Spurs had to talk Ginobili 'off the ledge' following 2006 playoff loss

Game 7 of the 2006 Western Conference semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks featured a key defensive miscue by Manu Ginobili that both cost his team and demoralized him, sending Ginobili into a downward spiral emotionally.

After knocking down a 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give San Antonio the lead, the Argentinian guard fouled All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, putting him on the free-throw line with an and-1 layup that tied the score at 104.

Dallas eventually took the game in overtime, winning 119-111 on the Spurs' home floor, marking the first series win against its Lone Star rival in three attempts.

Ginobili placed the burden of the loss squarely on his shoulders that summer, feeling he'd cost his teammates - specifically Michael Finley and Fabricio Oberto, who joined the team because of his relationship with Ginobili - a shot at becoming NBA champions.

"I don't say this lightly, but we all told each other: We have to stick with Manu," Sean Marks, current Brooklyn Nets general manager and former Spurs reserve, told ESPN's Zach Lowe. "We had to talk him off the ledge. We had everyone calling, texting, trying to hang out with him."

Tim Duncan, who recently retired after a legendary 19-year run, reached out to former Spur Malik Rose - a close friend of Ginobili's - after the playoffs, to call and check on him, according to Lowe.

"I don't think I've ever seen a person so hard on himself," Spurs GM R.C. Buford said. "He is maybe the greatest competitor that we have ever witnessed here."

Ginobili wouldn't need to wait long for his redemption, averaging 16.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and three assists for San Antonio during the following postseason, en route to the franchise's fourth title and fifth in nine years.