San Antonio Spurs: How the 2013 NBA Finals almost changed their legacy
By Tyler Clerkin
What if the San Antonio Spurs won the 2013 NBA Finals?
Winning championships is one thing the San Antonio Spurs know how to do. With wins in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
Since then, the Spurs have not appeared in the Finals. But, fans are still talking about the 2013 NBA Finals.
It may not be in a good way, but nobody will forget that series. This was when the Miami Heat faced off against the Spurs in what would be one of the best Finals ever.
Up three games to two, the Spurs went to Miami for game six. After dominating the whole game, LeBron James took over.
This quarter would lead to one shot that would break the hearts of Spurs fans forever. With ten 12 seconds left, the Spurs are up by three. James shoots a three to tie and misses. This then leads to a Chris Bosh rebound.
As a result, Bosh dishes the ball to a retreating Ray Allen who gets off the shot. And he nailed it.
Because of this shot, the Heat would go on to win the series in seven games. Thus, giving James his second title and left Spurs fans devastated.
Due to this loss, we can’t help but think what would the Spurs legacy be if they would have closed out that series.
First of all, let’s act like they would have won in 2014 no matter what. A title in 2013 would have given Duncan his sixth ring. And Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker their fifth. And Duncan would have a finals record of five wins and one loss.
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How would things change? Would more people consider Tim Duncan one of the greatest players ever?
There is always one thing that fans bring up when arguing who is the best. And that is rings. Because of this, that could be the only thing holding TD back from being in these conversations.
To many, Michael Jordan is the greatest player to play the game. But, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant give Jordan a run for his money. Whenever this topic comes up, how is it resolved? You guessed it, rings.
Duncan retired from the NBA with five rings. A very solid number since some greats have none (Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, etc.). But, Duncan is still looked at as the greatest power forward of all time. Could that ring in 2013 have been what it takes to throw his name in the G.O.A.T talks?
If Duncan and the Spurs would have been able to close out that series, he would be considered one of the greatest players to ever play. And to some he already is. Duncan finished his career with 15 All-Star appearances, two MVP awards, 15 All-Defensive selections, and three Finals MVP’s.
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It is easy to look back at how things could be if things happened differently. Hence, the Spurs can’t go back and change how things happened. But, it’s hard not to look back and think about how the Spurs legacy would be today if they could have sealed the deal.