Manu Ginobili - Passing Perfection

[Chinook]

The victory does help, a lot of things are lost in time from the losing side. I think it also has to do with the optics, Kawhi's play was just breathtaking, in fact Kawhi had a few holy moments these playoffs, but that was easily no.1. I don't want to dismiss any of Green's great D, but Kawhi's steal was iconic imo. Lebron is the best player but Westbrook is no slouch, I actually fear Westbrook more in the clutch but that could be a ref thing.

tbh, I was stoned on hydrocodone throughout the 2013 Finals because of a surgery so that could affect my recollection, though I sobered up for game 6 but with the pain (and post game pain ) things are still fuzzy. Watching the clip again, I still put Kawhi's play above it. You should run a poll on it though, might be some interesting discussion.

I doubt many folks agree with me. Green gets no respect, and Kawhi gets a ton. Plus, I think the pain over 6 and Green's poor shooting in that game colors the decision. It's also of note that Leonard's block is a relatively rare thing for him, since he's actually awful in transition most of the time. So him making that play is like Green hitting a buzzer-beating floater of an iso crossover.

[pookenstein]

The other aspect is that Kawhi's play was just a clean steal, almost like a magick trick: "now you have the ball, now you don't". All that while rotating, jumping, and having the reflexes to get rid of the ball before landing oob (even if I think he landed in the court in the end, but it doesn't matter). Westbrook never saw it coming. And if you want to see the play again you only have to look at my sig

No. His reflex was to catch the ball, but he wasn't fast enough. He didn't try to get rid of it. Amazing play nonetheless.

[pookenstein]

Kawhi's play is a dandy, and it will go down in history because of its result. But clutch plays to me are not about what happens before or after. They are about what a player does in the moment. And being able to single-handedly stop the best specimen in history coming at you with a full head of steam with the game on the line is something that is very rare. I can't think of another player who would have done that.

That's why I say Leonard's is more important, but Green's was better. It just took so much more skill. But it will be the defensive equivalent of Duncan's clutch shot which preceded .4.

[ElNono]

eh, Kawhi's play>>Green's imo

ditto here

[boutons_deux]

Manu closing out Sonics @SEA 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LxfOV5B9Ko

[99 Problems]

Manu = Warrior.

[superbigtime]

Passing through the defenders open legs is one of his trademarks. I mean, it's a regular part of his game. Can any other player past or present make that claim? Gotta be demoralizing for the defender too. Manu is one of a kind.

[ManuGinobiliArg]

Euro-stepping since 1991. ARGENTINA STEPPING, Manu Step

[exstatic]

Manu closing out Sonics @SEA 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LxfOV5B9Ko

I hated their fanbase SO much for cheering when Timmy went down that I was happy when they moved to OKC.

[Seventyniner]

I've always wondered what the penalty would be, if any, for a player who attempts a nutmeg pass and instead bounces the ball up into the defender's crotch. I'm guessing none because it would usually result in a turnover, which is already a small punishment.

[polandprzem]

Manu got the best in-crowd-passes, he is phenomenal tbqh

[urunobili]

Finally found a video with the dunk on Diop with the flagrant not called on josh howard....

[Proxy]

Finally found a video with the dunk on Diop with the flagrant not called on josh howard....

nice find, I haven't seen a few of those plays in a long time.

[urunobili]

nice find, I haven't seen a few of those plays in a long time.

there could be a top 50 one too! the one on the Pistons in 05 (some on Denver that same year) and the one on Bosh in 14 should make it :P

[Proxy]

there could be a top 50 one too! the one on the Pistons in 05 (some on Denver that same year) and the one on Bosh in 14 should make it :P

true. I've always loved the ones against the Pistons just for the fact that their defense was so great. I'll always like the one he had off of the tip-off against the Sun in the playoffs even though it wasn't on anyone. Great way to start a game on the road.

Just went through a few videos on youtube... I never blamed Phoenix or Denver fans for hating the out of Manu since he torched them so often. I miss those games. I forgot the dunk on Marion was his 48 performance in OT.

[Hemotivo]

Manu closing out Sonics @SEA 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LxfOV5B9Ko

Gino was outstanding

[ElNono]

This was in '08, first game against the Cavs after the '07 Finals... I think this was one of his best seasons...