Every time Manu Ginobili touched the ball last night in the Spur’s game against the Phoenix Suns, he was booed with fervor by the hometown Phoenix fans.  They booed every single time he touched the ball, they cheered when he missed his shots (he started out 0-7), they booed as Ginobili laid on the ground, covering his face, after being smacked in the face by Boris Diaw.

I’ve never quite understood the hate for Manu Ginobili.  I have always thought the Argentine wonder is such a unique gift to the NBA.  His crossbow step back jumpshots, his weaving, awkward forays to the basket, his full-speed finger-rolls – Manu’s ability to finish at the basket is simply amazing.  on top of that, Ginobili is also a fantastic passer, a competitor, gives full-on effort (Thus, the moniker El Contusione given by teammate Brent Barry), and lastly, Ginobili is a winner.

Anyways, back to last night.  The game was a see-saw affair that saw the Spurs slowly and surely cut into Phoenix’s lead.  And when it counted, in the fourth quarter, Manu stepped it up.  He hit a fast-break three to give San Antonio their first lead, he attacked the basket, he made a critical steal with 18 seconds to play, and the best thing about the game last night is that Manu hit all four of his free-throws (12-12) when the game was in the balance, as Amare Stoudemire missed four of five in the last period.  The Spurs ended up beating the Suns 84-81, holding Phoenix to their lowest total of the season.  Manu ended the game with 19 points, all in the second half, and most importantly, the last laugh.

Source: San Antonio Phoenix BoxScore and Recap (Yahoo)