Here's my translation of Manu's last article. Sorry if it's alredy posted.

After a good shake up from the boss (coach Gregg Popovich) we seem to have reacted and recovered our game, last night against Utah. Against Sacramento we sucked. We were slow, without any mobility, lacking options on offense and very dependent on what Tim (Duncan) could create. That's why we scored less than 80 points in the previous games. We were too easy to defend.

But, once in a while, when we hit a bad streak, Gregg gets on our faces and everything improves. Against Utah everything we shot went in and they gave up a little bit in the second half. The first half was, perhaps, one of our best this year.

Personally I felt pretty well after missing three games because a little problem in my left abductor. I played 20 minutes, with intensity and I really wanted to keep on playing, but they were a little scared of my injury. It was just a strain and apparently some fiber may have broken because a little hematoma appeared, but after just two days I was already feeling great and I asked to play. There's no doubt they decided to save me for the playoffs. They say the abductor is a delicate thing and didn't want to risk it. I understand them and I'm ok with it, but I really wanted to play.

Before speaking of Phoenix I have to concede that this has been the most irregular season we had since I joined the Spurs. The lows were very steep and the highs lasted long. But if we get our mobility back and we defend like we know we can, then we can go for a repeat.

Regarding tomorrow's opponent, I have to say that Phoenix is probably the team most eager to play us. After what happened last year, plus the other two or three times we defeated them before, I'm sure this series will be a classic. Anyway, I'm not sure this is the worst opponent we could get; we didn't want to lose and have to face Utah. It's always a good thing to start playing at your own house and if it was Utah, that would have meant starting as visitors. Anyway, as I said before, there are no easy opponents in the West.

About Phoenix I have to say they are loaded with talent. We already know Steve Nash is very hard to control and we have to be very aware of the paint to defend such two bigs as Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire. Besides, on offense, every time you go into the paint you're smashed against that huge thing that is Shaq, who is in good shape and very motivated to win. Obviously, Shaq's presence turns them into a slower team. Phoenix with him is not the same.

Although they beat us three times out of four in the regular season, that doesn't matter now, the playoffs are a different story. The way we play is different, without the wearing schedule of the regular season and adjustments can be made all the time, something our coaches are very good at.

Two more things: the voting for the 6th man of the year is coming and, as I said before I'm not bothered nor anxious to win it; it will not be a great compliment either, mainly because even though I am one, I don't feel like a sixth man. The other thing I want to make clear is my relationship with Tony Parker: we didn't quarrel, nothing happened and even though we are not the closest friends (Note: Manu says this without sarcasm) I get along fine with him. If we do argue from time to time, that is something that can happen with any teammate in any given game.
Saludos.