Things were looking grim for the San Antonio Spurs during Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs. Not only did they receive shocking news regarding the death of the wife of Head Coach Gregg Popovich, Erin, they also fell to the Warriors that set them back 3-0.
“We are all hurting,” said Spurs veteran Manu Ginobili. “We want to be next to Pop, we want to support him, but we’ve got to go out there and compete today. But, for sure, we are toiling. It’s not an easy day to be here.”
Fast forward to Game 4, Manu Ginobili and LaMarcus Aldridge were able to aid the Spurs in avoiding getting swept.
Ettore Messina, the coach in command while Gregg Popovich is away, can be seen screaming at the Spurs, and Ginobili is loving it. Although this is Messina’s second playoff game – Game 3 was his first – he has played in the Euroleague, Russian SuperLeague, and Italian League. He also has coached Ginobili in Italy, enabling Manu to have a throwback performance for his old coach. Hence, saving the Spurs’ season.
Somewhat experiencing a flashback during his early 20s, Ginobili, now in his 40s, was able to score 10 of his 16 points right in the fourth quarter alone. Being in his 16th season playing in the NBA, Ginobili might have played the final home game of his career. His efforts also helped Messina capture his first victory in the playoffs as a coach – despite simply taking over Coach Popovich’s position.
According to Ginobili, “For moments when he talks to the rest of the team, or when he gets upset and he yells at us, a lot of flashbacks… He’s very strict and wants the team to play his way, so whenever we stopped executing the way we should have, the old himself comes back. It was good to see him coaching on this stage. Good memories.”
Although during Game 4, Golden State did outscore the Spurs 29-21 in the third quarter, the Spurs were able to pull within 88-86 during the last 6 minutes despite trailing over 10 points.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr couldn’t help but give praise to Ginobili’s performance as well, “I smiled when he made that corner 3 right in front of us at the end of the game… it was so typical Manu. Forty years old and 16 points and hits the clinching 3. He’s Manu. That’s what he does.”
Aldridge also helped during the game, and said “It was a do-or-die game, make it happen or go home, and I think every guy played with that mentality, that focus, and we ended up getting it done tonight.”