TP is back

After a month of silence, TP is back on the net.

Tony, how do you analyze the 24/3 of the first part of the season ?
It’s the first I make such a good beginning of season with the Spurs. It  is anyway the best in the Spurs history. Usually, we start slowly before  getting a move on at the end of February after the All Star Game. But we talked about it in October during our training camp. We said we had to make a good start in order not to chase victories and ranking. It was our problem last year, we started badly. It was difficult to make it up later in the season. So far, we are keeping our goals. And, most importantly, we have more home games. So it is important to win at the ATT.

How do you explain the Spurs success today ?
We play like we did last year.The only difference  is that the whole is in a good shape, which was not the case last season.  It changes everything. Besides, Richard Jefferson is at his best, the bench is successful, like Gary Neal yesterday vs Phoenix (22 points). Gary is a good draft. Gregg Popovich knew immediately it was him at the Summer League. He ‘s making a very good start. But sometimes, it’s Matt Bonner, McDyess, Hill…

Could you break Chicago’s record of 72/10 ?
No, it’s impossible to reach. The Bulls’ record will remain unbreakable for a long time. It’s huge.

Do you think about the  title ?
It’s been the same thing for years. When you’re a Spurs, you play to win the title. Even last year but with all our problems, we couldn’t play our cards. But you have to go step by step. The most important is to win games and improve to go all the way to the playoffs.

What’s your personal balance after 27 games ?
I feel great. I got my legs back. I’ve known a pretty difficult time in November regarding my private life. But I got back on the horse, I had to be at my best for the Spurs. And it paid back : I was the best Western Conference player of the week. I’m very happy, it shows I’m in good shape.

Are you satisfied of your 18 points average, (50%) and 7 assists ?
I wish I went on like this. When you play in San Antonio, you share the ball with Duncan, Ginobilior Jefferson. You can’t shoot 25 times per game, it’s impossible. I’ve had 50% scoring for years, I don’t want to go under this percentage. As for assists, it is thanks to Manu, Richard or Matt scoring success. That’s how I reach an average of 7 assists. Unlikely some people may think, my assist figure hasn’t improved, I just have a better reading of the game.

San Antonio has played on a half court for years and has now totally changed its game becoming the 4th best offensive team of the League. Do you enjoy this game system ?
Of course, but there’s one important thing to keep in mind. You have to play defense to win. You don’t win because you play offense.  And it’s been true for years. So we’ll have to improve our defense if we intend to be in the first places of the regular season. We are aware of the importance of the floor advantage in playoffs.

Are the Spurs in the favorite teams to win the title ?
Yes, but the Lakers and Boston are before us. The Lakers are champions so they are candidate to their own title. I put Boston second because they’ve always been there for years. They play really well. And then the Spurs.