After digesting an embarassing (yet not entirely unexpected) defeat at the U.S. Airways Center this afternoon, I found myself getting an undeniable sense of deja vu.  After some fervent searching on the internet (duly noting the masses and throngs of suns "fans" that have come out of the woodworks to revel in temporary glory like inebriated inmates on playoff's death row), I found this gem of a quote from (who else), Manu Ginobili regarding the Spurs' game 4 loss to the suns in the 2005 Western Conference Finals.

What strikes me is the simplicity of the quote, especially since the game that had just transpired had been anything but pedestrian.  The suns had home court advantage that in '05, but the Spurs appeared headed for a sweep behind 3 ridiculously strong performances from Timmy, Manu, and Tony.  Game 4 had been stellar, with Amare (controversially) blocking a potential game-winning dunk by TD.  Thus, the series went back to phoenix at 3-1, and many pundits declaring that since the suns had not only "solved" the Spurs, but were also headed back to the godforsaken desert wasteland they call a home, the team from Texas could find itself in a tight spot.  Well, we all know what transpired.  The Spurs came up with an efficient, well-executed, disciplined game and sent the suns packing, while SA came back home to prepare for yet another NBA Finals appearance.

Manu wasn't shouting when he made this quote.  He wasn't ranting about the apparent no-call on Amare's block.  What he was demonstrating was the cool of a professional that knows he's superior than his opponent.  If one is certain ultimate victory is attainable, why get wrapped up in the trifles of the moment?  Accept defeat, analyze mistakes, apply counter-strategy, and execute.  I can almost guarantee you that all Manu was thinking about was how to play better in the next game, and the results spoke for themselves.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sugarcoat the situation at all.  It is of paramount importance that the Spurs finish off these pesky bedouins with all due speed.  We were outplayed and outhustled in every facet of the game, and anyone who thinks the Spurs were actually trying to still win this one at the halfway point of the 3rd quarter is not familiar with Pop's coaching style.  I applaud him for gamely pulling the starters at a reasonable point and letting phx get their punches in without risking our integral pieces to injury.  While the suns' starters piled on point after point to the squeals of a giddy, overhyped crowd, the Pop and the Spurs were taking notes.  I can guarantee you that the trip back to the Lone Star State will be anything but relaxing for the Men in Black.

The Spurs have been in this position before.  I have absolute confidence that they'll draw upon that experience to make phx wish they'd never come back to Tejas.

Put away the brooms, San Antonio........it's time to bring out the heavy artillery.

Welcome back to the Lone Star State, phx.  Where championships happen!

"We are sad.  We are angry."  --M. Ginobili, May 2005

GO SPURS GO!