Manu Ginobili always seems to beat down the Toronto Raptors like they are a bat at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Whether it is off the dribble or from outside the arc, he seems to perform as well in the first quarter as he does at the end of the game. Although he plays on a roster of superstars, he seems to excel even more when he must carry the Spurs’ load by himself. The Argentine proves to be a model all aspiring players should wish to emulate and a nightmare for defenders across the Association.
Fundamentals: When open, Ginobili’s release is quick but not especially deadly. Yet his ability to keep his head composure under pressure permits him to pick his spots when the game is on the line. If he gets the ball in a good spot, he is ready to drill it. When guarded, he possesses an amazing to adjust and get a reasonably good shot, plus the foul. He can even draw the foul with an upfake and get his feet behind the line before shooting so he can have one more foul shot.
Defenders can counter this by moving under the air time of the ball in order to contest the passing lane. Also, Ginobili’s defender should never sink down to the hoop because that is too far a distance to close out. It’s a tall order but improving on-ball defence, even a little bit each day makes a huge difference because it forces Ginobili to pass when he doesn’t get to the rim and reduce the occasions when defenders leave their man to help, clear targets for the selfless dribbler and kick/dish player.
Determination: If he is denied, Ginobili will keep moving until he is open. If he isn’t boxed out correctly, he will find a way to get the board. If he can see a lane to the basket, he will lower his head and barge into the paint. Most of the Spurs’ end outs involve Ginobili running off numerous screens, making the defence help, until he gets open on a flare or back door or a teammate can take advantage of a slow rotation. He makes the defence work for the entire twenty-four second shot clock.
Defenders with the mental and physical endurance to harass Ginobili all game are few and far between. Aggressive defence counters aggressive offence but few are quicker than the fifty-seventh draft pick in 1999. Good balance permits the defence to get into position for charges. There could be opportunities for traps and rotation on ballscreens. To get through all of the screens away from the ball, a defender requires persistence and a little help from his friends (such as a bump or two, not smashing the flash but letting him know that you are there).
Consistency: He’s won Association titles and an Olympic Gold Medal and played for World Championships so he will not wilt during intense moments. He can drop thirty on the Raptors at any time because he plays the entire game. Before receiving the ball he is always trying to get open in a good spot. While holding ball he is trying to improve his position. After relinquishing the ball, he is always trying to get it back, crashing the boards, cutting, or screening.
Defenders cannot relax. Once, Ginobili missed a three point shot at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto’s Carlos Delfino contested the shot and then leaked out on the fast break while Ginobili recovered his own miss and San Antonio won the game. I suspect that few in the Association have the same practice habits as the 2008 N.B.A. Sixth Man Award Winner. Practice becomes performance under pressure.