Do you think Manu Ginobli is ready to ball tonight.

[djgruvy]

This would be a great time to show the world how great he is. Everyone will be watching tonight. :lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

Yes. I expect a massive game from him.

[Oh, Gee!!]

he better be ready

[ThePop]

No. I'm done with Manu.

[SpurPadre]

I hope his mind is ready for it more than anything because he's been the only one on the team moping around like Game 6 was the end of the series.

[MeloHype]

I hope so

[NASpurs]

I could live with him being 3-10 and 2 turnovers. But trying to be the facilitator while turning the ball over, fuck that shit. Wake your emo fucking ass up Manu. You've been a total bitch these past two days and I'm losing respect with every passing quote from you.

[Richie]

I actually expect him to have a big game

Manu vs Wade will decide the game. Whoever plays better (or hurts their team the least) will win.

[Skull-1]

Two good games for the entire playoffs.... My crystal ball says: Not likely.

We don't really need him to win it, just need him to NOT lose it for us.

[Kidd K]

No I don't. Game 6 was the time to show everyone how great he was and he did the exact opposite.

I'm just hoping he can play like an average NBA player and not totally blow the game for the rest of the team. Not even hoping for a good game out of him. I'm just hoping he doesn't fuck up constantly.

[ElNono]

If he can't get up for a NBA Finals Game 7, both him and I will have to revisit a lot of shit... it's not even about points or assists... just don't hurt the team... I'm rooting for him.

[Sean Cagney]

Game 7? You are damn right he better be ready for this game tonight. He is a vet and he has won a gold medal and titles, he has been clutch too. If we need FT's down the stretch I feel he might be the one to go to.

[Horry Hipcheck]

He gives little reason to believe he will, but this is Game 7, the absolute last game of the season, so I don't see any harm in putting faith in him one last time.

[BatManu20]

For his sake and the team's, he better.

[SpurPadre]

I actually expect him to have a big game

Manu vs Wade will decide the game. Whoever plays better (or hurts their team the least) will win.

I think a better comparison to Wade is TP because they're both hurt (TP is more hurt than Wade who is exaggerating his) and they both struggled on Tuesday. For Manu, all we should ask for is a lot more assists and points than turnovers. If it means only 10 points and 4 assists, so be it.

[Kidd K]

If he can't get up for a NBA Finals Game 7, both him and I will have to revisit a lot of shit... it's not even about points or assists... just don't hurt the team... I'm rooting for him.

Looks like you're starting to understand how I have been feeling about him now.

We both love that guy, but he has been hurting the team more than helping it (game 5 being the exception obviously). It definitely isn't about the lack of points and stuff, it's the huge amount of turnovers and other things being so detrimental to the team.

The guy's supposed to be our 3rd best player, so him playing bad is like replacing one of our best guys with a terrible one that gets tons of minutes. It's doubley damaging since we're losing all the good Manu can bring and are getting turnovers and mediocre defense instead. :(

[NASpurs]

If he has a positive +/- , Spurs win. They might even win if he has a +/- that hovers between negative and positive, but these -20 are just killers.

Game 1: +3 W
Game 2: -23
Game 3: +6 W
Game 4: -22
Game 5: +19 W
Game 6: -21

It's amazing how the Spurs could have won game six considering the above.

[ducks]

I just hope he has less then 4 turnovers and more then 8 points

[timvp]

I guarantee he'll play better.

[TJastal]

If he takes it to the rack he needs to either finish the layup (if he has an open lane) or break out his midrange floaters (like he did in game 5). His passing is too FUBAR and risky to try at this point, especially with a heat defense that specializes in swarming the ball handler and cutting off all passing lanes. Better to get a shot up and miss (and have potential for offensive rebound) then throw what is essentially an outlet pass to start a fast break straight to the hands of a heat player.

[Richie]

If he has a positive +/- , Spurs win. They might even win if he has a +/- that hovers between negative and positive, but these -20 are just killers.

