San Antonio Texas

The last week for the Spurs was off to a good start.  The team was in the middle of a five game winning streak, and things seemed to be firing on all cylinders. . .until a trip to Sacramento and a showdown with an ex-player derailed the plans.

San Antonio’s biggest win of the Thanksgiving week was a shootout, wild west style, as the Spurs went up against the surprising Orlando Magic, who lead the league with 13 wins, and are having a great season of their own.  On the night before Thanksgiving though, it was the Spurs who had reason to celebrate, as they carved up the Magic like a fat turkey, 128-110.  The Spurs are known as one of, if not the top defensive team in the league, but their offensive skills were on display against their foes from Florida.  Dwight Howard’s 34 points and 16 rebounds weren’t enough for the Magic, who couldn’t find a way to shut down Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.  Parker had 32 points and 9 assists, while Ginobili poured in 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Tim Duncan added 20 points and 16 rebounds. 

Although the Spurs had a good week last week, winning three out of four, the team fell into second place behind the surprising New Orleans Hornets.  The half game lead that the Hornets have over San Antonio is due to N.O. having played a game more than the Spurs, although in head-to-head competition, the Spurs bested their conference foes two weeks ago.

 The Spurs started the week off with a 113-88 thrashing of the Milwaukee Bucks in what was, oddly, a revenge game for the boys in black.  Last year, the lowly Bucks swept the Spurs in their two regular-season games, so payback was certainly on the players’ minds.  Tim Duncan scored 16 points with 10 rebounds to lead San Antonio who lead by as much as 40 points in the game.  Manu Ginobili, who is averaging just under 20 points per game, scored 21 in the contest.  

After two weeks of play, San Antonio remains tied for first place in the division with the Houston Rockets, although the Spurs got last week off on the wrong foot.  Last Tuesday, the boys in black traveled up the road to face the rival Rockets, and couldn’t come up with the win.  The Spurs did have a four game winning streak at Houston’s home arena before the loss. 

If there is one thing that Texas is known for, certainly the state's cowboy heritage is high on the list.  From the way Texans dress, to the food eaten in the state, the cowboy is one of America's most popular icons.  Of course, 150 years ago, cowboys and horse riding were as common as cars and driving are today (well, maybe not quite), but sadly, the modern world has fenced in the American outdoors, and replaced the Pony Express with UPS, and much of the wild west with Las Vegas and strip malls.

Dixie Dude Chuckwagon

Texans, however, are proud of this heritage, and are increasingly bent on saving this piece of Americana.  In fact, less than an hour outside of San Antonio, in Bandera, TX, the cowboy spirit is alive and well at the many dude ranches located there.  Certainly, for anyone who has never been to a real Texas ranch, the experience will remain forever, and kids will especially enjoy the numerous activities offered.  Many of these getaways resemble resorts as much as ranches, ensuring that cowgirls as well as cowboys are cared for, and that, although guests may get dirty out on the trails and ranges, they will be well cared for upon returning.

The NBA season is finally underway, and the Spurs have started out this one just like they finished the last one…winning. San Antonio has won their first three games and are tied for first place in the division with Houston and New Orleans. The Spurs started the season on Halloween eve in style, hanging their newest championship banner alongside the others, and handing out diamond encrusted rings to the players like it was Halloween candy. Life is good for the Spurs and for their fans.

With all the hubbub and excitement, one wouldn’t have been surprised if the Spurs didn’t bring their A-game, but they did, dispensing with the Trail Blazers 106-97 to start the season off on the right foot. The Spurs got some more good news, as management announced that they had signed Tim Duncan to a contract extension for two more years. The Spurs main man in the middle is inked through 2012, which means he’ll likely finish his career as a Spur. Duncan celebrated by going off for 24 points and 13 boards in classic fashion. Tony Parker had 19 points, while Ginobili had 16 and 8 assists.