Tim Duncan missed a late lay-up in Game 7. Tony Parker was relatively quiet in overtime in Game 6 and most of Game 7. Kawhi Leonard missed crucial free throws in Game 6. Danny Green was 1-for-12 from the field in Game 7. Coach Gregg Popovich also made some questionable coaching calls in Game 6.
None of those five individuals are the scapegoat, though. Turn on the television and radio or read the newspaper, and the finger will be pointed at one player: Manu Ginobili. The two-time All-Star looked lost in the final two games of the series, culminating in a fourth quarter of decisions to forget.
Ginobili is not the only star to flop in a Game 7. Here's how he rates against past NBA Finals Game 7 LVPs (Least Valuable Players).
NBA Finals Game 7 Least Valuable Players Slideshow
Manu Ginobili, 2013
Ginobili was the talk of the series after making his first start of the entire season in Game 5. His 24 points and 10 rebounds energized the Spurs to a 114-104 victory. The tide turned in Games 6 and 7, as Ginobili turned the ball over a combined 12 times. All four of his Game 7 turnovers came in the fourth quarter. Ginobili also made some poor passing and shooting decisions that do not show up on the stat sheet. The Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter and ultimately won, 95-88.
John Starks, 1994
In Game 6, Hakeem Olajuwon blocked John Starks' last-second three-point attempt, a shot which could have given the Knicks the title. Three days later, Starks' shot at redemption was ugly. The New York guard went 2-for-18 from the field (0-for-11 from three-point range) in a 90-84 Rockets victory.
Dennis Johnson, 1978
Johnson, who averaged 16.6 points in the series, had become the darling of the NBA playoffs in his second season. However, the lights went out on D.J. in Game 7. Johnson was 0-for-14 from the field in front of the hometown Seattle SuperSonics fans. The Washington Bullets won the game, 105-99. One season later, Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP.
Oscar Robertson, 1974
Sure, he was 35 and playing the final NBA game of his career, but 'The Big O' should have no excuses for his Game 7 play. Robertson went just 2-for-13 from the field and committed four personal fouls at home for the Bucks. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 26 points, but it was not enough. The Celtics took the game, 102-87.
Wilt Chamberlain, 1969
In the final chapter of Wilt vs. Russell, Russell retired won his 11th NBA title. Chamberlain could only muster up 18 points on 4-for-13 shooting against Russell. With about five minutes left and the Lakers down, 103-96, Chamberlain landed awkwardly on a rebound and pulled himself out of the game. When Los Angeles cut the lead to one point with two minutes left, Chamberlain told Coach Butch van Breda Kolff he was ready to come back in. As the story is told, van Breda Kolff replied, "We're doing fine without you." Chamberlain did not return to the court and the Celtics won, 108-106.
Andy Phillip, 1955
The Fort Wayne Pistons led 41-24 early in the second quarter, but the Syracuse Nationals quickly cut the deficit. In the final seconds of the game, Phillip turned the ball over, giving Syracuse the 92-91 win. George Yardley, a fellow Piston, later told author Charley Rosen that Phillip may have been among some Pistons who conspired with gamblers to throw Game 7.
