This May 15, 2003, against the Spurs, the Lakers will relive a feeling that he had not experienced for four years, that of being eliminated from the playoffs. It is even increased tenfold by the irony of history: in 1999, they had been eliminated by these same Spurs.
Since then, Los Angeles has ruled the West and the rest of the NBA with three titles in a row. Their reign installs them among the greatest teams in history and a dream takes shape: to achieve a quadruple history.
Except that the Spurs, beaten in 2001 and 2002 by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, finally want to take their revenge in this conference semi-final.
“We have been dominated for the past two seasons by this team and more than ending their reign, what is the best thing is to finish their season and us to continue it”, comments Tim Duncan.
It’s the engine of the Texans. Winners on the wire of Game 5, when they led by 25 points, Gregg Popovich’s men knew they had to make the perfect match to inflict Phil Jackson’s Lakers their first elimination. The former Bulls coach hadn’t known that since 1995!
“It may sound crazy, but this Game 5 was the best possible treatment”, estimated Gregg Popovich before this Game 6. “We won with our fingertips and I think the players will arrive with the right motivation. »
Tears for the fallen Lakers
It was in the second half that the Spurs took control and dominated the Lakers. Tim Duncan (37 points, 16 rebounds) scored eight points in a 10-0 to knock out the three-time defending champion.
The interior is perfectly supported by the young Tony Parker. Both players score San Antonio’s final 20 points of the third quarter. At the same time, Shaquille O’Neal takes two fouls, which make four in total, and finds himself on the bench. Finally, the Spurs defense is too strong. The case is folded (82-110).
Shaquille O’Neal (31 points, 10 rebounds) bowed out for this season less than five minutes from the end of the game, to the applause of the public. “There is no doubt: they were better than us”says Phil Jackson after the meeting.
Like Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant will not be able to hold back a few tears when leaving the floor.
“I hate this feeling, I don’t want to experience it again. It hurts to lose. We haven’t seen that in three years. They played very well and they are a great team. The next season, for us, starts now. »
