Nothing went right for Manu Ginobli on this trip to the free throw line
Manu Ginobli is one of those players famous for always making the right play. No matter the situation he’ll overcome it and do what is necessary to help the Spurs win. However, in tonight’s game against the Trail Blazers it was the opposite. Everything that could possibly go wrong for Ginobli did and it all happened in one free throw line trip.
It’s rare, but every once in awhile there comes a time where someone wants to miss a free throw on purpose. Usually, there is very little time left and the team in question is down more than two points. As a result they try to make the first free throw and miss the second one on purpose. Down three points Ginobli stepped up to the line for two free throws. It was the perfect situation for him. Make the first, let San Antonio put in all their best rebounders, and try to get a lucky tip. Except Ginobil missed the first.
Okay, that’s frustrating but not the end of the world. He’ll just have to miss the second attempt and try to tap it out towards the free throw line. If it goes right then it should land straight into a teammates hands giving them just enough time to chuck up a game tying attempt. Yeah, Ginobli made the second one instead.
Look at the anguish on his face. He knows that the shot wasn’t supposed to go in. He threw the worst possible free throw he could attempt in order to force a miss and give his team a chance. Instead, with no timeouts left, they had to foul Portland and hope for a miracle. That miracle did not come and the Spurs were left with an unlucky loss.
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Some observers might be asking why he didn’t just throw the ball at the backboard. The problem with that idea is, by rule, Ginobli has to hit the rim first. This is why his attempt was a straight line to the back of the rim. That would have given him the best chance at a high bounce he could tap back towards a teammate. Maybe next time he’ll be a little luckier.