Game 1: +3 W
Game 2: -23
Game 3: +6 W
Game 4: -22
Game 5: +19 W
Game 6: -21

It's amazing how the Spurs could have won game six considering the above.

Wow, Just wow. Story of the series right there.

[ducks]

I guarantee he'll play better.

7 turnoves instead of 8:bang

[CosmicCowboy]

I expect him to suck

Sure hope I'm wrong.

[ElNono]

Looks like you're starting to understand how I have been feeling about him now.

We both love that guy, but he has been hurting the team more than helping it (game 5 being the exception obviously). It definitely isn't about the lack of points and stuff, it's the huge amount of turnovers and other things being so detrimental to the team.

I was just talking about Game 6. He had low turnovers in every other game. As i pointed out after Game 4, the real enemy is Turnobili... he didn't make an appearance until Game 6. I want that version of Gino far away from Game 7.

[Jenks]

I came here to post yes because I thought it said bail.

[FromWayDowntown]

I don't think he has to be exceptional; he just has to not kill the Spurs. I don't think you can expect Manu to play the game without turnovers; the chances that he takes are part of what makes him Manu and those chances don't always work out for his teams, but more often than not, good things happen when Manu is engaged. If he hits shots or finds ways to create shots for his teammates, all the better.

I do wonder if it would make some sense for Pop to return Manu to the bench. But then I think we're only likely to see Neal and Diaw off the bench for any significant minutes tonight, so I don't know that starting or coming off the bench will make much of a difference.

[superjames1992]

I hope his mind is ready for it more than anything because he's been the only one on the team moping around like Game 6 was the end of the series.

He was similar after game 4 and clearly came out ready to play in game 5, so I wouldn't make too much of it, tbh.

[Humberto]

Manu plays big tonight. I would be happy with 16 points, 5 assists, 5 boards, 2 steals, 2 deflections, 2 turnovers

[Texas_Ranger]

he'll play better, cause he can't play worse, but will it be enough, I don't know.

[dbreiden83080]

No.. In fact his interviews indicate he is mentally defeated..

[SA210]

Nono, grow a pair for your boy. Yes, he will come to ball.

[smaka]

7 turnoves instead of 8:bang

Hey, if he had 1 less turnover in game 6, we might have won.

[2centsworth]

As one who foresaw his game 5 success here (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217146) I'm not nearly as optimistic this time. I do believe he will do his best to limit his mistakes and make some defensive plays. Anything we get from him on offense will be a bonus. I predict 10pts, 4ast,4to,3rbs,2stls. If by some miracle we get game 5 production, the game is in the bag.

[look_at_g_shred]

I'm certain Manu will play better. But one crazy turnover and POP better pull his ass and I never thought I'd say this but, let Neal handle point.

[TJastal]

I was just talking about Game 6. He had low turnovers in every other game. As i pointed out after Game 4, the real enemy is Turnobili... he didn't make an appearance until Game 6. I want that version of Gino far away from Game 7.

It's been drilled into his head to be a facilitator out there for years now... which he is faithfully attempting to do, still. What he needs to realize is this is not a normal defense he's playing against, this is perhaps the most smothering, best ball hawking, cut-off the-passing-lanes defense he's probably ever had to face and they are playing him to pass the ball every time. He really needs to just forget about trying to make the incredibly difficult passes and just put all his focus on making some shots. If he does that successfully the passing lanes will eventually unclog and then the easy passes will be available to make once again. He seemed to do this in game 5 with great success, not sure why he went away from it.

[2centsworth]

It's been drilled into his head to be a facilitator out there for years now... which he is faithfully attempting to do, still. What he needs to realize is this is not a normal defense he's playing against, this is perhaps the most smothering, best ball hawking, cut-off the-passing-lanes defense he's probably ever had to face and they are playing him to pass the ball every time. He really needs to just forget about trying to make the incredibly difficult passes and just put all his focus on making some shots. If he does that successfully the passing lanes will eventually unclog and then the easy passes will be available to make once again. He seemed to do this in game 5 with great success, not sure why he went away from it.

damn good post.

