Manu Ginobili suffered one of the most heart-wrenching losses in NBA Finals history in 2013, when the San Antonio Spurs blew a five-point lead with less than 30 seconds remaining against the Miami Heat in a potential championship-clinching Game 6. The Hall of Fame guard celebrated his fourth title the following year, but one does not simply forget the pain that accompanies such a brutal collapse. Therefore, Ginobili understands what the 2026 Spurs and their fans are going through right now.
San Antonio was cruising toward a Game 4 victory against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, which would have tied the Finals at two games apiece and given the Western Conference champs home-court advantage once again. Bedlam invaded Madison Square Garden, however, as OG Anunoby cemented possibly the most improbable comeback NBA fans have ever experienced. He tipped in a missed Jalen Brunson 3-point attempt with just over one second remaining, thrusting the Spurs into a shockingly painful 3-1 hole.
Ginobili is doing his best to process the unfathomable turn of events — 29 point lead on the road — and give hope to the fandom amid this bleak situation. He is just grateful that there is another massive sports spectacle that can occupy his attention.
“Glad the World Cup is here,” the two-time All-NBA Third-Team selection posted on X. “I need the distraction. Tough day!”
Manu Ginobili, a native of Argentina, will be rooting for Lionel Messi and the defending champions during what he hopes is another deep run for La Albiceleste. Co-host country Mexico got the festivities underway with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday. Spurs fans could benefit from an escape after an all-time collapse in MSG.
But they are not ready for basketball season to end. San Antonio will fight for its NBA Finals life in Saturday’s Game 5 showdown in Frost Bank Center.
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