On June 25, 1997, the Spurs selected Tim Duncan as number one in the Draft. On June 25, 1999, two years later to the day, the San Antonio franchise is 48 minutes from the first title in its history.
Faced with brave and historic Knicks (first finalist team qualified in eighth position for the playoffs) but deprived of Patrick Ewing, the Spurs and the twin towers, Tim Duncan and David Robinson, are too strong and lead 3-1 in this final series .
“Size was the ultimate difference. It was really hard for us.” concedes Latrell Sprewell. “It was hard to see that”adds the pivot, blocked on the bench. “It’s hard to see Spurs celebrating their title on our floor. The feelings of 1994 (loss in the Finals against Houston) came back to me. »
On fire, Latrell Sprewell tried everything
This last meeting of the 1998/99 season, shortened because of the lockout, has two great moments.
First the memorable heat stroke of Latrell Sprewell in the second half. Like Kobe Bryant in Game 5 of the 2010 Finals, the back chained the baskets, in a tough meeting where the points were few. He misses nothing and lifts Madison Square Garden in the third quarter with a two-handed dunk on Jaren Jackson.
“It was all or nothing”explains the rear of the Knicks, who scored 14 points in the last quarter (35 in total) and 25 of New York’s last 34 points. “I would have preferred to score two points and win. The public was brilliant, as throughout the season. Tim Duncan was good and we traded baskets. »
With the help of the board, the interior of San Antonio effectively dominated the proceedings. But the decisive basket, the second great moment therefore, it was Avery Johnson who scored it 47 seconds from the end. Latrell Sprewell will have two chances to snatch the victory and a Game 6. But he misses twice and the Spurs win 78-77.
It’s the first title in franchise history and Tim Duncan, at just 23 years old, with 27.4 points, 14 rebounds and 2.2 blocks on average, is voted Finals MVP.
