NBA Legend Manu Ginobili Speaks Out on Spurs After Loss to Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 1:25 AM ET

On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs attempted to realize their ambition of winning the NBA Cup. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the New York Knicks were a more experienced team, and they couldn't overcome them in the final round of the In-Season Tournament. The team suffered a tough 124-113 loss.

The Spurs stayed competitive in the first three quarters. However, the interior presence of Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was too much. New York took charge of the boards with the help of Robinson, who had 15 rebounds off the bench.

The towering presence of Victor Wembanyama wasn't enough. Even veteran center Luke Kornet struggled to counter Robinson's inside presence. This resulted in their eventual loss.

San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili© Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After the loss, Spurs legend Manu Ginobili took his time to congratulate the winning team. He posted his message on X and encouraged San Antonio fans about the bright future ahead of the team's young core.

"What a fun game!! Loved the energy, the play and the atmosphere. Congrats Knicks and congrats Spurs!! Proud of our guys. We have some fun years ahead, fans!" the four-time champion posted. "The NBA Cup is LOVE IT!!"

What a fun game!! Loved the energy, the play and the atmosphere. Congrats Knicks and congrats Spurs!! Proud of our guys. We have some fun years ahead, fans!
The NBA Cup is LOVE IT!!
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) December 17, 2025

Ginobili was referring to the young core of Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. The French star struggled against the Knicks and had 18 points off the bench. The other two, however, made the most of their time on the floor.

Castle had 15 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists on 33.3% shooting. Harper came off the bench and added 21 points and seven rebounds.

Before the Wembanyama sensation started in San Antonio, it was Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker who were the center of attention. The three stars were consistent in leading the Spurs to multiple championships. Now, the Argentinian icon sees a new breed of stars for the organization that took a chance on him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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