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Yeah, they will get the lineups straight soon and start winning over 80%. Good article
Making a pathway for Manu
Web Posted: 01/16/2006 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...s.824d876.html
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was on his way to the team's practice court Friday afternoon when Michael Finley stopped him.
Popovich took one look at Finley and knew what he wanted.
"You don't have to say anything," Popovich said. "I understand."
Finley proceeded anyway. It was time, he told Popovich, for Manu Ginobili to replace him in the starting lineup.
Popovich nodded. "I understand."
Popovich understood because he was already contemplating making the move. Finley's at ude made the choice that much easier.
"It was as much his decision," Popovich said, "as it was mine."
Like Popovich, Finley could see the obvious.
Ginobili's right foot, which had troubled him for much of the season before forcing him onto the inactive list for two weeks, finally looked healthy. His stamina had improved enough to allow him to play his usual allotment of minutes for the Spurs, who play at 7 tonight in Memphis.
As a result, Ginobili's confidence also had increased. His brazen drives to the basket, his ball hawking, his thrilling passes had all returned.
In short, Ginobili looked like his old self.
"In my opinion, it was kind of long overdue for Manu to get back into the starting lineup," Finley said. "I think it's what the team is used to seeing. I think it's beneficial for all of us."
If Saturday's 80-79 victory over Memphis was any indication, he might be right.
Making his first start in more than a month, Ginobili led the team with 20 points, seven assists and three steals. Finley also had one of his most productive games in the past two weeks, scoring 12 points in 28 minutes off the bench.
"We didn't skip a beat with (Ginobili) back in the lineup," Tim Duncan said.
Finley moved into the starting lineup on Dec. 13 after Ginobili sprained his foot in practice. Although Finley figured he would eventually return to his reserve role, Popovich continued to start him to see if the Spurs were better off using Ginobili's energy off the bench.
"I tried to really keep it open-ended in my mind, just read the situation," Popovich said. "I think the current cir stances call for what we're doing now. I feel good about that. And Michael was all for it."
Finley averaged 16.7 points while shooting 52.7 percent, including 50 percent from the 3-point line, in his first six games after taking over the starting job. He has since struggled with his shot he had missed 29 of his previous 90 attempts entering Saturday but Popovich has been pleased with his efforts to improve his all-around game.
"He hasn't shot it as well as he would hope, but he's been very attentive defensively," Popovich said. "He's taking things very seriously, being very critical of himself when he makes a mistake. He's been active on the boards. And he's made some big shots at the end of games."
Finley hasn't been a full-time reserve since Phoenix traded him to Dallas midway through the 1996-97 season. But he thinks the opportunity he had to start in Ginobili's place and play extended minutes should help him as he transitions to his new role.
Finley has become more familiar with his teammates, as well as what they expect of him. Although he has sometimes been reluctant to shoot when playing alongside Duncan, that wasn't the case Saturday. Shortly after stepping onto the floor midway through the first quarter, he drove for a dunk. On the next possession, he made a 3-pointer.
Finley hopes to make sure the Spurs don't lose all of the aggressiveness Ginobili was providing off the bench. The Spurs, however, don't expect him to be Ginobili.
"Nobody in the league is going to bring energy like Manu does," Popovich said. "He's a maniac. He's fearless. He's wild with a purpose. Nobody is going to match that."
Popovich hopes to use the lineup change as a launching point for the rest of the season. Defining a more consistent rotation should be easier with the team's usual starting lineup intact. With Finley playing well Saturday, Popovich shortened his bench to exclude Brent Barry.
"I think with us being as healthy as we are now, it's time for us to start getting our true roles," Finley said. "And the best scenario for our team is Manu starting."
Yeah, they will get the lineups straight soon and start winning over 80%. Good article
of a professional Michael Finley is.
Typical Spur.
Way to go Finley.
Come on, Manu was never going to lose his starting position.
It wasn't Michael's starting position to give up anyway.
He was filling in while Manu was injured, nothing more.
No way his disappearing acts in big games would ever justify his starting over Manu.
If Michael hadn't want to give up starting, what's he gonna do? Pout and ?
Nothing heroic about accepting the inevitable.
"Popovich shortened his bench to exclude Brent Barry."
Sounds like a death sentence without appeal. So Brent's season is over?
