San Antonio Spurs Look Ok With Healthy Ginobili

Against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, Manu Ginobili shot 3 for 11 and finished with 12 points in a loss. The silver lining for the San Antonio Spurs is he played 26 minutes. The previous day he played 23 minutes in a win over the New Orleans Hornets and scored 16 points on 5/11 shooting.

He did not get the desired result against the Bulls. However many considered this a test to see how he played on back to back games after last season ended prematurely due to injuries. In close games like these Ginobili normally shines, especially in the fourth Quarter. Last night the Spurs only managed to score 18 points to the Bulls 21. This could easily be attributed to early season jitters or teething problems. San Antonio also has five new comers who might be still adjusting to the team's play.

The only Spurs player whom the coach thought came to play was hall of fame bound Tim Duncan who looked to be in great shape, physically. Duncan finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds.

Both players have a lot to prove this season as they head towards the latter part of their career. It is hard to find many active players past the age of 34 who are able to contribute significantly. Duncan will be 34 and Ginobili will be 33 by the end of the season.

 Ginobili said "At 32, 33, 34, the age we have, you’re never going to be what you were at 25. That’s natural and we all go through that."

Although both will be relied upon heavily by the Spurs it is harder for a guard especially Ginobili who is constantly in motion. His trademark is his ability to dissect the frontline of opposing teams on his drives to the basket. This is not without risk. Injuries can occur quite easily as negotiating through seven footers can be hazardous.

Ginobili's season ended last season with a right ankle injury. In his first two games Ginobili seemed very conscious of this as he seems to mix it up more between driving and shooting. Although he only shot 3 for 11 from three point land so far, it is clear that he may be taking on more of a shooter's role this season.

For his career, Ginobili's romance with the three was only fleeting as he tends to use it as bait to set up his heroic drives to the hoop.

Despite his team being 1-1 the Spurs' sixth man of the decade has a good start averaging 14 points. A collection of ESPN writers selected him as the favourite to win the sixth man award again, at the end of this season. It may seem all he has to do is stay healthy.