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Ed. Note: The original video I used was removed from YouTube because of a copyright violation. I apologize for the poor quality of the replacement video.

Skip ahead to the 2:00 mark

This may be my favorite play of the season. I was in New York City visiting my girlfriend. We just had brunch and were headed to her sister’s apartment (where there was a cat to feed and, more importantly, a large flat screen TV) with a copy of the Sunday paper and a six-pack to catch the game.

With around a minute left in the 4th quarter, my girlfriend moved her legs, which had been draped across my lap. I asked her why. Presciently she said, “by the end of this you’ll be standing up and screaming. I don’t want to spill my beer.” (If you haven’t noticed the trend, nearly every one of these moments ends with me standing up and screaming).

Surely enough, as Ginobili snatched up Ray Allen’s inbounds pass, I leapt off the couch. But before I could begin cheering I was pointing my finger and barking at the television. Popovich and Duncan quickly joined me, both noticing that, when fouled by Paul Pierce, no one was between Ginobili and the basket. The referees made the correct call and Ginobili received an open path foul.

No play this season better captures that certain je ne sais quoi that Ginobili brings to the floor. I hate to insult a man of his inventiveness by employing a cliche, but no one in my mind better exemplifies the notion of a “game changer.” Manu has the demeanor of a high stakes poker player: externally calm while a tempest of adrenaline builds inside. When he makes his move, the risk is shockingly evident. And we can all think of moments when Manu’s gambles have cost the Spurs dearly. But when successful, his legerdemain pays exhilarating dividends.