Say o to Mr Joe Freaking Dumars http://www.pistonsbball.com/video/jo...rospective.htm I am sorry this is just a great peice.
Just can't quite freakin be positive can you.Come on, Manu was never going to lose his starting position.
It wasn't Michael's starting position to give up anyway.
He was filling in while Manu was injured, nothing more.
No way his disappearing acts in big games would ever justify his starting over Manu.
If Michael hadn't want to give up starting, what's he gonna do? Pout and ?
Nothing heroic about accepting the inevitable.
God what a miserable you are.
not as miserable as your 400 lbs.
Finley could have been an ass and acted like a if he really wanted. He didn't have to go up to Pop first and help make that decision easier.
props to fin.
good read.
These kinds of actions more than anything else are what make me proudest to be a Spurs fan. I love the chemistry, teamwork, respect, professionalism, and everything that makes the Spurs organization what it is. There is nothing greater than having a true team to root for night in and night out.Finley could have been an ass and acted like a if he really wanted. He didn't have to go up to Pop first and help make that decision easier.
This is the reason why I think Spurs fans are sometimes a little harsh on Finley.Finley averaged 16.7 points while shooting 52.7 percent, including 50 percent from the 3-point line, in his first six games after taking over the starting job. He has since struggled with his shot he had missed 29 of his previous 90 attempts entering Saturday but Popovich has been pleased with his efforts to improve his all-around game.
29-90 is obviously pretty bad, but it's just a bad stretch. Playing in Dallas, 90 attempts is probably only a 5 game span, where as with the Spurs its more like a 10 game stretch.
It has to be very hard to get out of a slump when you are used to shooting 20 times a game, which means you are likely to find your groove a bit easier. When you are shooting 1-5 or 2-9 in games, it's harder to find the stroke. I'm sure in Dallas Finley started plenty of games 2-7 then hit 8-10 to finish with a really good game. He won't get that oppurtunity to make for a bad start to a game in San Antonio, because obviously the shots are not there.
I think with a little more time, Fin is going to be a killer off the bench.
Michael Finley will be HUGE in the playoffs this year. I guarantee it!!
Manu can take any player in the league one on one and make him look stupid. Finley knows it and shows heart and veteran leadership with his comments.
*hiccup* ....
We can always count on Ludden for Spur Love. Finley showed more confidence off the bench the other night. Manu is back in the groove, turnovers and all.
Yup. Come playoff time (or sooner), SA will be firing on all cylinders.We can always count on Ludden for Spur Love. Finley showed more confidence off the bench the other night. Manu is back in the groove, turnovers and all.
People tend to forget that Michael Finley still is, without a doubt, Michael Finley. This guy is a former All-Star, a guy who used to be the face of the Mavs franchise, and I am willing to bet he still knows how to play.
We aren't talking Brent Barry here because Brent Barry was never the true star. We're talking like getting Ray Allen after he passes the torch to the younger guys in Seattle. I mean, keep in mind, Finley was averaging 36 minutes a game.
People are too quick to pass judgement.
i would rather barry play more minutes running point. even is his shot has been off forever the dude can still pass.
Well this is the kink of actions that will definitly help spurs to get another championship!!!!!!!
Same here, i rather have himi runnin the point instead of that overdribble ballhog tp. The offense tends to be more smooth when gino or barry is runnin the point.
i was talking about him spelling tp, not taking his place. i think it would help barry to get more pt, especially with barry/tp in the game instead of van exel/tp.
So, Ludden's saying that Finley made 61 of his last 90 for 68%! That's pretty darn good! Tell me again why Finley's no longer starting?He has since struggled with his shot he had missed 29 of his previous 90 attempts entering Saturday.
"a guy who used to be the face of the Mavs franchise"
... but under no-defense Nelson.
Check his career stats, season vs playoffs.
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_finley/index.html
Then check Manu's season vs playoffs stats.
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/emanue...ili/index.html
Michael's playoff numbers go the wrong direction compared to season numbers.
Maybe he will reverse that as a Spur.
Last edited by boutons_; 01-16-2006 at 05:41 PM.
So, Ludden's saying that Finley made 61 of his last 90 for 68%! That's pretty darn good! Tell me again why Finley's no longer starting?
I though I mis-read it...I was like, Damn he's ONLY missed 29 shots?
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