I've always wondered why inspite of Manu's and Tony stats being almost at the same level, Manu's ( 19 points , 5 Assists) vs Tony's (17 points , 7 assist), the consensus opinion is Manu is more valuable to the Spurs and its unquestionalbe leader.
(ESPN pics Manu as the number one pick for all Star reserve, while Tony is not an all star )
http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/p...-star-reserves
After analyzing their stats, it boils down to when they produce ( 4th quarter points, assist, steals etc) that explains the reason why Manu is generally considered as the Spurs MVP and go to guy and Tony is not.
Tony is just avg 15 % (2.7 pts) of 17 point avg in the 4th quarter (one of the lowest % of all NBA players avg 15 or more points) . While Manu is averaging a 42 % ( 7 points) of his 19 point avg in the 4th quarter ( one of the highest in the NBA) . I haven't checked but it's the same case for assist as well ( Manu get's most of his assist in the 4th vs Tony )
So now you know, what most people beleived, but could'nt point to exactly why: One produces when it counts the other piles stats early