I decided to take a few days to evaluate this years NBA playoffs/finals. It truly was special from the beginning with the most exciting first round probably ever, to the finals being won by that groups that’s always counted out, but seem to always get it done. Before I go any further I must toot my own horn a little by saying I predicted the Spurs over the heat in 6 before the season began back in October. The Spurs did it in 5 but seriously I deserve credit for picking the champion and runner up in a league full of surprises each season. Also as I’ve stated before I’m a Lakers fan so it hurt to watch our old rival do it again.
San Antonio deserves credit, they were the hungrier team. In an era where we jump to conclusions, last years loss in the finals could have prompted firings, trades, and rebuilding. The Spurs however stayed the course adding only seemingly small pieces a bigger role for backup point guard Patty Mills, signing Marco Belinelli to back up Manu Ginobili after he struggled last post season at times. No big free agents, no new coach to mix it up, just those new guys to mix with the same old cast of geezers who are old enough to play competitive YMCA ball. This started with the draft in 97. Tim Duncan and coach Pop were able to win it all in 99 before the tandem that would become Shaq and Kobe. A team full of role players some young boring guy and David Robinson won it before Shaquille O’Neal? No worries the next season Kobe Bryant evolves the Lakers steam roll through the league and insert 3 straight titles here. Then those same Spurs add Tony Parker and Manu and end the LA dynasty. I still remember I was a 9th grader crushed that LA wouldn’t continue winning in my high school years the way they did all through middle school. The Spurs would end Detroit’s chance at back to back titles in 2005. Then they would spank the chosen one in the 07 finals. See a trend here? After 07 we appreciated their relevance the last few years but surely that was it right? Not exactly fast forward to 2013 where they would face the chosen one with both of his worthy sidekicks. No way this older group could keep up with the defending champs, I mean this was prime Lebron. Miami is down 2-3 in the series and losing by two possessions with under 50 seconds. I couldn’t believe they did it again until Jesus Shuttlesworth shows us why he’s the best three point shooter ever. The rest is history the heat repeat and I thought the Spurs would go off into the sunset. This group is like the Halloween movie and Tim Duncan is Michael Meyers they will never ever die. Even if it’s a predictable sequel they comeback ready stop what the average basketball fan wants to see. They don’t care about the sexy matchup of Durant and James or teams going for multiples rings, Just basic teamwork and leadership from their HOF coach and stars. That’s exactly why I picked them. I thought it could go either way but for sure 6 or 7. This turned out to be one of the most lop sided finals of all time. If not for a game 2 win by 2 points the back to back winners and team that had been to 4 straight finals would have been swept. A few weeks ago they were comparing the heat to the best all teams of the past now they’re discussing scenarios of Lebron leaving or trading D Wade. Maybe Miami should take a page out the Spurs book and just build on their success. Where is Dr. Samuel Loomis when you need him?
