Manu Ginobili Impact

I realize this is scary to read. It was at least equally unfortunate for me as I uncovered the numbers I am about to share with you. We all know that Manu is important to the Spurs. He is our third leading scorer. He is our spark off the bench. He always seems to make a momentum changing play when we most need it. He can score off the drive just as well as he can score from distance. In his article about Shane Battier, Michael Lewis referred to Manu Ginobili as a “Statistical Anomaly” because his game is so consistent that he has no statistcal weaknesses. He’s athletic, a great defender, and one of a kind.

The Spurs are 14-11 in games that Manu has missed and 29-9 when Manu plays. In other words, the Spurs win 76% of the time when Manu is on the court and only 56% of the time when he sits out. Overall, the Spurs’ record is 43-20, 68%. Extended to a full 82 games, the Spurs are 62-20 with Manu and 46-36 without him. Basically, we are on the Dallas Mavericks’ level when Manu is out and one of the best in the NBA when he is healthy.

Statistically, it becomes a little more depressing. Without Manu, we score fewer points, attempt and make fewer field goals, attempt and convert fewer free throws, assist less, force fewer steals, block fewer shots, and commit more fouls. Most telling, the Spurs score 4.6 fewer ppg and attempt 4.2 fewer free throws.

As horrible as that just felt to type, these statistics do not even do Manu justice. His impact is felt far beyond what is captured on the stat sheet. His hustle, competiveness, and leadership cannot be measured. I need not remind you, but last year we lost to the Lakers in five games greatly because Manu was hobbled and could not perform. Without Manu, we lack that extra punch to beat the elite teams in the NBA. Sure, we can still get by Phoenix and hammer a team like the Clippers, (but seriously, who doesn’t?) but we struggle against the elite teams, most recently the Cavaliers.

The Spurs have 19 games remaining in the regular season. Manu needs to get on the court soon so he can find his rhythm before the playoffs begin. Of course, this is assuming that he comes back healthy. If he comes back and plays on one leg again, unfortunately, we know how that story ends.