With the team on the ropes, Manu Ginobili helped the defending champion San Antonio extend the series to a seventh and final game.

New Orleans learned why finishing off the defending champs is never easy. With their backs against the wall, San Antonio’s playoff veterans knew how to dig down to find that something extra to win.

Facing elimination, Ginobili’s team-high 25 points helped his squad to the 99-80 win in Game 6. His backcourt teammate, Tony Parker, chipped in with 15 points and four assists. For San Antonio, this game was all about protecting their home court and staying alive in the series.

“That’s what you want to have, an opportunity,'’ said Parker. “That’s why Game 6 was huge. We won the game and now we have an opportunity to win a game on the road.'’