Could last night’s loss against the Golden State Warriors be Manu Ginobli‘s last game in a San Antonio Spurs jersey? It just may have been. The crowd at the AT&T Center definitely paid tribute to him and so did Coach Popovich by putting him in the starting lineup.
Even at 39 years old, Manu finished the game with 15 points and 7 assists, giving the crowd flashes of his old self. Not to mention the fact he had some heroic moments this postseason.
All the Spurs fans in the arena erupted into a standing ovation when he checked out of the game for the last time, chanting “MANU! MANU! MANU!” as he sat on the bench and received tribute from them. He waved and Coach Pop even asked him if he wanted to return to the game. He declined.
Even players from the Golden State Warriors clapped for him as he exited the game and arena.
After the game, he talked about his upcoming decision, but funny enough, he spoke about it in Spanish first. A reporter then asked if he retired in the other language without anyone knowing, to which he replied, “No, I haven’t” with a big smile in his face.
“I do feel like I can still play. But that’s not what is going to make me retire or not. It’s about how I feel — if I want to go through all that again. It felt like they wanted me to retire, like they were giving me sort of a celebration night. And of course, I’m getting closer and closer. There is no secret, for sure. It’s getting harder and harder. But I always said that I wanted to let it sink in for three weeks, four weeks, whatever, and then I will sit with my wife and see how it feels.
Whatever I decide to do, I’ll be a happy camper. I have to choose between two wonderful, truly wonderful options. One is to keep playing in this league at this age, enjoying every day, playing the sport I still love. The other one is to stay at home, be a dad, travel more, enjoy my family. Whatever it is, it’s two unbelievable options. So there is no way I can be sad, because whatever I decide, it’s going to be great.”
Regardless of his decision, Ginobli is a future Hall Of Famer. He will take two or three weeks to make his decision after he sits down to his wife, so we will know soon enough.
Very hard to find the words to describe my feelings after yesterday's game. Still overwhelmed. Thank you SO very much!
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) May 23, 2017