[ErnestLynch]

If he has two turnovers in the 1st quarter you yank him and for no reason do you have him on the floor in the final minutes/seconds in a close game unless he's shooting over 50% and has made a couple of 3's. If he hits the 4 turnover mark at anytime, he's done.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Everyone saying just don't turnover the ball Manu needs to score tbh for this team to win a game 7

[ElNono]

Nono, grow a pair for your boy. Yes, he will come to ball.

:lol I'm rooting for him.

If there's anything about Manu is that he can be completely unpredictable... unfortunately, both in a good and bad way.

[widowmaker]

Na hes most likely to play worst than game 6.

[Humberto]

Bruce Bowen makes a good point about his turnovers are coming from trying to get others involved and helping teammates rather than being a ball hog and getting selfish turnovers. Either way his turnovers hurt the Spurs and hopefully he will not telegraph or get stuck in the air with last second passes tonight.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

He needs to relax! He's been trying too hard and he's forcing things, he needs to take a deep breath, gain some confidence, and let the game come to him.

[Capt Bringdown]

I wish Manu was on the Heat. Looks like a lot of Spurs fans are living in fantasy-land if you think he's going to do anything other than hurt us tonight.

[ErnestLynch]

Manu just may, perhaps, have one last ride left in him. I think he can do it. Since I cannot control Manu, I have no other choice but to support Manu.

[Pocket Hippo]

Manu's claim to fame was his crazy circus finishes in the paint and the occasional savant like pass, not his shooting from range. He needs to penetrate, if he gets turned into a 3 point shooting distributer that will play right into Miami's hands as we have seen in too many games this series.
GET - IN - THE - DAMN - PAINT

[Blue-Lightning]

Here's the thing. Physically, he still has ups and he still has speed... maybe not as much as in the past, but it's there. What is flabbergasting is that he goes through these mental stretches where he makes terrible passes, can't dribble, can't do the things he's always done. Dribbling doesn't fade with age. Knowing the game plan doesn't go with age. Why is it he can still dunk, but for some reason he can't hold onto the ball?

He needs to watch a replay of his first game in the NBA and remember that he is Manu Ginobili.

[Richie]

No.. In fact his interviews indicate he is mentally defeated..

Don't think this is the case at all. Bowen was saying on his podcast that Manu is like that, he says what he feels but it doesn't affect him the way it might do other players.

[Holden_Caulfield]

he will go god mode. is he starting tonight?

[Agloco]

If he can't get up for a NBA Finals Game 7, both him and I will have to revisit a lot of shit... it's not even about points or assists... just don't hurt the team... I'm rooting for him.

This. Sadly, it's what things have come to for Manu. Just don't screw it up.....

[Agloco]

KFU-wXsRhic

[TDomination]

If Manu can hit his first shot. That will do wonders for his confidence, just like game 5.

[AntiChrist]

I don't think he has to be exceptional; he just has to not kill the Spurs.


DING DING DING DING DING

We have a winner.

[hater]

He'll show up.

Yes, he's a tired shitbag but he'll show up tonight.

:tu

[Spursone]

I am hoping for a great game, and that might mean 1 turnover, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, and 13 points. Notice all numbers are odd. I can live with that.

[ironman2886]

Just don't turnover the ball for Christ's sake. Attack, attack, and make solid passes. Will TP,Green, and Ginobili play worse than game 6? Doubt it. :lobt2:

[ace3g]

Manu is going to wear his Argentina jersey under his Spurs jersey tonight

[james evans]

i've got my mind made up, i don't want that mf playing. he's had 1 good playoff game out of 20. experiment with him in the off season.

[Budkin]

As long as he doesn't try to pass the ball I'm cool... run plays for Manu to drive to the hole. If he can score at the basket or get fouled he'll be an asset. tbh could you ever foresee us having this discussion 4-5 years ago?

[michaelwcho]

guys:

He's Manu Ginobili.
He will be epic.

