Redemption Song

Hoping to see more of this in game 7.

Game six of the Finals, depending on whether you hate the Heat or love them (not many people are in between), was either the most exhilarating basketball game ever played, or a sickening, Game of Thrones Red Weddingesque example of how cruel the world can be.  Between Manu and Kawhi each missing a foul shot that could have guaranteed victory, to the Bosh offensive rebound with Popovich inexplicably having lifted Duncan from the game, to the two 3s, to Manu's horrid overtime turnover, to the HORRID no-calls in overtime (either of which could have changed the end result), the sequence of events was truly shattering.  I received a text message prematurely celebrating with 20something seconds left in regulation, and I responded, saying don't get happy just yet.  I did that because I didn't want to let my guard down too soon, only to then be devastated by an incredible comeback.  Well, my instincts of doom proved to be accurate.

Once things started going wrong for the Spurs, it was like a snowball going downhill.  After Parker hit two of the most clutch shots of his career (a high note on an otherwise disastrous 6-23 night) and Manu hit 2 free throws, I figured the refs (among them Joey Crawford) would do their best to force a game 7, but that it was still unlikely that the Spurs would miss enough shots and the Heat would have time to close the gap.  I was wrong.

When Popovich lifted Duncan for Boris Diaw, I could feel my eyes bulging in disbelief; this is one of the best players of all time, in the midst of a 30 point, 17 rebound performance.  Duncan, a superb rebounder and a legit 7 footer, taken out of the game to nominally increase perimeter foot speed and allow the Spurs to switch more.  Guess what: in a situation in which the Heat needed 3 pointers, if Duncan pushed up on someone on the perimeter and that person got inside for a layup, it wouldn't have mattered!

After one of Manu's ghastly turnovers led to a Bosh 3 point play on the other end, I started to fear the worst.  Popovich took Manu out, and the Spurs offense sputtered for the next several minutes. When Manu tried to go coast to coast for a layup with seconds left that would have put the Spurs ahead, and was MAULED by Ray Allen, with no foul called, the string of expletives I proffered was enough to make a rapper blush.  When Danny Green was blatantly fouled on his 3 point attempt to tie the game, I similarly was aghast.  Two absolutely terrible no calls that may have decided a championship.  How will the Spurs bounce back?

One would generally assume that a team would be unable to muster an emotional response after coming so close to tasting the ultimate victory, only to have it snatched away by a combination of bad coaching, great shooting, and horrible, possibly fixed, officiating.  However, I don't think the Spurs will no-show mentally; what worries me is how they are physically.  Duncan, Manu, and Tony all logged big minutes, and the body just doesn't heal as fast in the late 30s as it does for younger people.

Two of the Spurs' losses in this series were blowouts; certainly it is not out of the question that they will get absolutely annihilated in LeBron's (underserved, tainted) coronation.  I however do not see that as a likely scenario.  Miami will similarly be on an emotional rollercoaster after Tuesday's events, except the principals on Miami lack the composure of their San Antonio counterparts.  LeBron literally lay on the ground complaining about a no-call for a good 5 seconds while San Antonio was pushing the ball forward.  I expect Miami to start hot tonight, but if the Spurs hang in there and take the lead, the disgraceful fans of Miami (who left early on Tuesday) will quit on the team, and a sense of impending doom will fill the arena.

Miami played wonderfully on Tuesday; Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, and Mario Chalmers all played strong games.  Chalmers, the ultimate barometer, had 20 points on only 11 shots, and the team shot 58% from 3.  Meanwhile, Danny Green's wonderful ride came to a screeching halt, as he was 1-7, going 1-5 from 3 and badly missing floater attempts.  Gary Neal similarly was missing in action, and as previously mentioned, Parker was 6-23.  Then there was Manu.

As an unabashed Ginobilite, these playoffs have been horrible to watch.  I wish I had started this blog 10 years ago, when Manu was not only a savant, but also an amazing athlete.  As these playoffs have progressed, I have kept waiting for Manu to play like Manu, and while it has happened in spurts (his passing throughout the playoffs has been excellent), he just isn't the same guy physically.  What made him so special was his ability to turn the corner on pick and rolls, get into the teeth of the defense, and either finish or make a great pass out.  Now, against a team that has long, athletic, smart bigs, and without his first step, Ginobili is forcing things that aren't there.  I am sure that a guy who plays with the level of emotion and passion as Manu must be feeling absolutely devastated now.  He had 8 turnovers, and seemed often to be a detriment to his team.  How will a Hall of Famer bounce back from such feelings of doubt?

Throughout this series, the Spurs' counter to Miami's trapping of Ginobili on pick and rolls was for Manu to throw the ball to the screener, either Duncan or the horrible Tiago Splitter.  However, given the length and athleticism of Bosh and James, this pass has not always been there--in fact, in game 6, I would estimate Manu had at least 3-4 turnovers (conservatively) just off trying to force a pass to the screener in the pick and roll.  There must be an additional counter.  Whether that involves a third player setting a second screen on the big now chasing Manu, or Duncan setting a proper pick (whereas now, he sets half-ass screens or does not set a screen at all and just slips it), or more movement along the baseline to give Manu another passing option, something has to change.  Miami has figured out the current pick and roll attack.

Frankly, I would like to see the Spurs play through Duncan again from the outset, and use Kawhi as a ball handler on pick and rolls occasionally.  He was primarily guarded by Wade in game 6; if Miami decided to switch the pick and roll, Duncan could get an easy post catch against Wade, and if Miami decided to play soft and go under the pick, Leonard has shown enough consistency with his jumper to make them pay.  Additionally, having Manu off the ball is going to save his legs, and let him find creases in which to get open.

If I could talk to Manu I would tell him several things: 1) don't be a fucking hero every play; 2) you are allowed to shoot midrange jumpers--missed 3s and turnovers both lead to Miami fast breaks, which are anathema to the Spurs' chances; 3) remember that you are Manu fucking Ginobili; no white boy has played like you since Pistol Pete.  At your best, you legitimately could have been called the best player on Earth (2004 Olympic MVP, 2005 season robbed of Finals MVP).  Don't lose your confidence in your midrange shot, don't make hero passes when Bosh or LeBron are around, attack pick and rolls, stop falling down on defense attempting to draw fouls, and remember that you are an absolutely clutch assassin.  You are a true champion; you dominated Europe, you led the first squad to beat the US basketball team in the Olympics in decades, and you have repeatedly shown how clutch and magical you are.  I believe in you.

Champion.