Spurs fans lose their minds after the ultimate Manu Ginobili disrespect

A lot of things get thrown around on NBA social media, but what we saw a few nights ago was just inexcusable. After Alex Caruso's monster performance in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, some were comparing the Oklahoma City Thunder guard to none other than San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili.

In 26 minutes, Caruso made a significant impact for the Thunder in their blowout win over the Nuggets. He logged 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, including making five of his nine three-point attempts. Caruso also logged six assists, two blocks and five steals.

Don't get me wrong, it was an impressive performance for sure. And at times, sure, maybe we can say he plays in a similar style to the defensive stalwart that Ginobili was during his NBA career. But let's be clear: There's no comparing the two of these players.

Let's be realistic and respectful here. I know that NBA fans love their comparisons, but there's not really one to be made here if we're talking career accomplishments and overall competitive drive. Caruso is a good player, sure. But he can't touch what Manu Ginobili achieved over the course of his 16-year career.

Caruso doesn't belong in the same category with Ginobili

If you're maybe a younger Spurs fan and didn't get to see Ginobili play during his career, it's hard to describe just what the experience was like in words. He was an unbelievable competitor that gave 110% of himself every single time he stepped on the court. That led to him winning the 2008 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, along with a host of other accolades.

But even though Manu's trophy case is full, it doesn't do enough to quantify just how much he poured his heart and soul into the game of basketball. Yes, Ginobili was honored with two All-Star selections and two All-NBA team honors, but that doesn't quite put in perspective just how incredibly gifted he was.

There's a reason why Argentina is the only country besides the United States that can claim a gold medal in the Summer Olympics since 1988. It was the incredible competitive drive and unmatched skill of Manu Ginobili that took down a United States team featuring Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

We can sit around and count Ginobili's championship rings all day, and yet it still won't do enough to properly illustrate just the kind of impact he brought to the hardwood that was never fully recognized by just a stat sheet. With all due respect to Alex Caruso, that's why we should be keeping him out of these conversations.