Game 5 of the NBA Finals marked the first time all season that former All-Star Manu Ginobili was in the starting lineup for the San Antonio Spurs all season. The Argentinian did not disappoint as he played a major role in the Spurs' 114-104 victory over the Miami Heat.
Ginobili scored 24 points and dished out 10 assists in Sunday night's win. He also recorded two rebounds and a steal as well.
"He's such a huge part of what we do and how far we've come. You can see it tonight in how we played and the results of the game," longtime teammate Duncan said of Ginobili's performance. "We're always confident in him. ... We know he has it in him. We hope he can bring it forward for one more win."
However, he wasn't the only key contributor to the Spurs win. A pleasant surprise for San Antonio has been the emergence of Danny Green throughout the championship series.
Green scored 24 points adding six more three pointers to his NBA Finals series record of 25.
Tony Parker added 26 points, while Tim Duncan totaled 17 points and 17 rebounds.
But the biggest factor was the resurgence of Ginobili, how was coming off of a shooting slump throughout the series.
"I was angry, disappointed," Ginobili said. "We are playing in the NBA Finals, we were 2-2, and I felt I still wasn't really helping the team that much, and that was the frustrating part."
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich also took notice.
"He's obviously very popular. He's been here a long time. He's helped us have a lot of success over the years," Popovich said.
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