The San Antonio Spurs knew the only way they could forget about last year’s Finals defeat, was to win it this year. They didn’t only win Sunday night, but they won big.
The Spurs may not say it, but they got their revenge by defeating the Miami Heat 104-87 in Game 5 to capture their fifth NBA Finals trophy in franchise history. All of them with Tim Duncan. The Spurs had blown out the Heat the the last three games of the series, not giving the two-time defending champs a chance to claim another victory in the series.
Despite the usual stat-filled night by LeBron James, the All-Star found little help from his teammates. James and the Heat had jumped out to an early 16-point lead over the Spurs early in the first half, but could not hold on. The Spurs’ depth outmatched the Heat’s, and soon claimed the lead and never looked back.
After the final buzzer sounded, the usually unemotional Duncan could not hold back his tears this time as he embraced his children. The tears could mean many things, with one theory being this might have been his last NBA game. And if it is, what a way to go out.
As Duncan hoisted his fifth championship, Kawhi Leonard got to soak in the joy of being named the finals MVP. Leonard really stepped up his game over the past three games and played great defense against the best player on the planet, LeBron James.
Congratulations to the Spurs and if this is Duncan’s last NBA game, congratulations on a hall of fame career.
Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
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