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Ginobili Scores 24 Straight

If Manu Gin?bili can still surprise his coach, teammates and the world of basketball, then Western Conference teams should take caution: the San Antonion Spurs should not be counted out for the championship race. Gin?bili scored a season high 40 points, including a stretch in the first half in which he scored 24 straight points, in a road win over Atlanta Hawks 103-96.

?I?ve had some good stretches in my career,? Gin?bili said. ?Today was kind of impressive.? The following description will show just how impressive: Gin?bili entered the game late in the first quarter. With the Spurs ahead 15-14 he started his spurt. A driving layup with 2:27 minutes left in the first quarter to put the Spurs ahead by three points, 17-14. then another layup, a missed jump shot, another layup and two free throws to end the quarter with eight personal points and the Spurs up 23-21.

The second quarter had the forward continue his prowess. A three point play on the first possession. A jump shot. Another three point play and the Spurs are already up by 10 points. A three pointer, a layup and three foul shots made had the Spurs up 39-23 and Gin?bili himself outscore the total points of the Hawks. After having his next layup attempt blocked, Gin?bili was replaced with 8:22 minutes remaining and 24 points in the score sheet. Tim Duncan who was watching his teammate?s impressive performance took on the rest of the game to finish with 30 points.