Duncan, Parker make season debuts in win over Olympiacos

October 10, 12:27 AMSan Antonio Spurs ExaminerMichael Chartier

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  Parker drives to the rim for a layup in the first half (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio fans got a glimpse of the near future as the Spurs downed Olympiacos Piraeus of Greece, 107-89, Friday night at the AT&T Center. San Antonio never trailed scoring 39 first quarter points en route to a 66-46 halftime lead.

Every Spur on the training camp roster saw action and second year guard George Hill led them all with 17 points in 22 minutes. Hill, who is expected to backup Tony Parker, went 5-of-8 from the field and 7-of-8 from the foul line.

But the 17,677 fans who packed the AT&T Center got what they wanted to see when Tim, Tony, and Manu were joined on the floor with offseason acquisitions Antonio McDyess and Richard Jefferson.

That unit closed the first half with a handful of turnovers, however, there was a buzz in the building knowing that’s the lineup expected to vault San Antonio to their fifth NBA Title.

Parker added 12 and Duncan scored 10 as both saw their first action of the preseason before ending their nights at halftime. Duncan added five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks in less than 16 minutes of action.

Former Atlanta Hawks’ forward Josh Childress scored 15 points for Olympiacos while playing regular season-like minutes. Childress added nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block in just over 36 minutes of play.

Box Score

Mix n’ Match

Head coach Gregg Popovich used some interesting lineups in the second half including veteran Antonio McDyess with Curtis Jerrells, Keith Bogans, Dejuan Blair, and Malik Hairston. That unit has combined for 15 games in a Spurs’ uniform, all by Hairston.

Poppin’ Off

The unit of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, and McDyess will prove to be a formidable one. However, Popovich let it rip at midseason form after back-to-back turnovers late in the first half.

I’m not sure if Pop was yelling at Tony or Manu with 16.9 remaining and a 20 point lead just before the half. I’m also not sure if they were listening that hard.

Parker trying to pass ahead from the backcourt threw into the waiting arms of an Olympiacos player who turned it into a quick two. Meanwhile, Ginobili followed with a behind the back pass from the left wing near the three point arc into the traffic of the lane. Manu missed the cutter or maybe there wasn’t one.

My guess is Pop was yelling at both.

This Isn’t a Tea Party

Funny that I heard chants of “USA” coming from above with about four minutes left in regulation. It wasn’t that loud but it seemed to silence my section as everyone peered above. Lest we forget that Parker is from France and Duncan is from the Virgin Islands.

Yes, it was preseason, but the beers were not on sale.

Fool Me Once

As I was exiting the building heading to my truck, I overheard a carnival barker shelling out pizzas for five bucks. Considering I was about to grab a burger on my way home I took the man up on his offer after I noticed he had a Papa John's Pizza bag.

I handed him my money and he handed me the box. It was not Papa John's or any other name brand you can think of.