Grizzlies prepared for Ginobili’s return

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Earlier tonight, Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said his team would be prepared if Spurs guard Manu Ginobili played tonight.

“I don’t know how you prepare without him,” Hollins said. “He’s a part of their team and when we went through our walkthrough, we covered everything that he would’ve done. I don’t know how you can go into any playoff series and not prepare for him unless he has a broken leg.”

As we reported earlier, Ginobili will be playing tonight. Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo and center Marc Gasol addressed how the game changes with Ginobili in.

“It changes a lot because he’s a big time playmaker, a good defender,” Mayo said. “He’s got experience, he’s won championships, he’s a heck of a player.”

While Ginobili changes the game, Mayo also said the Grizzlies will have to play just like they played in game one.

“He’s a big playmaker, he’s a big part of what they try to do,” Gasol said. “We just have to be more focused on him too. It’s not going to be easy.”
 
As for what to expect from a home team who lost their home court advantage, Gasol said he expects the Spurs to be ready.

“I think they’re going to come out with a lot of intensity,” Gasol said. “They’re going to come and play hard.”