidness is still holding back Murray's game. He seems to get it for about 1 or 2 minute stretches but then falls back into oblivion for the next 10. He needs to start playing like he thinks he belongs here like other young guys like Kuzma, Ingrahm, Simmons, Brown and Tatum. Those guys play fearless even as young players.