Game 2 of the NBA finals showcased the tenacity and fervor that you would expect of a championship team. They played outstanding defense, outhustled the opposing team, blocked shots, got their share of rebounds and let's face it: they played the right way.
No, not the Detroit Pistons. The other champion.
Few people remember how the San Antonio Spurs rose to the top of the NBA elite two years ago. This season was highlighted by a season-long suspension of the former Best Defensive Player, a Phoenix team who was prophesized to go all the way, a quiet Miami sophomore who raised his game more than Lebron James and the retirement of NBA legend, Reggie Miller. Amidst all of the ruckus, the San Antonio Spurs kept their poise and did not take their eyes off their goal. After all, the only thing that prevented them from getting to the NBA Finals last year was a fluke shot by Derek Fisher in the pivotal Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series with 0.4 seconds left. Call it what you want, but it was a lucky shot.
Now, the San Antonio Spurs are looking to get back the title that was taken away from them---and it seems they are dead serious about it. With the way that you see them play, it just escapes you how they were able to lose to a Lakers team that lost to a team they've just 2-0'ed. You may cut the Detroit Pistons their share of slack, after all, they're "distracted" right now because of rumors that coach Larry Brown will not be staying after this season. But the thing is, in the NBA Finals, you cannot be distracted. When you're at this level--playing against the best--you better learn the meaning of the word "focus" or it will undoubtedly introduce itself to you the hard way.
Try looking at how irritatingly elusive Manu Ginobili can be or how fast and sly Tony Parker can be without the ball. Study the quiet Tim Duncan and you'll understand what his team is all about---focus.
Just look at how much energy these guys expend without the ball and you'll understand why the San Antonio Spurs get easy baskets off backdoor cuts or uncontested layups. Add in to the mix their very own four-leaf clover in the person of Robert Horry and you can make a very amusing case for the chances of the Spurs this year. With most of the teams that he's been traded to, Horry's team has gone to win the NBA finals that year. Yes, I know. I also couldn't believe it when I heard it myself.
I throw all caution to the wind when I say that I believe that the San Antonio Spurs will win this year's Larry O'Brien trophy. The reason why I have made up my mind is not because of the 2-0 lead that the San Antonio Spurs have as of the moment. It's because of how easily they were able to go up two games against a supposed champion. They won against the former champion and they did so convincingly in Game 2.
"Never question the heart of a champion." The saying has been echoed each and every time that a champion seems to be down and out. I would side with the Detroit Pistons on this one because they are, after all, last year's NBA champions but let's not forget that the other team is too. As what one San Antonio news reporter has mentioned, the San Antonio Spurs are on a roll right now. " It is hard to imagine the Spurs, who have won eight of their last nine games, losing four of their next five."
The delicate balance of momentum has been tipped in favor of San Antonio. If the Detroit Pistons don't respond next game, then you might as well skip the next few games and prepare a parade route for the Spurs. After all, it's not too late for the Pistons to go fishing.
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