Manu Ginobili’s 33 points lead Argentina past Brazil

June 4, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) questions a referee against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at the AT

Argentina edged Brazil by six points to clinch the Super 4 Hope Funds Cup behind Manu Ginobili’s 33 points, which led the game. Ginobili dismantled the defense with his patented herky-jerky game, passing and occasional 3-pointers for good measure.

Ginobili’s performance was of the utmost importance against a Brazil squad who took an early seven point to start the first quarter. Argentina closed the gap but they still trailed by a point at the half.

Their defense stymied Brazil’s offense, limiting them to 17 points in the third frame. Argentina held off Brazil who couldn’t cut the lead despite Leandro Barbosa’s best efforts. Barbosa’s finished with 17 points to pace Brazil. (Unfortunately I couldn’t find Splitter’s point total.)

Juan Gutierrez and Andres Nocioni provided ample support for Ginobili, adding 31 points to Argentina’s total. Ginobili, Gutierrez and Nocioni accounted for 80% of their offense.