http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/players/matt_bonner/4373 Recent articles about Matt Bonner en-us The San Antonio Spurs made the Memphis Grizzlies look like the overachievers that many pegged them to be on Sunday. As a whole, they appeared to be lethargic and in-over-their-head as the veteran Spurs group cruised to a 105-83 Game 1 victory in the Western Conference finals. Tony Parker generated  20 points and dished out nine assists. Please click here to watch this video. Video: Tony Parker shuts down Memphis in Game 1 appeared first on Players View. Mon, 20 May 2013 09:01:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_tony_parker_shuts_down_memphis_in_game_1/13653730 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_tony_parker_shuts_down_memphis_in_game_1/13653730 Video: Tony Parker shuts down Memphis in Game 1 http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/video_tony_parker_shuts_down_memphis_in_game_1/13653730 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/5/150629e772776cb3d820b4c4ad3685a0f7f31566/mini/Tony_Parker_attends_c6fe.jpg 12 Inches Of Elevation On one hand, you can safely disregard any Game One loss for the Grizz, since they do that sort of thing all the time, and all you have to do when you start on the road is get a split. But on the other, the way in which the Spurs won this game was new and unique, and reminds us, yet again, that every series is different. In Game One, that difference was Matt Bonner. Unless you'd prefer Kawhi Leonard. Or Danny Green. Bonner, the redheaded three-point specialist was all but useless in the Warriors series, but here, he's got a role and a use, and the four threes that he made in today's win are getting the lion's share of insider credit this evening. But of course, it's not just Bonner, since the Spurs hit 14 3's today, but you get the point. There's always been an element of Borg about the Spurs, who haven't just beaten teams with stars for a while now, but especially now.  Besides, Bonner doesn't make his first delivery until ... Mon, 20 May 2013 00:09:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/grizzlies_spurs_game_one_team_not_star/13652359 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/grizzlies_spurs_game_one_team_not_star/13652359 Grizzlies - Spurs Game One: Team, Not Star http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/grizzlies_spurs_game_one_team_not_star/13652359 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/08d074840aadc3d3f159bdf5dbbd6aadaff52919/mini/Texas_News_a261.jpg One of the best perks of being an NBA player? According to Matt Bonner, it's not the salary. (Bonner earns $3.6 million this season) nor is it playing alongside two-time MVP Tim Duncan and two-time Coach of the Year Gregg Popovich for nearly a decade. It's the free food, of course.   Bonner -- known to some as the "Sandwich Hunter" or the "Red Mamba" or "Red Rocket" -- sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with WOAI's Don Harris. He addressed his career, the rigors of sandwich blogging, his red hair turning grey, and his plans after retirement.   "The one thing I'm certain when I'm done playing basketball," Bonner said. "I want to continue being involved in basketball at some level, whether that's coaching or front office I need to find out."   Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_bonner_on_sandwich_blogging_free_food_retirement_plans_more/13585820 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_bonner_on_sandwich_blogging_free_food_retirement_plans_more/13585820 Video: Bonner on sandwich blogging, free food, retirement plans & more http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/video_bonner_on_sandwich_blogging_free_food_retirement_plans_more/13585820 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/080dc97af45e61a9987a6a2164fb6c95f34f945e/mini/6334440.jpg Matt Bonner's ankles were broken by a Darius Morris crossover during Game 4 between the Lakers and Spurs. Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:14:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonners_ankles_broken_from_darius_morris_crossover/13507481 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonners_ankles_broken_from_darius_morris_crossover/13507481 Matt Bonner’s ankles broken from Darius Morris crossover http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matt_bonners_ankles_broken_from_darius_morris_crossover/13507481 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c3e25196da2b249e8263ecefee2c48c277fb2294/mini/6895956.jpg The matchup of the game for Game 4 will be between Matt Bonner and Dwight Howard. With Tiago Splitter out, the San Antonio Spurs will be counting on Matt Bonner's contributions throughout the game to sweep the Los Angeles Lakers. Bonner has guarded Howard on the defensive end and Matt hasn't been afraid of giving him hard fouls to help wear him down in the process. The Spurs can't rely on Bonner too much other than his shooting, but that should make the Lakers uncomfortable enough with having to move one of their big men to the perimeter. What Bonner must do on offense: When Matt Bonner is on the floor, Lakers' coach Mike D'Antoni knows this is a horrible matchup for them when Bonner gets wide open shots. Los Angeles has two of the best big men in paint defense, but Bonner kills any hope of that when he drags them out on the perimeter. He's usually wide open with Tony Parker's drives or Tim Duncan's post scoring, which force the defense ... Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:24:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matchup_of_the_game_for_game_4_spurs_vs_lakers/13506704 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matchup_of_the_game_for_game_4_spurs_vs_lakers/13506704 Matchup of the Game For Game 4: Spurs vs. Lakers http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matchup_of_the_game_for_game_4_spurs_vs_lakers/13506704 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/080dc97af45e61a9987a6a2164fb6c95f34f945e/mini/6334440.jpg San Antonio Spurs' Matt Bonner shoots the three-ball well. Save for an excellent final round from Kyrie Irving in this year's NBA All-Star 3-point shoot out, he would have claimed the crown. Add the fact he connects with both the fans and media, it makes him an excellent, and generally well-liked Spur.  Except Bonner is subjected to an undeniable stigma that is supported by multiple years of data: He can't produce in the playoffs.    Playoff Bonner has played poorly since the 2008-09 postseason, when he began receiving regular minutes in coach Gregg Popovich's exclusive playoff rotation.    His efficiency -- an integral part of his game -- dropped. (Note: Playoff sample sizes aren't that reliable.)   The veteran power forward struggled to adapt to postseason basketball. Opposing defenses, conscious of his perimeter exploits, closed out with more purpose, preventing wide-open perimeter shots that he normally subsists on. Bonner's ru... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_staves_off_critics_of_his_postseason_play_in_game_1/13457521 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_staves_off_critics_of_his_postseason_play_in_game_1/13457521 Bonner staves off critics of his postseason play in Game 1 http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bonner_staves_off_critics_of_his_postseason_play_in_game_1/13457521 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/0/7044fce0b5fa2f4271cebb8eca63bd36dc96f254/mini/NBA_Spurs_vs_96b0.jpg The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers are in an intense battle in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.  The Lakers are without their fearless leader Kobe Bryant and it has shown during Game 1.  During an interview with Rick Fox, Matt Bonner showed off his “Red Mamba” shirt and you would think that Kobe Bryant would have gotten upset over an opponent being given a similar nickname.  Instead he took to Twitter to tell everyone how he felt. #redmamba haha I luv that — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 21, 2013 The playoffs aren’t quite the same without Kobe Bryant in them, but he’s just as into the games as ever judging by his Twitter timeline. [@cjzero] Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:18:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_busts_out_red_mamba_shirt_kobe_bryant_loves_it/13450546 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_busts_out_red_mamba_shirt_kobe_bryant_loves_it/13450546 Matt Bonner busts out “Red Mamba” shirt, Kobe Bryant loves it http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matt_bonner_busts_out_red_mamba_shirt_kobe_bryant_loves_it/13450546 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/2/621c1ba0044e1aed155ab5b299fa3996a5792df0/mini/NBA_Playoffs_Los_e570.jpg If you’re frustrated by the San Antonio Spurs’ recent performance and are worried about their chances entering the playoffs, Matt Bonner has provided you with a little something to laugh about. Bonner takes on an alter ego as “Coach B” to teach the fundamentals of the game in a video series that I am just now learning about. Apparently there are quite a few of these videos. In a recent episode, Bonner visited Chicago’s iO