It’s time for Manu Ginobili to contribute.

Through the first four games of the NBA Finals, Ginobili hasn’t given the San Antonio Spurs much help. In fact, it can be said that Ginobili is even hurting his team’s chances at winning the title.

Dwyane Wade went through a similar stretch for the Heat before having a breakout performance in Game 4. He reminded everyone how great he is while fueling his team to a huge Game 4 victory. There is no doubt the Heat found energy from Wade’s effort; it’s Ginobili’s turn to provide his team with the same type of performance.

The Spurs will tell you their success isn’t based around one guy and will preach their team-first philosophy to anyone that will listen. Without a doubt, their team concept has been proven successful, but it only works when their key guys are leading the way. Ginobili, at this point, has been a key guy in name only. Through the first four games of the Finals, Ginobili is averaging 7.5 points on 34 percent shooting. If the Spurs are to win their fifth NBA championship, Ginobili must find a way to break out of his funk and give his team something they can use towards a win.

Game 5 will provide the two-time All-Star with the perfect stage to change his standing in the series. It’s a must-win game for both teams and there is an understanding on both sides that nothing can be held back.

“This game is huge,” Ginobili said. “We don't want to go to Miami knowing that we have to win both. Going there to win one of the two is a different situation. So Game 5 regardless of where you play, it's huge for you at 2-2. We've seen it too many times. We really want to win this one.”

While he seems to understand the magnitude of the game, Ginobili also believes his team is good enough to win in spite of his struggles. He trusts the system and doesn’t seem like he’s willing to go outside of it to find his own offense.

“I trust the system, I trust my teammates and I try to force a little less and find my teammates,” said Ginobili. “I didn’t have a super game in Game 3 and we won by 30. It’s a matter of us not me. Of course the team needs me to play better, much better. But I I don’t I think we have the resources to overcome anyone we play against.”

There is something admirable about a player that is willing to take a step back when he’s struggling. Many times guys will force offense and play outside of themselves and their system. There are also times where it’s necessary to be a little selfish in search of a groove. Tim Duncan suggested that time may have arrived for his teammate.

“I think he's just trying to be incredibly unselfish right now,” Duncan said. “I think he's trying to make the right play at the right time. He's trying to make the right pass, make the defense move instead of looking more for his own. So I think he's just trying to make the right play more than anything. We need him to be a little more aggressive, be a little more selfish, maybe and hopefully we can find him a way to get him to do that.”

The bottom line is his team needs him to do more, a lot more. Their core is older and the league is changing. This may be the last chance the Spurs have to win with this collection of players. There has been talk of retirement after the season, but none of that really matters today. All that really matters is how Ginobili plays the rest of this series. He doesn’t need to be Superman; he doesn’t even need to be Dwyane Wade. Ginobili just needs to be better for two more games and if he can do that the Spurs will improve their chances of winning their fifth title.