Pair of Spurs exit global stage

Parker and Ginobili end international careers after quarterfinal losses

Argentina's Manu Ginobili walks off the court with the game ball after Wednesday's 105-78 quarterfinal loss to Team USA. [Photo/Agencies]

Two great international basketball careers ended on Wednesday - not with a bang, but a whimper.

Star guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, NBA teammates with the San Antonio Spurs, bid emotional farewells after lopsided quarterfinal losses by their respective national teams in Rio.

Spain defeated Parker and his French teammates 92-67, while Ginobili's Argentina side was routed 105-78 by Team USA.

"It has been an amazing run, "Ginobili said of a 20-year span topped by 2004 Olympic gold. "I am very proud, sad ... and happy."

Parker achieved his goal of leading France to the 2013 EuroBasket championship while taking MVP honors in the final.

"I am very proud of what we did," Parker said.

"I enjoyed it. The last 16 years have been great. I do not regret one second. I take a lot of pride playing in this atmosphere. When we take some time to reflect on what we did, we can be proud."

Parker, 34, and Ginobili, 39, each helped the Spurs win four NBA titles and lifted their national sides into global prominence.

"It has been an incredible era," Ginobili said.

"Something very important in your life is ending, and that means a lot. It makes me feel a little emotional."

Team USA star Carmelo Anthony and coach Mike Krzyzewski delivered personal messages to Ginobili.

"When legends of the game show their respect, it has an extra value to it," Ginobili said. "They gave some very kind words. I truly appreciate it."

Anthony said he praised Ginobili "not just for what he has meant to basketball in Argentina, but to that country as a whole."

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