The Sporting Day: The NBA Finals Series

The NBA finals series has seen plenty of history written and plenty of legends crowned same. It has been the setting for amazing displays of heroics and cringe-worthy displays of capitulation. There have been jaw-dropping performances of individual brilliance and visions of team camaraderie that boggle and delight. There has been anger directed at stars who go missing and joy for fans of the victors. It is the final act of a drama that has played itself out for over six months. For some, the conclusion will be a comedy, the joy of victory and the release of tension seen on smiling faces and raised arms. For others, the finale will be tragic, a so close but so far scenario that leaves one hollow inside and terrorized by the fact they now have to start all over again.

Since the first NBA finals series in 1947, there have been some moments played out and performances laid for all to see that will be recorded in the greatest sporting moments and achievements of all time. 1957, when the Boston Celtics began their run as the most dominant team in American sports when the Celts claimed their first NBA championship. 1962, when the Celts and the Lakers- the most aged and successful rivalry in NBA history that lives on to this day- started their legendary rivalry with a game seven Boston overtime victory. 1969 and the Celtics and Lakers again, this time playing in what many regard as the greatest finals series ever. With stars like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and John Havlicek playing, the Celtics won with a Don Nelson shot in the dying moments.  1970 and the inspiration of Willis Reed that led the Knicks to their first NBA title. 1976 and the greatest game ever played when, in game five, the Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns in triple overtime. 1980 and a young Magic Johnson stepping into the unknown role of centre for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and turned in an amazing performance for the Lakers. The Bird-Magic rivalry which shone throughout the entire decade. Michael Jordan and the Bulls of the nineties. The rise of the Spurs. These are but a few of the moments and only a few of the characters that have shaped the NBA finals series.

This Friday, the present clashes with the future in game one of a generation-defining NBA championship series. The San Antonio Spurs, the present and the team of a generation, look for one more ring and one more time in the sun. Led by their three-pronged scoring attack of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker and built on an ethos of strong fundamentals and stifling defence, the Spurs enter the series as heavy favourites. After mutilating the Utah Jazz and downing the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns, the Spurs- from the dominant West- the Spurs enter the series as heavy, heavy favourites.

They will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers who, on the shoulders of star LeBron James, have made their first ever NBA finals series. LeBron James is the next Magic Johnson of the NBA, a selfless star who has it all. He can turn it on by himself and he can lift his teammates to greatness. James was at his ethereal best against the Pistons late in the Eastern Conference championship series, winning game five single handedly and playing the dominant role in game six. James is the future of the NBA and he believes his time is now. With a capable supporting cast and a coach who was taught in the Spurs system, the Cavs genuinely believe they can down the now-legendary Spurs team.

But it is highly unlikely. They do not match up well with the Spurs, who have the defensive capabilities to choke the Spurs out of the series by shutting down LeBron and putting it all on the supporting cast. And they are not good enough to beat the Spurs like this. Take the Spurs in a sweep but sit back and enjoy the best defensive basketball you are ever likely to see.

© 2007 Jack Stockton