Theater, which is one of the best improv venues in the country, and was a starting point for many comedians you’ve seen on Saturday Night Live. While clearly not ready for Hollywood, Matt holds his own on stage and during interviews with the cast. Always fun to see another side to the Spurs’ players. (H/T BDL) Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_matt_bonner_providing_some_comic_relief/13414648 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_matt_bonner_providing_some_comic_relief/13414648 Video: Matt Bonner providing some comic relief http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/video_matt_bonner_providing_some_comic_relief/13414648 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c3e25196da2b249e8263ecefee2c48c277fb2294/mini/6895956.jpg Matt Bonner is taking his new nickname, “Red Mamba” and running with it.  Check him out as he poses for The Mountain  in the Red Mamba (coined by Kobe Bryant on Twitter describing Matt) T-Shirt that was shown before he took the court for the All-Star Weekend 3-Point Contest. He’s not doing it to make an extra buck though, as all net proceeds will go to a good cause, The Bonner Brother’s: Rock On Foundation. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:34:19 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_all_in_for_the_red_mamba/12956386 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_all_in_for_the_red_mamba/12956386 Matt Bonner All In For The ‘Red Mamba’ http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matt_bonner_all_in_for_the_red_mamba/12956386 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/7/d76154df5cc15df760bcec20fb02ff34b88a3404/mini/6911478.jpg Best use of Free Bird ever. The sports world paused in collective wonderment the other night when Spurs forward Matt Bonner actually threw down a monster dunk on the Houston Rockets, with a little rim hanging thrown in for good measure. See, Bonner—aka the Red Rocket—is known more for his shooting prowess than his dunking skills.  In fact, this may be the first ever recorded instance of Bonner executing a slam dunk during an actual game.  Of course such a momentous occasion deserves to be honored in the most fantastic manner possible. And what is more fantastic than seeing Bonner’s dunk replayed in slo-motion while Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic Free Bird plays in the background?  Absolutely nothing, that’s what. As awe-inspiring as it is to see Bonner actually dunk—it gave hope to geeky white guys and gingers everywhere—the Houston Rockets should be ashamed they ever let this happen in the first place. Inexcusable defense Houston…totally inexcusable. [H/T to SportsGrid] Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:17:51 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonners_tremendous_dunk_against_the_rockets_gets_the_free_bird_treatment/12403675 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonners_tremendous_dunk_against_the_rockets_gets_the_free_bird_treatment/12403675 Matt Bonner’s tremendous dunk against the Rockets gets the ‘Free Bird’ treatment http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matt_bonners_tremendous_dunk_against_the_rockets_gets_the_free_bird_treatment/12403675 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/08d074840aadc3d3f159bdf5dbbd6aadaff52919/mini/Texas_News_a261.jpg When Texas middle schooler Patrick Gonzalez decided to get this incredibly detailed haircut depicting his favorite player, Matt Bonner, he did not anticipate that he would have to shave it off almost immediately. His teacher thought the new look was distracting, and the principal agreed. Rather than serving a suspension from school, Gonzalez chose to lose the haircut. Bonner, however, decided to make it worth his while. According to Spurs Nation, Bonner gave Gonzalez tickets to Game 2 between the Spurs and Clippers on Thursday night and autographed several items for him. San Antonio also won the game in a 105-88 blowout, so Gonzalez was treated to a memorable evening. “Couldn’t you just move him to the back of the class?” Bonner said on Thursday. “Then nobody would see it; it wouldn’t be a distraction. Otherwise, the nicest thing a fan has ever done for me is ruined. “I’m not going to condemn the school. If anyone is in support of education and academics, it’s myself, my Mom bein... Fri, 18 May 2012 08:42:48 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_buys_game_2_tickets_for_young_fan_with_controversial_haircut/10820048 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/matt_bonner_buys_game_2_tickets_for_young_fan_with_controversial_haircut/10820048 