'I think I stepped on him to go higher' - Manu Ginobili looked back at his nasty dunk on Yao Ming

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By John Jefferson Tan | Last updated Nov 17, 2024 5:54 AM ET

The moment San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili dunked on Yao Ming remains one of the most underrated yet savage highlights in NBA history. After all, Yao is 7'6", while Manu is just 6'6".

Yao was not only a towering presence on the court but he was also known for his exceptional shot-blocking skills. That said, not all players could just drive down the lane and posterize "The Great Wall." That's why Ginobili still can't believe he dunked on the legendary big man.

"The dunk on Yao was just a coincidence. I think we were losing that game, and we're trying to make a run. So, we were pressing, and he threw a bad pass, and then I said, 'Okay, I'm going for it. We'll see what happens.' I think I stepped on him to go higher. I don't know exactly what happened but I couldn't believe it, once it happened. I said, 'Did I really do this?'" Ginobili said after watching his highlight play.

"Did I really do this?" @manuginobili reacts to another iconic dunk vs. Houston! (via @NBA)#NBA75 | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/rltFf3OyoA
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 12, 2022

Manu's underrated athleticism

Ginobili's dunk on Yao exemplified his fearless style of play and ability to defy expectations. Unlike other international players in the NBA, Manu was known for his athleticism.

As it turns out, it wasn't the first time Gino stunned fans, players, and coaches alike with his unbelievable set of attributes. According to his former coach back in Italy, Manu had always been different from other top players in his country because he was distinctively athletic for a white player.

"He was an incredible athlete, flying and jumping all over the place, making unbelievable plays," Ettore Messina said of Ginobili in 2016. "He was like a black player… He's overachieved. I mean, I knew he had special talent. But as much as I love him and trust him, I could not even imagine that he could become a Hall of Famer."

Manu was a multi-faceted player

Ginobili played 16 great seasons in the NBA. He brought a unique flair to the Spurs' dynamic, primarily with his unpredictable moves, including his famous Eurostep, which left defenders guessing.

Manu Ginobili was disgusting

Young people have no idea what he was doing out there

An absolute nightmare for defenses

(Via @automaticnba )

pic.twitter.com/oLTAOLSHUc
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) June 19, 2024

Manu's contributions went beyond scoring. He was also an exceptional team player known for his unselfishness and ability to make clutch plays in critical moments. Moreover, Gino was named All-Star twice and also performed well as a sixth man for the Spurs during the franchise's peak as a dynasty.

These qualities earned Ginobili the respect of fans and players alike, making him one of the most multi-faceted players of his generation.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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