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Each week, the Express-News Spurs coverage team — Jeff McDonald, Jabari Young, Tom Orsborn and Melissa Rohlin — weighs in on the franchise and NBA-related issues of the day. Catch the writers every Sunday night on the E-N’s S.A. Sports Nation Show, which airs on WOAI-TV at 11 p.m.
When the Spurs return to action Friday against the L.A. Clippers, how long will it take for the rust to disappear from the nine-day layoff?
McDonald: It usually takes a quarter or two, and that goes for both teams. It will be important for the Spurs to get back up to speed as soon as possible. That became a winnable game for them once Chris Paul went down with a thumb injury in January. If Paul is not able to return in time for that game — and most timetables seem to have him out longer — the Spurs should be favored to win. The Clippers have long been a bad matchup for the Spurs, but a big reason for that is because of the attention Paul commands. He’s the Clippers’ MVP by far.
Orsborn: It won’t take long at all. Remember, this is a team free of knuckleheads. These guys will do what is necessary to stay sharp during the lengthy break even as they take advantage of some much-needed downtime. Plus, Gregg Popovich likely will schedule a few practices in the two days between when Leonard flies back from New Orleans after the All-Star Game and the team’s departure date for Los Angeles.
Rohlin: I’m sure it will just take a game or two for the Spurs to get their legs back under them. At this point in the season, however, the benefits the Spurs will receive from an extended rest greatly outweigh the chance they may be a little rusty at the end of the All-Star break. Also, every team will have had that break, so it’s not as though it puts the Spurs at a disadvantage. If anything, Leonard will have a disadvantage, as will the other members of the All-Star team, because they’re not going to be able to take an extended break.
Young: At this time of the season, I don’t think there will be much rust. If anything, the players should be well rested, which could spark a fast post-All-Star start. If there is any rust, it will most likely come from Pau Gasol, as he could be returning. I’ll give Gasol about two weeks before he regains his form.
Go to ExpressNews.com to see what our writers have to say about Pau Gasol’s return, how good the Spurs really are, and more.
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