http://www.nba.com/games/20031106/LALSAS/boxscore.html
For anyone who didn't see this classic, Manu Ginobili was simply amazing!
He did about a hundred different things, including rebounding, taking the ball inside over Shaq and Karl Malone, drawing fouls and showing great courage.
Kobe and Shaq showed who's team it is, by putting up 60% of the points, Shaq had 20 rebounds and hit 11-16 free throws.
Malone had 19 Rebounds during 42 minutes, but was 6-17 from the floor, throwing up some very ugly shots in the fourth and extra periods. Fouled out and was not part of the Lakers comeback.
Ginobili was the story for the Spurs, his 33 points were all of the clutch variety, knocking down series bombs late and in general had the ball in his hands throughout. He had 12 rebounds and 7 assists, he was really great!!
I really think when this team is all on the floor together, they will be very hard to beat, I know they have lost some games, but not with all five starters, they will be very, very good.
They really stole Hedo Turkoglu and Ron Mercer, Hedo being the key for backing up Manu, their styles are close in many ways.
I know it's early, but what a great effort for the Spurs, almost won is an understatement, 2 overtimes without Duncan, Parker and Anthony Carter.
One thing they repeated over and over was that Tony Parker and Tim Duncan are the Spurs two best players, I think Manu Ginobilli is by far better than Parker, he could play the point and he plays great defense.
I got to say, Popovich is a classy and smart coach.
I think Jason Hart either sticks with the Spurs or signs with another team like Cleveland, he is not great, but could be solid.