San Antonio Spurs Lose Manu Ginobili, Again
Just as things were headed in the right direction for the San Antonio Spurs, they lose Manu Ginobili to injury…again. For those that do not remember, Ginobili broke his hand in early January and missed 22 games before returning for the past four games. Twice in fourth quarter Ginobili had to leave the game because of pain. It is being called an oblique strain.
San Antonio has played well as of late, and was finding its rhythm without Ginobili. But lets not kid ourselves; without Ginobili, the Spurs go from contender to an overmatched opponent who will not go quietly.
Ginobili is a fierce competitor and a player who can create his own shot. His defensive tenacity also helps create fast breaks and easy points for a Spurs team that has gotten away from a team that slowed the pace down and ran sets; instead, they have gotten into the open floor and running game, reminiscent of the Phoenix Suns pace of play under D’Antoni that Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire liked.
When the Spurs do slow it down, Ginobili is one of the few players who can create something out of nothing for not only himself, but also his teammates. Parker has that ability as well, but Duncan has lost a step, but can do it from time to time when called upon.
Without Ginobili, the bench is going to have to keep producing like they have during the past winning streak. They have been on an unprecedented tear and anything less is going to cost the Spurs. For the sake of the Spurs, hopefully they can continue to find that balance and keep on winning. Quietly they have nearly chased down the Thunder, only 1.5 games back and have split the series so far at 1-1, with both teams winning at home.
San Antonio also distanced itself from the Los Angeles Clippers, now two games ahead of them for second place. San Antonio has a chance to head to the break on a thirteen game winning streak. Only time will tell if that will happen.
Follow Paul Troupe on Twitter @gamin4HIM
