Daily Sports Select : Why Manu Ginobili will break ankles until he's 40

There's something in the water in San Antonio. How else do you explain these ridiculous numbers for Manu Ginobili in his first two games back?

Game 1 : 11 minutes, 12 points, 4 rebounds
Game 2 : 18 minutes, 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

That is some ridiculous production : Manu is scoring about a point a minute, and he is shooting 67% from the field. Also, in each game back, Manu is 5-6 from the free throw line.

What is remarkable is how Manu is doing it despite coming off of ankle surgery. He is a little rusty, and a little out of shape, but imagine how good he'll be once he gets back to full form.

And here's why he's not only performing at a burning clip, but why it's likely to translate to longevity for Manu :

1. Jump-shooting arsenal : Manu's game has changed over the years. He is no longer the brash slash-and-dunk wing that he was earlier in his career. Not that he couldn't shoot the ball coming into the NBA, but Manu has truly diversified his shooting repetoire.

Now, using his deadly touch, Manu spots up from three, pulls up off the dribble, steps back, and does it with such timing that it's impossible for defenders to get a grip.

2. Crafty ball-handling : Manu's signature moves have always been there, but now he's even savvier. If Manu's ankle injury reduced him to being a spot-up shooter in the playoffs, he is now a dangerous ball-handler. In the spring, Manu had to labor to drive, and dragged defenders on the way to the rim. Now, with moves like his "Euro Step", Manu times his attacks so precisely that he is often left finishing uncontested at the rim, leaving defenders guessing in their wake.

3. Pass-first : You could argue that Manu really is a big point guard. He sees the floor well and passes first if the pass is there. That takes pressure off his shooting and slashing games, and is not as taxing on his body.

To close, you can't hit what you can't catch. And when you do hit, you can't hit clean, but you foul - that's how Manu gets his free throws. Despite the injuries he has taken over the years, Manu's sixth man role and his catch-me-if-you-can/pick-your-poison game that maximizes damage to defenses while minimizing further damage to his body will likely ensure Manu Ginobili a long, productive career, long after his physical gifts have been worn.

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