Reply With Quote
Manu explains his leadership in a Spurs team that has started the season as the best in the league. He has an objective: winning his 4th NBA championship
The three hour flight from LA to SA has allowed Manu Ginobili to digest the anger of a surprising defeat to the Clippers. A dark spot in an otherwise bright moment that allows him to dream of a 4th ring. “A game you shouldn't lose… But it happens when you play as bad as we did. Here you have to play well every day. Even against the worst team. And we didnt even have a good quarter. Opponents also pick up their game against the number 1 team”, he explains to Ole while on the bus to the airport.
-You still have the best record in the league (15-3). ¿Did you imagine you would have this start?
-No. I imagined a slightly better start than last year. Never that we would be 15-3... But we know it doesnt mean that much because there are 82 games. Nobody cares who is first 18 games in. We must keep improving. We can't let up. Obviously this gives us some air. But there is still a long long way to go.
-¿Would you like to go from december to march and start the PO?
-yes. we've thought about it (laughs). But it is impossible. I hope things continue well, to stay healthy and united like now.
-¿Are there more expectations from fans in San Antonio? ¿What do they say?
-The usual. If we start well everyone thinks we'll be champs. And if you start 6-10 everyone thinks you are an old fart who is done. its human nature. It happens everywhere.
-But its not Argentina…
-Here no one goes to the stadium to curse you or call you a thief. They get down and lose hope, but when things are good they raise their hopes. We know how it is.
-Last season you finished 7th and faced Dallas in the first round. ¿do you think about the regular season and seeding, to avoid that kind of matchup and have better chances?
-It goes without saying. That was one of the objectives for this year: less mistakes and a better start. We lost amazing games last year. We have to be top 4 to have HCA in the first round. Its very tiring to reach the final fighting from behind.
-¿Was it positive to be forgotten and have less pressure?
-I dont think the situation changed too much from that. We are a team with a lot of experience. We've won every way, as contenders and as old men. But you know how the mind is…
-You've beaten tough foes like New Orleans, Phoenix, Houston, Oklahoma, Utah y Orlando. ¿What other team do you want to measure yourself against?
-The lakers are the standard because they are the 2 time champs. Even if they've lost 4 in a row... Its always a challenge to play them. We always want to beat them. The other is Boston. They just reached the final, they play well and are tough. Orlando is also good. And we beat them.
-Another good indication is the 8-1 road record. You were undefeated till the clippers game. ¿Does that come with the experience of the team?
-yes. We put a lot of importance on the road. It brings us together. The team comes in with another at ude knowing mistakes are costly. But I didnt count on a 8-0 start with rivals like New Orleans, Utah, Phoenix y Oklahoma. We are confident. We won some games after being down 20. Now we have to continue.
-Speaking of experience, Its your 9th season and your influence is more noticeable. ¿Had you ever felt this important?
-Since the 2005 playoffs I clicked. I feel a lot more responsible for the team. A lot more of a leader. In these 5 years I gained confidence and improved my game. I feel like I own the team. With Tim (Duncan), Tony (Parker) and Pop (Gregg Popovich) we are the pillars. I feel good and its a great moment, the team has a lot of trust in me. I try to take advantage being a positive leader.
-Your numbers are a lot better than 05 when you were chosen for the All Star Game. ¿Do you see yourself getting a second shot or do you not care?
-Its not an objective. I'd be lying if I said I wouldnt be honored to be chosen for it. But at this stage in my career I don't particularly care. I want to get to the playoffs in good shape and win a championship. I alreadt know what it is to play an All Star game. If I get there again at 33, great. If not I'll go on vacations with my wife. 4 days of rest in february won't be bad for me.
-¿How much did rest help your body? You look more explosive...
-I look more explosive because I'm coming from 2 seasons where I had no preseason. The first was because of the surgery after the Beijing olympics. The next year I was out 5 months with two fractures. It was hard to get in rhythm and it took a while to feel good. But I dont see a big change from last year. The decision to skip the Worlds was because I needed time to train. My body can't stand 100 games without a preseason. Not any more. Now I'm on a long stretch of being healthy and in rhythm.
-You are the 14th scorer in the league, leader in 3s attempted and made. ¿More confidence in your shot?
-I feel very confident. I'm passing well on my drives and that keeps opponents weary. I'm shooting a little better with a man on me. Before I needed more space to get my shot off. I didn't know about the 3s. That's a little worrying (laughs).
-But it doesnt look forced. It looks as though its coming naturally.
-I've developed the shot off the dribble or off a fake drive. Its made it easier to shoot. Still I dont think Ill finish the season like this. Other players are more specialists. I'm more a playmaker than a shooter.
-You re-signed with SA until you are 36. ¿What is missing to end your career?
-Winning another championship. 2007 was the last with the Spurs. I'd love to feel that again, but it gets harder and the career gets closer to the end. With the national team I want to make the olympic podium. It was the greatest experience of my career. Those are the two objectives I have before hanging them up. I hope I can get them.
