Game Recap: Spurs Bench Falls To Warriors, 116-106

April 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) drives in but is called for traveling against San Antonio Spurs point guard Cory Joseph (5) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night was a patented rest night for the Spurs starters as Pop decided to sit Tony Parker (neck), Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard (sore knees). Despite the slightly demoralizing loss to the Lakers last night, and the lack of superstars, the Spurs bench still managed to stay in this game for the most part.

The Warriors win was led by the amazing

Jesus

Steph Curry, who had 35 points (on only 23 shots), 8 rebounds and 5 assists. So many notable stat lines and performers for Golden State in what was a total team effort for Mark Jackson’s club. The win moves the Warriors up to the 6th seed in the Western Conference with one game remaining on the season, versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

For San Antonio, it was their 7th straight road loss since the Rodeo Road Trip. Not exactly a stat you want to hear before the playoffs, but the effort the Spurs bench put up tonight gives hope. The silver and black were led by the man everyone loves to hate, Gary Neal, who did his best to match Steph Curry tonight with 25 points in 23 minutes to go along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Leading the Spurs bench, Pat Stacks aka Patty Millions aka Patty Mills with 23 points (5-of-8 from 3-pt) in just 22 minutes.

We’re finally at the finish line of the regular season. Game 82 for the Spurs will be on Wednesday night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. With nothing to play for, Pop may just play the starters for about 15 to 20 minutes to get them tuned up for the playoffs. Wednesday night will be more about scoreboard watching. If the Warriors win in Portland, they automatically get the 6th seed, leaving the winner of Lakers/Rockets as the 7th seed. If the Lakers lose and the Jazz win, Utah gets the 8th seed and the Lakers are out.

Game Notes

A couple of quick game notes, as I only was able to watch the 2nd half:

• Danny Green was atrocious tonight from the box score alone. 19 minutes and he missed all five of his field goals, four of which were from beyond the arch.
• We all know what Matt Bonner’s history is come playoff time, but the idea of him playing small forward off the bench in the playoffs is starting to grow on me. The Red Mamba’s played about as well as you can ask of him defensively. It’s just getting his shots to fall in the post-season. If he can manage to do that, then maybe waiving Stephen Jackson won’t be so bad after all.
• Aron Baynes may not be a completely polished prospect yet, but the glimpses that he does show prove that he can and will be successful in the NBA. Solid rebounding, above average post moves, and his sheer size make him an asset. But I’ll temper my expectations and remind myself that Baynes compared his own game to Reggie Evans. Not Hakeem.
• Richard Jefferson played 4 minutes tonight, scoring an astonishing 2 points. He’s making $10 million this season, with a player option for another $11 million next season. This has been your Richard Jefferson update.

Tweet(s) of the Night

Someone needs to give Matt Bonner his own show. Immediately.

Bonner said he started at SF during a preseason game his 2nd year in Toronto. Scored 13 on Paul Pierce.

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 16, 2013

Asked Bonner how many points Pierce had that night. Bonner: “That’s irrelevant.”

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 16, 2013