Q&A: Manu Ginobili

Courtesy of Dan McCarney

On Golden State as championship favorites:

“Golden State…are razor sharp. But (the playoffs) are an area where they do not have much experience. You have to see what happens. In a series of elimination…the 65 games you won (in the regular season) are useless.”

On the Spurs’ late season surge:

“I think in the last two weeks, after that incredible game we lost to New York, it seems that we are improving and shaping the team we want to be. It’s a little late in the season, but it came.”

On his relationship with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich:

“During the season it is difficult to be so connected, because each one is immersed in his own (job). But when it ends, we usually have more personal conversations, especially when we eat. Hence the mutual appreciation arises naturally.”

On finally retiring from Argentina’s national team:

“The selection (national team) is so ingrained in me. It is deep inside me and it’s hard. But the reality is that the chance (of playing again) is negligible because I no longer young. The selection is to have fun, to give all you have and today I am unable to do that.”