Chapter 1099 Sweeping the Spurs, the Demon Sword Retires

Ginobili's strong play was unexpected and lasted the entire half.

He scored 19 points and 5 assists in the first half, almost single-handedly carrying the Spurs on his shoulders.

Thanks to his outstanding performance, the Spurs were in a stalemate with the Pelicans 53-60 at halftime.

This is already the smallest half-time difference between the two sides in the series.

During halftime, fans were filled with emotion on social media.

"It's really difficult for the Spurs this season, but Ginobili's performance in this half was really touching. This is the Spurs I loved back then!"

"Ginobili looked at Don opposite him. Once upon a time, Don would be his successor, but fate always makes people come."

"This is true. Holt single-handedly destroyed the Spurs. Otherwise, Don + Leonard might have won five consecutive championships!"

"I hope the Spurs can win a game. Even if they lose, I hope there will be a decent result! I also hope Ginobili will leave in a decent way!"

…

The fans' emotions and expectations were realized after returning from the third quarter.

It was a stalemate at halftime, but the Spurs had already played enough to be gratifying.

Although fans lamented on social media, not many people thought the Spurs could play like this in the second half.

After all, it was Ginobili's extraordinary performance that led to a stalemate in the first half.

But in the third quarter, Aldridge's touch returned, coupled with Ginobili's unabated output.

After three quarters, the Spurs were still in a stalemate with the Pelicans 81-88!

This kind of performance not only excites Spurs fans, but also ordinary fans are in awe.

It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Spurs had physical problems.

Rose and Davis worked together on the bench to open up the score. After the main force came back, Tang Tian and Walker played another wave, and the score was completely opened.

In the end, the Pelicans defeated the Spurs 115-100 in an away game and swept their opponents 4-0 to advance to the second round.

The 15-point difference is also the smallest point difference since the series.

Although the Spurs were swept, their performance was respectable.

Ginobili scored a team-high 25 points and 7 assists, and performed very well.

For the Pelicans, Tang Tian scored a triple-double in two consecutive games, and this time it was a 30+ triple-double.

35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

After the game, the two sides held a final handshake ceremony.

Tang Tian chatted with Popovich for a long time and hugged Ginobili for a long time.

Including later when Duncan came to the two of them, the three of them chatted for a long time.

Time is really the most destructive thing in the world.

Thinking back to 2011, Tang Tian entered the league and went to San Antonio.

At that time, Tang Tian was still a young man with a green face, Duncan was still the No. 21 rookie, and Ginobili still had some energy despite his old age.

But less than 7 years later, Duncan had retired, Ginobili was about to bid farewell to the NBA stage, and Tang Tian became the number one player in the league.

If it were not at the stadium but in a bar or coffee shop, the three of them could really chat all night long.

After the game, the Spurs held a post-game press conference, and Ginobili and Popovich attended the conference together.

"I will end my career and I have played my last game as an NBA player."

Ginobili did not wait until August to announce it as in history, but announced it directly after the game.

He did this because he had already decided, and also because it would give the Spurs more room to operate in the summer.

This summer, James, Durant, George, Butler, Paul, Walker, Jokic...

This list alone tells you it’s going to be a crazy summer.

The Spurs were swept, and Leonard's recovery from injury is still unknown. It may be time for them to break through.

Popovich didn't say anything on the sidelines. He should have known the news in advance.

However, his expression was still somewhat uncontrollably sad.

A man who is almost 70 years old is bidding farewell to Duncan, then to Ginobili, and maybe Parker after that on the NBA stage.

These are his most beloved disciples who have been following him since they entered the league and finally retired. It is impossible to say that they have no feelings.

"He's the best shooting guard I've ever coached, and I would recommend to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg that this be Ginobili Day and we'll always remember what he did for this city. contribution.”

Popovich spoke directly in front of the media.

Usually this date is announced after the fact. It was unique for Popovich to say it in advance, but it was in line with his character.

"But don't be sad, I believe Manu will be back soon."

What Popovich said next made the reporters in the audience confused.

"Because there will be a jersey retirement ceremony for him here soon."

The reporters in the audience were immediately amused.

The way he spoke was still so naughty, but at such a sad moment, it was quite heartwarming.

"Don scored 35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in this game. He ended the game. Is there anything you want to say to him? As a former teammate?"

A FOX reporter asked Ginobili a question related to Tang Tian.

"If he doesn't win the championship, I'm going to kick his ass."

Ginobili's answer was unexpected, but it also showed the close relationship between the two.

This is something only friends would say in public.

The Pelicans swept the Spurs to advance first, and their opponent in the second round was the winner between the Rockets and Trail Blazers.

After the Rockets defeated the Trail Blazers on the road in Game 4, this also became the most intense game in the Western Conference.

Who will ultimately win and when the Pelicans can start the second round are unknown.

Fortunately, Stevens had already anticipated this and made a full training schedule.

His thinking is very clear. Regardless of whether the Rockets or the Trail Blazers win in the end, the game will be more difficult than the first round.

Staying in good competitive shape is the best way to prepare.

Time flies, and a week has passed in the blink of an eye. After a fierce battle, the Pelicans' opponent was finally confirmed.

In the tiebreaker, the Trail Blazers relied on Lillard's buzzer-beater to eliminate the Rockets 4-3 and advance to the second round!

This result is surprising, but it is also expected if you think about it carefully.

Lillard's state this season is the same as Walker's last season, at his personal peak.

Coupled with Anthony's good integration and the Rockets' own problems.

Everything that was unreasonable turned out to be reasonable after final analysis.

The second round looks to be a challenge for the Pelicans as well.

The Trail Blazers are one of the only two opponents the Pelicans lost in the regular season.

Although Tang Tian was absent, Tang Tian came back later and the Blazers led them by 10 points at halftime.

Although Tom Benson passed away at that time, the Trail Blazers had a lot of luck both times.

But luck is also part of strength.

When it comes to opportunities, based on these, the Trail Blazers have a greater chance of winning in the hands of the Pelicans than the Rockets.