Fan receives Game 2 tix from Bonner http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/matt_bonner_buys_game_2_tickets_for_young_fan_with_controversial_haircut/10820048 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/5/f56fb10d096ededbfed9c638516c2346e68e9d1b/mini/bonner.jpg A 12-year-old Texas boy who was suspended from school after shaving his head to resemble the face of Spurs forward Matt Bonner scored tickets to a playoff game and props from his favorite NBA player. Patrick Gonzalez was suspended for a day from Woodlake Hills Middle School because the district deemed his $75 haircut a distraction. He returned to class Thursday after reluctantly shaving his head. Gonzalez says Bonner is his favorite player, noting they're both redheads. Bonner, whose mother is a teacher, says the school could have just moved Gonzalez to the back of the room. Bonner sent Gonzalez a message, saying: ''Keep supporting us redheads in the NBA.'' Gonzalez's story prompted the Spurs to give him and his family tickets to Thursday's playoff game against ... the Clippers. Thu, 17 May 2012 22:40:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_haircut_boy_scores_spurs_tix/10817972 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_haircut_boy_scores_spurs_tix/10817972 Bonner haircut boy scores Spurs tix http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bonner_haircut_boy_scores_spurs_tix/10817972 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/08d074840aadc3d3f159bdf5dbbd6aadaff52919/mini/Texas_News_a261.jpg One San Antonio Spurs fan took his love for power forward Matt Bonner just a little too far, at least according to his middle school. Patrick Gonzalez shaved a picture of Bonner into his red hair for the Spurs' playoff push. But there was a problem when he went to Woodlake Hills Middle School with the new haircut. "My first period teacher called the principal," Gonzalez told FOX 29 News in San Antonio. "She told her it was a distraction." Gonzalez was sent to the principal's office, but his mother said that the school gave her permission to get the haircut and that it would not be an issue. Gonzalez now faces an in-school suspension if the haircut is not altered. "We're in the playoffs," Patrick's mother, Rose Gonzales. "He was feeling good until now, he was embarrassed." The school denies giving permission for the haircut, saying it was a distraction. "There was no permission that was given if the parent thought that," said Aubrey Cha Thu, 17 May 2012 14:29:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_haircut_gets_spurs_fan_in_trouble/10814810 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/bonner_haircut_gets_spurs_fan_in_trouble/10814810 Bonner haircut gets Spurs fan in trouble http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bonner_haircut_gets_spurs_fan_in_trouble/10814810 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/08d074840aadc3d3f159bdf5dbbd6aadaff52919/mini/Texas_News_a261.jpg The bond between gingers is an unbreakable, everlasting bond that transcends space and time, so it comes as no surprise that when middle schooler Patrick Gonzalez wanted to show off his love for his hometown San Antonio Spurs, he chose to honor the player he admires most—fellow ginger Matt Bonner, aka the Red Rocket. The San Antonio superfan had the image of the Spurs center preparing to launch a 3-pointer shaved into the back of his head, an act that while noble and unique may land him in trouble with school officials because Gonzalez’s “Bonner Cut” has been deemed a distraction. Officials for Judson I.S.D. have said on record that if Gonzalez comes to school on Thursday with his awesome haircut in tact he may be in line for an in-school suspension. That haircut is distracting though…and by distracting I mean totally boss. Look, it’s on the back of his head, so the only people that are going to see it are those lucky kids seated behind Gonzalez, and answer me this—when given t... Wed, 16 May 2012 23:41:33 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/this_kids_matt_bonner_haircut_may_land_him_in_hot_water_with_his_school_when_it_should_be_celebrated/10810238 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/this_kids_matt_bonner_haircut_may_land_him_in_hot_water_with_his_school_when_it_should_be_celebrated/10810238 Student in trouble over Bonner haircut http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/this_kids_matt_bonner_haircut_may_land_him_in_hot_water_with_his_school_when_it_should_be_celebrated/10810238 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/0/c00f4c2e336b73a2ce213b6729cb8a437b719b1f/mini/bonn.jpg