Ginobili says self-pity contributed to Spurs' fourth quarter meltdown against Pelicans

Recommended Video:

SAN ANTONIO – Despite their continuous injury woes, the Spurs have, for the most part, done a great job of avoiding feeling sorry for themselves.

But Manu Ginobili said they slipped a bit Wednesday night against the Pelicans after learning at halftime that an ankle injury had ended LaMarcus Aldridge's night.

"It was kind of disappointing and we were kind of (hanging) our heads," Ginobili said after the 121-116 loss.

It was, Ginobili said, a "terrible mistake."

RELATED: Play of Spurs' Ginobili inspires memorable quote from Pelicans coach

"We're all vets and we have been around and we've played this game for a long time, and there's no time, especially down the stretch to feel sorry for yourself," he said.

The Spurs, who enjoyed a 15-point lead in the third quarter, committed three costly turnovers in the final three minutes, including one by Ginobili.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray, left, and guard Manu Ginobili sit on the bench late in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, in Denver. The Nuggets won 122-119. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray, left, and guard Manu Ginobili sit on the bench late in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, in Denver. The ... more Photo: David Zalubowski, STF / Associated Press Photo: David Zalubowski, STF / Associated Press Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Ginobili says self-pity contributed to Spurs' fourth quarter meltdown against Pelicans 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

One of the most biggest miscues came on a botched inbounds play between Patty Mills and Davis Bertans with 26 seconds left and the Spurs trailing, 117-116.

"We said, 'OK, we're missing a lot of guys,' and we stopped executing when we needed it the most," Ginobili said.

Over the last 10 seasons, the Spurs were 211-0 when leading at home by 15 or more in the second half, according to ESPN. Every other team in the league had multiple such losses in that span.

"We were in a good situation to still win the game (after losing Aldridge), and we struggled down the stretch," Ginobili said. "We didn't execute well, our defense kind of melted down and we lost. That's the disappointing part, for sure. We fought hard and we scrambled and we competed, but sometimes it's not enough. You have to play well too, and that wasn't there down the stretch."

Tom Orsborn is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | torsborn@express-news.net | @tom_orsborn