Grading San Antonio Spurs G Manu Ginobili’s Performance In November
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The San Antonio Spurs are the biggest threat in the NBA because they have a weapon like Manu Ginobili. For years, the ambassador of the Euro-step has sliced and diced defenses, banged down clutch shots, and just plain won games off of heart and hustle. In November of 2014, it has been no different.
Last season, the Spurs had the best bench in the league. The absences of players like Patty Mills and Marco Belinelli have put a strain on the production coming off the pine, so Ginobili has had to pick up the slack. He’s currently averaging 11.7 points, 4.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game this month in 24 minutes off the bench.
The crafty veteran exploded for a season-high 28 points against the short handed Indiana Pacers a few days ago. He has scored in double-figures in six out of 12 games this month, while shooting 33.3 percent from the three-point line. The Spurs have been struggling from long range this season, so Ginobili has tried to get the Spurs back on track from downtown.
In order for the Spurs to sustain the momentum they’ve built this month, Ginobili has to be more aggressive when the ball is in his hands. For the month, he’s averaging nine field goal attempts per game and he’s only getting to the free throw line about three times a game. For a career 83.3 percent free throw shooter, he must get to the charity striper more often. When Ginobili comes off the bench, his sole focus should be to attack the rim and create more opportunities for his teammates.
Grade: B-
Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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