Argentines in the NBA

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USA/CAN - Manu makes triumphant return after ankle surgery





MEMPHIS (NBA) - Manu Ginobili didn't lead San Antonio in scoring in their 94-81 win at the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, but the fact that the Argentina superstar played 11 injury-free minutes was all that mattered for Spurs nation and his fans back in South America where he is a basketball icon.



Ginobili, who required ankle surgery after the Beijing Games, made his first appearance this season and scored 12 points.



"I'm not having the explosion right now because I'm a little bit out of shape game shape," Ginobili said.



"I've been running a lot, but the game shape is something that you get when you play and practice a lot."



Seven of Ginobili's points came in a third-quarter run that helped San Antonio take command for good.



"I think psychologically more than anything, having him on the floor and seeing him move around is going to be great for the team," Spurs big man Tim Duncan said.



"I know it's great for me personally because it is good to start seeing our team getting back to full strength."



Spurs coach Gregg Popovic said: "I just wanted to make sure we don't overdo it. He's too important to us."

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