San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili says ‘Rustiness’ a non-factor in the series against Los Angeles Clippers
After struggling to find his shooting rhythm in the first three games of the series against the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs guard, Manu Ginobili finally got it going in Game 4 to help his team sweep the series.
Erupting for 17 points in the game, Manu was able to knock down a triple in the playoffs after missing on his first nine attempts in the series.
However after getting his first double figure score of the series, Ginobili along with the rest of the Spurs have waited for their opponents in the second round for nearly a week. The wait however is finally
over after the Los Angeles Clippers knocked out the Memphis Grizzlies in the Game-7 of the series tonight.
Now after having too much time to rest, many have predicted the Spurs to be a little rusty while they take on the Clips but the Argentinean sniper has come out to openly dismiss such concerns;
“I don't really think I lost or gained anything,” he said. “My Game 2 (vs. Utah) was awful, for sure. Game 3, I played well. I just didn't take a lot of shots. I didn't have the opportunity. Game 4, I played
pretty well and made a couple of shots. It was never a concern. Now we are facing a completely different series. We'll see how it goes.”
The Clippers have come out winners from an intense and physical series, which saw Chris Paul, suffer a hand and hip injury, Blake Griffin hurt a knee and Caron Butler fracture his non shooting hand. Even though
they may yet be fatigued, but star point guard Tony Parker does not believe that tiredness can be a factor in the playoffs.
“It was a very hard game and very physical,” said Parker. “I think, for us, we have to make sure we really respect them. Even if they're hurt a little bit, they're going to play hard and they're going to play very physical and
we're going to have to match their energy in everything they do. It's going to be a tough series.”
Spurs Head Coach, Gregg Popovich has also been fairly surprised with the amount of rest his players have received much courtesy to their impressive showing in the first round. It may not be that much of an issue
as the Spurs have been trying their best to stay in rhythm and make the most of this time span to get some good practices in.
Come Tuesday night, will look to continue on their winning ways and extend their 14-game streak.
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