Manu is not playing like he did in his first nba years, now he is scoring from long distance and that will keep his body in better shape for the finals. If 3 pointers are falling there is no need for him to use his "Manu crazy moves" :P.
Thats actually an excellent point. Perhaps one reason Manu is fresher and doing this well is because he's not playing quite as wreckless as he has in the past. A far larger percentage of his points are coming from beyond the arc this year than any before. Another bit of anecdotal evidence is that I don't believe he's taking as many charges this year.
Perhaps being smarter with his body is what is helping him out a bit this year.
Manu needs those kryptomanu pills, otherwise won't be able to get a ring + gold medal in olympics!
Here is what i belive, and Manu will never admit it, unless he is able to pull it off...
Sure, Parker gone and Spurs needing some wins are part of the reason, but i think the main reason is the oportunity to have an historical year.
If Manu wins a BTB NBA ring, while playing great on the playoffs and probably a finals MVP, and later on the Olympics he takes Argentina to another golden medal over a strong USA, including MVPs... it will defenitly make him a Legend.
The stud of the world wants it all... as he should.
He may fail, since this year will be harder than ever to do it all, but it wouldn´t be Manu if he didn´t try.
Manu was Jordansque in the first 20 games.
Then he got hurt.
Then he started to feel better AND was left out of the ASG.
He just knows he is better than anybody, but one or two guys there.
I'd bet he knows the coaches that turned him down.
We will also know that, judging from his next perfomances. In addition to those we know already.
Don't be fooled by his calm style and classy behaviour, he is still argentinian.
He'll hit you back where it hurts most.
He didn't have Tony holding him back.....
Since coming into the league, Manu has been a fantastic NBA player. Yes, he has been playing well all along. For those who would dismiss the notion of something different going on...just remember that Manu just set his career bests in rebounds (15) and assists (12) over the past 2 weeks. He also set the Spurs franchise record for 3-point FGs in 1 quarter (6) during this time. Why so?
More minutes, to be sure, is one reason but I would submit another reason is that the team needed his leadership. They have lacked scoring, they have lacked athleticism and energy, they have needed a strong will, and coach Popovich has allowed Manu extra minutes to lead this team missing it's playmaker (Parker) and best 3-pt shooter (Barry) due to injuries.
I wonder if he got acclimated to doing more in shorter stents coming off the bench, and has now carried that over into his increased minutes (and without Parker and Barry)...
The switch is in the "on" position.
"More than anything they know what the situation is going down the stretch with so many great teams in the west. You can end up first through ninth as far as seeding goes. You can’t really decide that you’re going to turn it on a little bit later, it’s got to be turned on now.” - Gregg Popovich, February 23, 2008
I think Manu came into the season well rested, not playing ball all summer (Take a hint Tony), and was just ready to be a ball buster all year. And because of the off season rest, I don't think the extended minutes he is playing now is going to wear him down.
If that hand didn't get injured, there is no telling what his stats would be for the year.
Even though I know it won't happen, if you look at all the games that Manu has carried this team on his back, he should at least get some consideration for MVP.
I just hope he continues to light everyone up throughout the playoffs.
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