Manu Ginobili Makes an Early Case for Finals MVP (Game 2 - 2005 NBA Finals)

June 12, 2005 - In Game 2 of the 2005 NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili put on a masterclass performance, impacting the game in every single facet along the way. Whether it was putting the ball in the hoop (team-high 27 points, 6-of-8 shooting from the field, 11-of-13 from the line), setting up teammates for easy buckets (7 assists), or closing off passing lanes as a means of inducing turnovers (3 steals), Manu was everywhere, propelling the Spurs to a 97-76 shellacking of the Detroit Pistons and a 2-0 series lead. While teammate Tim Duncan eventually walked away with the 2005 Finals MVP trophy, Ginobili may well have been the team's x-factor, averaging close to 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.3 blocks over seven games in the 2005 Finals. Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/... NBA Finals Series Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/...