It was telling that Tim Duncan, who rarely gives a notable sound bite, and who has let his play do the talking throughout his career, was so forthcoming immediately after the Spurs advanced to the NBA Finals by finishing off the Thunder in Game 6.
“We’ll do it this time. We’re happy it’s the Heat again. We’ve got that bad taste in our mouths still,” said Duncan.
If you couldn’t tell before, this is what San Antonio have been waiting for since the final buzzer sounded in Game 7 of the Finals last year – the chance to redeem themselves.
They couldn’t have known it would be a rematch with Miami, but the fact that it is will only make potentially winning the title that much sweeter.
As a basketball fan in general, it was heartbreaking to watch the Spurs lose last year.
They did everything right to beat Miami up until the final moments in Game 6.
Playing out those final seconds seemed like a formality.
The barrier ropes were being set up around the court and the Larry O’Brien trophy was being brought out in preparation of a San Antonio celebration.
The only celebration that happened that night, however, was on Miami’s side.
San Antonio instead had to regroup in time for Game 7.
Although the series wasn’t technically over, especially for a side as professional as San Antonio, we all knew the writing was on the wall.
Spurs blew their best chance and gave LeBronJames and the Heat another opportunity.
No one can overcome that.
San Antonio couldn’t overcome it in Game 7, but they’ve bounced back this season like the machine they are.
No matter what glitch the Spurs system incurs, the error is erased and all functions run again without a hitch.
Of course, this is a team of humans and moving on from last year wasn’t that easy.
But that’s why Gregg Popovich is one of the best coaches in the world.
That’s why Duncan is not only one of the best players of all time, but one of the best leaders.
San Antonio are on a mission.
Getting back to the Finals again is nice, particularly for a core of ageing veterans, but that wasn’t their focus all year.
Winning the Finals is all they care about.
It’s revenge or bust.
