I like Duncan and the Spurs' chances
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 21 Jun 2013
CHICAGO -- After squandering Game 6, when they were 5.2 seconds away from the title, almost everyone is giving up on the Spurs against the Miami Heat in today's Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals.
Almost everyone, excluding me.
Beating LeBron James and the Heat at home in a Game 7 is like bearding a lion in its den. It's not just hard, it's nearly impossible. Since the league adopted the 2-3-2 NBA Finals format in 1985, no road team has ever won a Game 7 on the road.
A Game 7 is so treacherous and unpredictable. That's why Michael Jordan, the greatest of them all, made sure that none of his six championships went to a Game 7.
But back to day's Game 7. My pick is purely personal, not analytical.
You see, I covered the Spurs' championship runs in 2003, 2005 and 2007. And being around Duncan, Parker and Ginobili that much, I can tell you by experience that these are the nicest guys you'll ever know. Ditto with head coach Gregg Popovich, a gentleman nfairly misunderstood by many as salty and dismissive.
Rooting for Duncan isn't exactly a leap of faith as the 6-foot-11, 255-pond slotman is averaging 18 points and 12.2 points per game in these Finals. The fact, however, that he is 37 years old and played very heavy minutes in Game 6 doesn't bode well for the Spurs, who square off against a much younger Heat squad.
Plus, losing Game 6 the way they did takes a toll on the Spurs. But then again, I like the Spurs' mental fortitude.
My 9-year old son John Arthur, a smart, straight A gifted school pumpkin of a student here in Chicago is a diehard NBA fan who plays hoops at the park and the NBA on his PSP (PlayStation Portable). John and I, and hopefully my beloved Ermee as well, will be cheering for the Spurs until our voices turn hoarse in this Game 7.
I told John to be ready to be disappointed. And that whatever happens, this is just a game and that part of the thrill is relishing the joy of victory and the ability to endure the misery of defeat.
And that goes to all of you Spurs and Heat fans.
Enjoy Game 7. This is a gem that doesn't come often enough.
Photo: The author after interviewing Tim Duncan during one of the Spurs' stops at the United Center.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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