Gino Ginobili's strong performance was unexpected, and his strength continued for the entire half.

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

Thanks to his outstanding performance, the Spurs also stalemated the Pelicans 53-60 at the end of the half.

This was already the smallest point difference between the two sides in the first half since the series.

During the intermission, fans on social media were filled with emotion.

"The Spurs are really struggling this season, but Ginobili's performance in the first half is really touching. This is the Spurs I loved in the beginning!"

"Ginobili is looking at Tang on the other side. Once upon a time, Tang would have been his successor, but fate always plays tricks on people."

"This is really fate. Holte ruined the Spurs with his own hands. Otherwise, Tang + Leonard might have won five consecutive championships at the very least!"

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

……

The fans' feelings and expectations were realized after the third quarter returned.

Originally, the stalemate in the first half was already gratifying enough for the Spurs.

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

After all, the first half was a stalemate thanks to Ginobili's extraordinary performance.

But in the third quarter, Aldridge's touch recovered, coupled with Ginobili's undiminished output.

After three quarters, the Spurs were still stalemating the Pelicans 81-88!

This performance not only made the Spurs fans feel excited, but also made ordinary fans feel respectful.

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

Rose and Davis joined forces in the substitute stage to create a wave of offense to open the score. When the main players came back, Tang Tian and Walker scored another wave, and the score was completely widened.

In the end, the Pelicans beat the Spurs 115-100 on the road and advanced to the second round with a 4-0 sweep of their opponents.

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

Although the Spurs were swept, their performance in this game was respectable.

Ginobili got a team-high 25 points and 7 assists, and his performance was very outstanding.

On the Pelicans side, Tang Tian had consecutive triple-double games, and this time it was a 30+ triple-double.

35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

After the game, the two sides had their final handshake.

Tang Tian talked with Popovich for a long time, and also hugged Ginobili for a long, long time.

Including Duncan coming to the two of them later, the three of them also talked for a long time.

Time is really the most lethal thing in the world.

Back in 2011, when 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, although old, still had the strength to spare.

But in less than 7 years, Duncan has retired, Ginobili is about to say goodbye to the NBA stage, and Tang Tian has become the No. 1 player in the league.

If it wasn't on the court but in a bar or coffee shop, the three of them could really chat all night.

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

"I will end my career, I have finished my last game as an NBA player."

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

He did this because he had made a decision early on, and even more so because it could give the Spurs more room to operate in the summer.

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

Just this list alone shows that this will be a crazy summer.

The Spurs were swept, Leonard's injury recovery is still unknown, and they may have reached a time to break and build.

Popovich didn't say anything on the side, he should have known about the news in advance.

But his expression was still a little sad and uncontrollable.

A man in his late 70s, saying goodbye to Duncan on the NBA stage, then saying goodbye to Ginobili, and maybe Parker after that.

These disciples he loved the most, who had been following him since they entered the league, and finally retired, it was impossible to say he wasn't touched.

"He is the most outstanding shooting guard I have ever coached. I will suggest to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg to designate this day as Ginobili Day. We will always remember his contribution to this city."

Popovich said directly in front of the media.

Generally, this day is announced afterwards, but Popovich's advance announcement is unique, but it is also very in line with his character.

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

Popovich's next words made the reporters below confused.

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

The reporters below were amused at once.

The way of speaking is still so mischievous, but at such a sad moment, it makes people feel very heartwarming.

"Tang scored 35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in this game. He ended the game. What do you want to say to him? As a former teammate?"

A Fox reporter asked Ginobili a question about Tang Tian.

"If he doesn't win a championship, I'll kick his ass hard."

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

This is something that only close friends would say in public.

The Pelicans swept the Spurs and advanced first. Their opponent in the second round is the winner between the Rockets and the Trail Blazers.

After the Rockets beat the Trail Blazers on the road in the fourth game, this has also become the most intense game in the Western Conference standings.

Who will eventually win, and when the Pelicans will be able to start the second round of the game is unknown.

But fortunately, Stevens had foreseen it and arranged the training schedule to be full.

His thinking is very clear, no matter whether the Rockets or the Trail Blazers win in the end, the game will be more difficult than the first round.

Maintaining a good competitive state is the best way to prepare.

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

In the tiebreaker, the Trail Blazers eliminated the Rockets 4-3 and advanced to the second round with Lillard's game-winning shot!

This result was very unexpected, but after thinking about it carefully, it was also expected.

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

Plus Anthony's good integration, and the Rockets' own problems.

Everything that is unreasonable becomes reasonable after analysis.

For the Pelicans, the second round looks like a challenge for them.

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

Although Tang Tian was absent, the Trail Blazers also led them by 10 points in the first half after Tang Tian returned.

Although it was Tom Benson's death at that time, the Trail Blazers had a lot of luck in both games.

But luck is also part of strength.

Speaking of opportunities, considering all these factors, the Trail Blazers definitely have a better chance of winning against the Pelicans than the Rockets.