[Kidd K]

I was just talking about Game 6. He had low turnovers in every other game. As i pointed out after Game 4, the real enemy is Turnobili... he didn't make an appearance until Game 6. I want that version of Gino far away from Game 7.

Yeah but he was shit in games 2 and 4 anyway despite not completely shooting us in the foot like game 6. And game 4 in Memphis too tbh. I know it's another team and "shouldn't count", but technically 4 of his last 7 games have been SHIT games. Of the other three, one was poor, one was average at best, and one was great.

Literally every game we've lost thus far were games Manu either shat the bed or barely showed up. So there's a 57% chance he has a shitty game, 14% chances of having a poor game, slightly below average game, or a good game going on recent history.

I'm going to be realistic and just hope for the slightly below average one. If he was just average we'd have a decent chance. Even a little below average, just not total shit or being a ghost.

[Sa_Spursfan20]

He's a professional basketball player. He is going to be ready.

[HemisfairArena]

Well...he cant play any worse....or can he?

[ElNono]

Yeah but he was shit in games 2 and 4 anyway despite not completely shooting us in the foot like game 6.

I thought he was :lolk

[Spur-Addict]

THIS IS WHAT I DO

[perfectdark]

manu needs a couple of shots to go in early to get going
he has the confidence of an anorexic teenage girl right now
more driving to the basket and less passing be fucken selfish when u are on the floor

[shingo_318]

I hope a 20pts 6assists 2turnovers performance from Manu. He's a champion.

[slick'81]

He's gonna rape the whole city of south beach

[Ice009]

Manu will be A LOT better tonight.

[Quasar]

I guarantee he will play better than game 6 - that was rock bottom.

Whether or not his body will allow him to be great is another matter altogether . Manu and green/Kawhi playing well will determine if we win.

Hope he doesn't over think it.

[Brazil]

I guarantee he'll play better.

:lol kinda difficult to play worst

[TrainOfThought5]

I guarantee he'll play better.

wow... you didnt exactly step out on a limb with that one. he CLEARLY couldnt play worse.

but can he STEP UP enough for us to WIN!! THATS the question.

[dbestpro]

No.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Im hoping he does.

[ballhog]

Gonna hinge on him. Pop will live and die with him out there. Don't care if he scores much, but limit the turnovers

[Spurs Brazil]

Manuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[Austin_Toros]

Manu is a veteran with finals experience. I bet that he will really pick it up in game 7, realising this is his last chance to contribute towards getting that ring.

[slick'81]

ginobili

[Bianconeri]

For All the Times he stood up for us during those championships, now it's time for us to stand up for him!

Go Manu Go, show us what you do!

[41times]

I think Manu will play basketballs to the wall tonight because he know how bad he suck previously and he knows this is the last game.
will that translate to more points better play? one can only hope.
He will show some pride.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Ginobelieve

[AusEM]

In game 6, Manu mainly had two options: bad pass or bad shot. Since he is in facilitator mode, he tried the bad pass. Hopefully tonight he goes for the bad shot. At least that will allow our defence to settle.

[dg7md]

Manu might not not be able to play at the same level of ferocity he is capable of playing at, but I know he has a winner's heart and will do everything he can possible to help us win, especially since he got no-called at the end of the last game.

[ALVAREZ6]

I guarantee he'll play better.
Quite the guarantee when it's nearly impossible to not play better than he did in Game 6 :lol

[denghong1101]

I still believe you

[dallasmaverickslose]

MANU IS COMING TO PLAY

[spurs10]

Go Manu!!

[dg7md]

This a bump worthy thread too, for whatever happens. :lol

[imjunsul]

terrible

[imjunsul]

i dont give a shit what anyone says he lost us another championship ur an idiot if u dont see that fuck everyone getting ready for the cowboys season now peace

[DAF86]

He came to play tonight, you can't blame him for that stupid play design and a desperation missed 3.

[superjames1992]

That is about as good of a game as I could have hoped for from Manu, tbh.

Blaming him for this loss is asinine so STFU.