Statement Time: Bulls face NBA-best Spurs before All-Star break

[Old School 44]

by Sam Smith

I’ll be at Thursday’s Bulls-Spurs game at the United Center, though it probably is one of those games you might rather watch on TNT.

That’s because while it is a matchup of the team with the best home record in the Eastern Conference (Bulls) and the team with the best road record in the NBA (Spurs)–and a good test for both teams heading into this weekend’s All-Star break–the best part may be Craig Sager’s attempt at a sideline interview with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Read more...

[awktalk]

Thinking of Ginobili, one of the best and most cooperative guys in the NBA, I’m reminded of another classic sideline interview with Popovich when an ESPN reporter asked why Popovich thought Ginobili could bring the Spurs back.

Popovich stared in some disbelief and said, “Because he’s Manu Ginobili.”

The reporter stared. Popovich stared.

End of interview.

Popovich doesn’t suffer fools, and we know where they generally work.

[Spurfect21]

LMAO look at the comments below the article...they all have a great "feeling" the bulls can pull this one out.

[coyotes_geek]

"Heck, they might even get in one of those ABC Sunday Showcase games if LeBron says it’s OK."

[Rummpd]

Smith LOL brings up the Spurs as 12th in defense when better metrics by Hollinger have them 6th.

[Rummpd]

A fairer piece would show that using Hollingers methods or advanced stats Spurs in top 6 in defense while Bulls suck on offense at 17th (some of that is injuries but not all their ball movement is often pathetic)

[wildbill2u]

I watched that "he's Manu Ginobilli" quip three times and LOL. Perhaps the best part is the deadpan look Pop gives the guy.

[Solid D]

This game smells of the 10th Spurs loss. Carlos Boozer is the big X factor. The Spurs will have to really hit their shots to win this game.

[xmas1997]

This should show us if our offense has enough punch to defeat a really good defensive team.
And it should show if our defensive consistency is really there.

[SenorSpur]

Ah, I never get tired of seeing that clip.

THanks for posting!

[Old School 44]

"He's Manu Ginobili" clip never gets old.

Down the road, when they prepare the final highlight video montage for Manu's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, they should put this clip last.

[awktalk]

I'm sure Pop would prefer to answer that question like this (NSFW)

[m33p0]

I'm sure Pop would prefer to answer that question like this (NSFW)

"can we try it again, coach?"

[m33p0]

not sure about this being a statement game, certainly not for the spurs. measuring stick, yes. statement game, no.

[Solid D]

This game smells of the 10th Spurs loss. Carlos Boozer is the big X factor. The Spurs will have to really hit their shots to win this game.

Too many 2nd chance points.