San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili returned from his quad injury last night against the Denver Nuggets, finishing with a strong performance of 16 points, six assists, six rebounds and two steals in a losing effort, but it's clear the all-star guard has a ways to go before he's back to 100 percent.
In an interview on elpatagonico.net, Ginobili, who has suffered his hare of bumps and bruises early this season says he still has a long way to go individually.
"Now I feel much better and more useful to the team. But I still have a ways to go on the individual level. I started very weak and physically challenged. But now I'm fine."
Ginobili credited his Spurs teammates and fellow members of the Spurs' "big three" for the Spurs strong start to the season.
Both are playing very well and the rest of the team, in their roles, are working hard for this great start.
Even after a two-game skid, the Spurs are still near the top of the Western Conference, a feat they had to pull off with several key injuries. With Ginobili returning last night and Stephen Jackson returning Monday, the Spurs are still without starting small forward Kawhi Leonard.
Luckily for the Spurs, these injuries are hapening near the beginning of the season instead of towards the end, where Ginobili and the Spurs will be looking to reach a peak at the right time.
You never know when we will reach our ceiling. Last year we did at the right time, which is about the end of the season and we started the season with confidence. We hope to do the same this season.
While the playoffs and the end of the season are stil quite a ways away, it's good to know that Ginobili is focused on what is most important now.
