By Jordan Rivas | November 12, 2007 | Print Print

So if this is your first time hearing this
You are about to experience someone so cold
A journey seldom seen
The American dream
From the bottom to the top of the globe
They call me HOV

I’ve already had my share of taking shots at rookie center Ian Mahinmi. I think we all have. But at this point I think we’re going to have to face facts - this kid is actually pretty good. Like Jay-Z would spit it, he may be coming from the bottom to the top.

Yet another Spurs blow out, and another late game appearance from Mahinmi that got some eyebrows raised. The Spurs decimated the Milwaukee Bucks 113-88, going up early and never relenting, getting up by as much as 40 points at one point. Manu Ginobili paced the Spurs with 21, continuing his impressive scoring hot streak to start the season. And Tim Duncan turned in his usual work man like double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.

Mo Williams led the Bucks with 17, and Michael Redd managed 14 points, but was clearly not his usual slick shooting self.

Again, this was essentially another routine, “We are better than you,” game for the Spurs. The only thing that went undone was for the PA announcer to blare over the stadium speakers, “Bucks, you suck. Go away.” Not to say that the Bucks don’t have a promising young team, because they do, but tonight was clearly not their night.

What caught my eye once again in this young season, at the tail end of another resounding Spurs win, was the play of Ian Mahinmi. I never thought I’d do this, but I have to admit he does look like he’s got some game, and even more promise for down the road. Mahinmi turned in 12 points on 4/7 shooting, and added in two blocks. One of those blocks was an all out, full extension, stuff on Andrew Bogut, making the Bucks Australian big man look like a tall poppy cut short.

Mahinmi also showed more offensive flashes. What grabs me about this kid is that he’s aggressive around the basket. He dunks, more importantly he wants to dunk, he wants the ball on the block and wants to score on people. We may have all had our fun before, but in all seriousness, Mahinmi isn’t all that bad.

Another quick note: Yi Jianlian, the rookie forward for the Bucks, also had a nice game. I’ve also had my criticism of Yi (not to question his talent, but for other reasons), but regardless he looked impressive, showing off a smooth jump shot and impressive mobility for his size.

The Spurs take on the Lakers (3-2) at home Tuesday.