duncan228
12-08-2009, 11:57 PM
Ginobili's playing time returns (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/Ginobilis_playing_time_returns.html)
Mike Monroe
Since playing only three seconds in the fourth quarter of a Dec. 3 game against the Boston Celtics — just 18 minutes, 18 seconds for the game — Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has returned to a more typical portion of playing time.
After declaring that the left groin strain that cost him five games no longer is holding him back, Ginobili played 26:06 in a Saturday loss to the Denver Nuggets and 24:08 in Monday's loss to the Jazz in Salt Lake City.
“(Denver) was really the first game I gave him all his minutes, basically, so he could get his rhythm,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “I was careful before that. Starting with the Denver game, I thought we'd just play him and see if his body could handle it.
“Now I think it's just a matter of time before he gets his rhythm and confidence. Even good players need their confidence, and that's what he's trying to get now.”
In the four games Ginobili has played since returning to the lineup on Nov. 29 against Philadelphia, he has made only 12 of 35 shots and committed 10 turnovers.
Popovich believes the indecision that seems to have robbed Ginobili of the spontaneity that has characterized his game will disappear incrementally.
“Sometimes there's going to be some hesitation,” he said. “Sometimes he's going to force the issue because he wants to get his game back. It's very natural.
“The minutes will allow him to find some sort of balance so he can play really well and benefit our team.”
Finley's timetable: A Spurs spokesperson on Tuesday said the Grade 2 left ankle sprain Michael Finley suffered Saturday will keep the veteran forward out of action for 2-4 weeks.
Free-throw woes: After making only 7 of 17 free throws in last week's loss to the Celtics, the Spurs' free-throw percentage for the season is at 74.5 heading into tonight's game against the Kings. That is a lower rate of foul-line success than in the previous three seasons. The Spurs shot 76.1 percent from the line last season; 76.1 in 2007-08 and 75.1 in 2006-07.
Of the players who have shot at least 50 free throws, Richard Jefferson has had the most difficulty.
A 78 percent career free-thrower, he has missed his last eight foul shots over three games. He is at 68.3 percent for the season (56 for 82).
The good news on the foul-line front: Tim Duncan, with a 68.5 career percentage, is at 77.1 percent (64 for 83).
Mike Monroe
Since playing only three seconds in the fourth quarter of a Dec. 3 game against the Boston Celtics — just 18 minutes, 18 seconds for the game — Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has returned to a more typical portion of playing time.
After declaring that the left groin strain that cost him five games no longer is holding him back, Ginobili played 26:06 in a Saturday loss to the Denver Nuggets and 24:08 in Monday's loss to the Jazz in Salt Lake City.
“(Denver) was really the first game I gave him all his minutes, basically, so he could get his rhythm,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “I was careful before that. Starting with the Denver game, I thought we'd just play him and see if his body could handle it.
“Now I think it's just a matter of time before he gets his rhythm and confidence. Even good players need their confidence, and that's what he's trying to get now.”
In the four games Ginobili has played since returning to the lineup on Nov. 29 against Philadelphia, he has made only 12 of 35 shots and committed 10 turnovers.
Popovich believes the indecision that seems to have robbed Ginobili of the spontaneity that has characterized his game will disappear incrementally.
“Sometimes there's going to be some hesitation,” he said. “Sometimes he's going to force the issue because he wants to get his game back. It's very natural.
“The minutes will allow him to find some sort of balance so he can play really well and benefit our team.”
Finley's timetable: A Spurs spokesperson on Tuesday said the Grade 2 left ankle sprain Michael Finley suffered Saturday will keep the veteran forward out of action for 2-4 weeks.
Free-throw woes: After making only 7 of 17 free throws in last week's loss to the Celtics, the Spurs' free-throw percentage for the season is at 74.5 heading into tonight's game against the Kings. That is a lower rate of foul-line success than in the previous three seasons. The Spurs shot 76.1 percent from the line last season; 76.1 in 2007-08 and 75.1 in 2006-07.
Of the players who have shot at least 50 free throws, Richard Jefferson has had the most difficulty.
A 78 percent career free-thrower, he has missed his last eight foul shots over three games. He is at 68.3 percent for the season (56 for 82).
The good news on the foul-line front: Tim Duncan, with a 68.5 career percentage, is at 77.1 percent (64 for 83).