San Antonio Spurs Get a Fresh Injection of Manu Ginobili

Someone looking at today's box score will see that Manu Ginobili scored 12 points in 11 minutes of play during his first game since his ankle surgery this past summer.

They'll see that he also contributed four rebounds and one assist, but what they'll never see is that which can not be measured.

"Manu Ginobili brings something you don't know that you missed until you see how he lifts everyone around him," said one television analyst. "The Spurs just play so much better when he's on the court."

In point of fact, it didn't even look like Ginobili had missed any time away from the lineup. Even the Spurs' new players looked like they had been playing with him for years and that must give the Spurs reason to feel great today.

His facile control of the ball and flowing movement was something the Spurs sorely missed.

Some had worried that he might not be the same player he was before his ankle surgery. His uncomplicated performance made his shooting, cutting, and dunking look like child's play.

"He really picked us up in a time when we were struggling," said Tim Duncan. "It's great to have him back. I can't wait to see his minutes continue to grow."

"He made a great contribution," added coach Gregg Popovich. "I think he looked as good as he has during the last couple of practices going five-on-five."

It was obvious that Ginobili was ready to play. If anyone was cautious, it was his coach.

"I didn't want to play him too much, but I was pleased to see that he got his rhythm back so quickly," said Popovich. "I didn't want to over do it. he's too important to us. We'll see how he comes out of it tomorrow."

If you ask Ginobili, it was probably too few minutes on the floor. Even his coach admits that he's spent much more time running full court scrimmages during practice, but in the end, Ginobili will take playing over sitting any day.

"I was very excited to be out there instead of just having to just run, lift and do abs," said Ginobili. "It was a great feeling and I'm happy that we got the win."

If there was one thing that may have been lacking during his first game back, it may have been his explosiveness. But, the smooth fluency of his body control certainly masked it well.

"I don't feel explosive yet," Ginobili admitted. "I'm still a little out of shape. Out of game shape. I've been running and stuff like that, but game shape is something you get the more you play."

He says he hopes to expand his minutes a little bit at a time. His target is to play at least four more minutes when the Spurs play the Bulls in San Antonio on Wednesday. Post game stiffness will be something team trainers will keep an eye on, but in this league, that's always something they keep an eye on.

"Right now it's a little stiff, but I think that's normal," said Ginobili in the locker room. "I feel good. A little slow, but good."

No doubt, the Spurs feel better too.