San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili hasn't been the same player this season. Riddled with injuries (the most recent being a right hamstring injury) he has played 60 games, saw some of his numbers dip from last season and before last night's game versus Minnesota, had sat out nine games due to the hamstring injury.
Needless to say, a healthy Manu is needed before the postseason begins this Sunday against the Lakers.
Ginobili got some time on the court in the team's regular season home closer and though he didn't light up the box score (two points and two assists in 11 minutes), seeing him healthy and back on the court was more important.
After the game, Manu spoke on the recent hamstring injury and aside from a bit of fatigue, says he is feeling good.
"Very good. I was a little tired because I've been lifting a lot. The point where the tear was feels great," said Ginobili.
The good news is health wise, Manu is feeling great but he has been off the court for quite some time and knows he is not in game-shape. Luckily, the Spurs will have the next four days off before the postseason which will mean time for Manu to get his legs and wind back.
"I missed like 17 days and you don't get it back because of play. I need to practice. So these next four days will be good for me. I need to play with these guys and go up and down," said Ginobili.
The four days off before the team's first game versus the Lakers will be critical for Ginobili.
In two games against Los Angeles this season, he averaged 11 points, 4.5 boards, and 3.5 assists in 23 minutes. Having that added punch off the bench will be what the doctor ordered for the Spurs but first thing is first for Manu, getting in some much-needed time on the court with his teammates.
"I need to play with them. I definitely need some playing time."