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By Bill Ingram
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Dec 5, 2006, 11:51
No one is more relieved that Manu Ginobili is back in action than Michael Finley. Tabbed to start while Manu recovered from his injury, Finley has been the target of criticism by the media and ire on the part of Spurs fans. In the four and a half games that the Spurs were sans Manu, Finley shot a dismal 28% from the field and averaged just 7.2 points per contest. That’s hardly a replacement for the 13 plus points Manu brings to the table – not to mention the defense and rebounding.
When Manu took the court on Monday night he very quickly reminded Spurs fans what they had been missing. After the team narrowly avoided a third straight loss in the closing seconds against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs came out ready to make a statement against the Golden State Warriors, who had beaten them a few days before. The Spurs were already up 21-8 when Manu entered the game for the first time. Five of the Spurs’ next seven baskets came on assists from Ginobili, and he scored one of the other two. Within three minutes the San Antonio lead was up to 39-18 and the rout was on.
Monday night’s game was a perfect example of why Spurs coach Gregg Popovich often questions whether Manu is more valuable coming off the bench or being in the starting rotation. His impact on the game is immediate, and sometimes it’s better to have that burst of energy come midway through the first quarter, when the Spurs often need a quick boost. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker can get things started right, but playing without Manu to provide that extra spark on both ends of the court caused Popovich more than a few headaches.
"I am 100 percent," Ginobili told the San Antonio Express-News after recording a season-high nine assists. "I wanted to play more, but I understand his concern. He doesn't want me to get hurt again and miss another (four) games, so I understand his point. I wanted to play 25 (minutes), something like that. We'll see next game."
What will we see? More of the same. More of Manu’s amazing dribbling, his incredible energy, and his knack for making teammates better. Just ask Robert Horry, who has been struggling even more than Finley. Horry was the frequent target of Manu’s passing, and as a result had his best game of the season. Horry scored 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and even hit both of his three-point tries. Manu truly does make the game easier for everyone.
It also helped that the Spurs had some time to practice after returning home from their recent road trip. They looked sharp on Monday night – very Spurs-like. Popovich had clearly addressed some of the issues that were troubling the team, and the importance of a practice shouldn’t be overestimated, no matter how long a team has been together. Now they have a game against the feisty Charlotte Bobcats and then a Los Angeles sandwich – Clippers, Lakers, Clippers. They certainly need Manu back and firing on all cylinders if they’re to maintain their narrow lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the Southwest Division.
Key Newslines
San Antonio Express-News: "Tim Duncan had to leave the court late in Monday night's second quarter after banging his right knee, but returned for the start of the second half and looked no worse for wear. Duncan signaled for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to replace him with 2:10 left in the first half, then walked with a slight limp to the bench. Athletic trainer Will Sevening immediately took Duncan to the locker room. After being examined during halftime, Duncan tested his leg before the start of the third quarter and told Popovich and Sevening he was OK to play."
San Antonio Express-News: "I am 100 percent," Ginobili said, smiling broadly. "I wanted to play more, but I understand his concern. He doesn't want me to get hurt again and miss another (four) games, so I understand his point. I wanted to play 25 (minutes), something like that. We'll see next game."
San Antonio Express-News: "With the Spurs playing only five road games in December, the team should have more of an opportunity to practice.
Which should also the coaching staff a better chance to evaluate rookie guard James White.Popovich said sending White to Austin to play in the NBA's developmental league remains an option. "But for right now," Popovich said, "we're going to keep watching him right here with us."
