Despite a somber mood with the sudden passing of head coach Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin, acting coach Ettore Messina couldn't help but be candid about his appreciation of a veteran like Manu Ginobili.
“I cannot lie to you,” said the Italian helmsman, who took the clipboard for the second straight game as Popovich mourned the loss of his wife, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. “Even if it's awful, because nobody would like to be in this situation for obvious reasons. At the same time, there is a little part of that that moves me to be there with Manu in these playoff games. Really, that's something that pushes you to try to be the best possible helper for him and the team, and don't mess up anything; just help him to have a great game.”
Messina did just that for the 40-year-old, now the second-oldest active player in The Association — who played a series-high 25 minutes, dropping 16 points, including a clutch corner 3-pointer to ice the game and give the fans a throwback memory of his countless playoff antics.
Ginobili was coming off a goose egg performance in Game 3, going 0-for-5 from the floor in 17 minutes, but he redeemed himself in grand ways in front of the San Antonio crowd, who could have a lasting memory of his playoff greatness if he chooses to retire at the end of this season.
Messina has put the Spurs lifer in the best position to succeed and impact the game in Game 4, which has proved a huge reason why the Spurs won't be swept this season like they were last year.
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