Manu Ginobili's remarkably efficient play had the San Antonio Spurs up 2-0 over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ginobili has been the best player for the Spurs in his production per minutes played, his decision making in the half-court set and his ability to put the troops on his back in the fourth quarter.
Through two games, Ginobili has played an average of 30 minutes per game, including just 26 minutes in Game 2. Yet, he has averaged 23 points and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from distance, 15-for-25 from the field and a clutch 12-for-13 from the free-throw line.
These numbers are mind-boggling to say the least, as he has averaged just 27 minutes per game all postseason. He has been able to put up two solid performances in the Western Conference Finals in spite of not getting the minutes he is accustomed to.
Ginobili is as strong as any player in the league finishing at the basket, and the Thunder defense has to respect that. As a result, he is able to either finish or dish out to open shooters on the perimeter.
However, more important than any aspect of Ginobili's game has been his ability to close out games for San Antonio. His performances in the fourth quarter of both games have been sensational. His efforts and prowess on the court are intangibles which, more than anything else, cannot and will not go unnoticed.
It is his ability to make the most of his minutes, control the pace on offense and close out ballgames with his outright nasty talent that has these Spurs on top of the Thunder. The 2-0 series lead has been done in impressive fashion, and it is Ginobili that this team and fans must praise.
Despite being an older, aging veteran, Ginobili has helped to put an explosively talented Thunder team on the ropes. It has been impressive to say the least.
Job well done, Ginobili.