Ginobili blames himself for Spurs' exit

Jun 3, 2008 - 3:00 PM BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Ticker) -- San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is blaming himself for his team's failure to reach the NBA Finals.

The Spurs lost, 4-1, to Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last week - and Ginobili cites fatigue as the reason he underperformed throughout the series.

"I felt less confident in the two opening games of the series than in the fifth," Ginobili told Argentinian newspaper Ole. "I was not ready for those two after the terribly tough game against the (New Orleans) Hornets (in the conference semifinals)."

The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award winner this season, Ginobili was slowed by a nagging ankle injury throughout the conference finals.

Ginobili also credited the swarming defense of the Lakers, who limited the acrobatic swingman to an average of just 12.6 points per game in the five-game series.

"My physical condition was an important reason," Ginobili told Ole. "As the Lakers defend so physically, very close to the body, I needed some explosion to get away from the defender behind me.

"I feel I am responsible (for the elimination) because of how I felt and because I was unable to give it my all. I don't know which team I want to win the NBA. I won't even watch the finals."

Ginobili, 30, does not believe the Spurs need to overhaul their roster this offseason.

"I don't think we need to completely change the squad," he said. "Last year we won the title thanks to our experience. Now we shouldn't believe we are all too old or we need a change."