Look I don't care if you think the narrative about the GSW series is false. This isn't some personal beef, I think you are a good poster and contribute actual basketball takes to this site (unlike the cesspool of trolls who call this site home). But we will have to agree to disagree on your take of Manu's competencies and contributional potential.
I understand my argument in the GSW series is somewhat subjective but it's a direct observation of that "always gonna fight" at ude. Let's forget about the points, let's forget about the efficiciency... bluntly stated, a 39 year old should not be out-hustling the younger players. He should not lead the team in free throw attempts or charges drawn. Your excuse that somehow Manu got calls that the youngsters weren't getting doesn't pass the eye-test either. They were settling for jump shots when Manu was running like a bull to the basket. Running back to stop the fastbreak. Yes the GSW had more talent on the court, but Manu didn't care - some of the other guys were playing defeated or padding empty stats on the offensive side while showing less hustle on the defensive side... playing carelessly at times, not valuing each playoff possession. I still believe that if the Spurs would've won Game 3, Kawhi would've been allowed to suit up for Game 4. It was a winnable game and plays like the play I described in my previous post stood out as game changing. We kept giving them momentum every time they let the GSW out-hustle them on their home court, every time they had a mental lapse, every time we refused to match their physicality. The Spurs were bullied and collectively cowered. Ginobili, despite his many limitations refused to do so.
Again, I wanted every Spur on the court to perform well. And the only one who was really ticking me off was LMA. Due to his unwillingness to get physical, to show any signs of courage in the face of adversity - he was sulking and it was visible enough for everyone to see. The flip side of the argument was watching Ginobili up his relentlessness. Yes, Manu mightily struggled with his shot against the Grizzlies and against the Rockets - especially from the outside. The reality of his time on the court however was that he still contributed with assists, rebounding, steals and with hustle. Manu was being a pest even while his shot was broken. Also, given his exaggerated rep around here, he only had 12 turnovers across 15 playoff games. Lastly, despite his scoring struggles, Manu was only 8th in minutes played against the Grizz and 7th in minutes played against the Rockets. His presence wasn't holding anyone back but his contributions were still needed.
That's funny, I give you that one ...surely you'll use the packaging as wall paper at your place.
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