San Antonio Spurs 103, New Jersey Nets 89: Spurs Dominate in Ginobili's Return

And just like that, the Spurs find themselves in the midst of a seven game winning streak while holding the 3rd spot in the Western Conference. 22 games ago, Manu Ginobili broke his hand and the Spurs were left in an undesirable position; a rigorous schedule and injuries were sure to test the Spurs. Rather than sulk, this team took control of their destiny and recorded 15 wins and only 7 losses without their best player. Tonight, the Spurs were reunited with Manu and were able to cruise to their third victory on the Rodeo Road Trip. Such an event as the return of Manu demands FARS (Fred's Arbitrary Rating System) and thus shall have it.

Manu checks in! He looks bald, way bald. I've said this before, but we need to start the 'Manu Needs Hair And We Should Give Him the Money for the Cure' foundation: Rogaine, weird Chinese Medicine, whatever might work. We need to find the cure for him. Manu looked dynamic with long hair. He used his long hair as a weapon as he whipped it against his defender's face to create an exploitable seam in the defense. He looked great. We need long hair Manu back. Bald Manu = Contender. Long-Hair Manu = Favorite. FACT. Fred Silva +20, For expert analysis.

Spurs 12, Nets 5 1st 6:28

The Nets clearly know who Manu is as they attempt to keep him out of the play. Tony takes advantage of the defense on the opposite side of the floor as he drives to find an open Tim who draws the foul. "Chaps." We are wearing "Chaps" jerseys tonight. While I understand the history, I think it is one that everyone would like to forget. Yes, for a brief time the Spurs were the Dallas Chapparals. It did happen. But who cares? I hate Dallas. You hate Dallas. Who wants to relive this nightmare? Why do we have to do this every year? Exceptions should be made, David Stern. I blame Lebron, he sucks. Lebron -5

Tim slaps the ball away from Shelden Williams and Manu tips the ball forward so that he is able to recover it before anyone reacts. He races down the court and finishes a difficult fast break in traffic. He's so smart. He's so good. Manu +5

Shawne Williams drives down the lane and Manu reaches in. Manu gets a piece of the ball and it ricochets off Williams. The officials miss it and award the ball to the Nets. This is insignificant. Manu just reached. This is essentially the same play that happened 22 games ago. Five games into the season he reached and broke his hand. His first game back he reaches without hesitation. He wants to win. He wants the steal. He wants to defend. He lives for basketball. Many players would have played cautiously tonight, if they were in his shoes. But Manu is different and that's why we love him. He plays to win, always. It's great to have him back.

Manu and Splitter play pick and roll. Manu draws the attention of the defense and throws a no-look pass to Kawhi who drills the three pointer. Manu is the reason that Kawhi was able to hit the shot. This is one of those plays that deserves much more credit than the box score is capable of giving. Without Manu, this never develops. The respect that Manu demands created this opportunity. The assist credit does not fully give Manu the praise he truly deserves. Manu +5

Manu checks back in and is looking spry. First play, Deron WIlliams gives a shot-fake and jumps into DeJuan Blair for a shooting foul. Can we get this worked out? I thought jumping into the defender was supposed to be a no-call now. It seems the officials are not responding to the (S)stern mandate. Come on now; how hard is this? I know our players use this move, too, I just want it to be consistent. Officials -10

Manu receives the pass from Tim and initiates the fast-break. He drops a no-look dime to DeJuan who connects for the and one. Sean Elliott makes the comment, "You think DeJuan Blair is happy about having Manu Ginobili back?" He's not the only one, Sean. Manu +7