Whenever Ben Wallace returns from his back injury, either P.J. Brown’s or Tyrus Thomas’ minutes will feel some pain.
Given that coach Scott Skiles confirmed Brown would have started alongside Wallace had he played Monday, Thomas is more likely than Brown to sit.
But the rookie tried to take advantage of his second straight start by scoring eight points with eight rebounds, a season-high five blocks and three goaltending calls in a pogo-stick performance.
“I had more energy than I had in the past,” Thomas said. “I have to get myself in the mind-set to have that same energy even when I come off the bench.”
The Spurs attacked Thomas with entry passes to Tim Duncan three straight times in the second quarter, with mixed results. What Thomas lacks in experience he often makes up for with energy.
“He didn’t quit on those plays,” Skiles said.
Skiles also called Brown’s defensive work on Duncan “outstanding.” The 13-year veteran had 10 points and five rebounds.
Earlier this season, Brown voiced displeasure over his role. But Thomas is a frequent guest at Brown’s house, so whoever’s minutes drop won’t affect anything.
“He’s like my brother,” Brown said. “We really have a great relationship. I’m trying to help him be the best player he can be.
“This is one of the deepest teams I’ve been on since I’ve been in the league. Early for me, it was a struggle. I’m used to being on the floor a lot. Now I’m not worried about that. We’re trying to win. Five minutes, 10 minutes, whatever, I have to be ready to play and produce.”
Reserve raves
Coming off the bench for the first time since Nov. 11 against Indiana, Andres Nocioni put up his team-high eighth double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He missed seven of his first eight shots.
“The first five minutes I struggled and tried to do too much,” Nocioni said. “But then I felt good. It’s no big change. I’m comfortable in either role.”
Nocioni could have been more pumped than usual playing against close friends and Argentine countrymen Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto.
“I’m not worried about him too much,” Skiles said. “Coming off the bench or starting, he’s going to play very well.”
Layups
Wallace, who missed his second straight game, tested his strained lower back during a walk-though and by shooting jumpers on his own. Skiles said the team isn’t concerned about long-term effects. “A sore back is a relatively common thing in our league, especially with bigger players and guys who bang like he does,” Skiles said. . . . Malik Allen returned after missing two games with a strained left calf and played six scoreless minutes. . . . Andre Barrett stayed home with the flu. . . . Brown addressed the sellout crowd of 22,218 before tipoff, delivering a poignant speech about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
