For the fifth time in 16 seasons, the San Antonio Spurs have won the NBA Championship as they defeated the Miami Heat tonight by a score of 104-87. Again, the Spurs not only defeated the Heat, but destroyed the defending champs.
LeBron and company started off hot tonight, climbing to an early 16 point lead, according to CBSSports.com. Much like games 1, 3 and 4 though, the Spurs completely dominated their competition the rest of the night, winning the game in double-figures yet again.
After a tough game one, Kawhi Leonard rebounded strong and took that momentum through tonight as we was named Finals MVP. He poured in 22 points and collected 10 rebounds in the series clinching win, according to ABCNews.com. Not only did Leonard provide offense for San Antonio the past four games, but he played lock-down, vigilant defense on LeBron all series long.
For Tim Duncan and Greg Popovich, this marks their fifth titles as well (as they have been there since the first in 1999 against New York). It cements both of their legacies and for Duncan, who is already a legend, it moves him further up the ranks of the all-time greats.
Former Spurs David Robinson and Avery Johnson were on hand to congratulate their friends immediately after the final buzzer sounded. Just another example of how strong this franchise's foundation really is.
For LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and the rest of the Miami Heat, this one is a bitter pill to swallow. They did become only the third franchise to ever reach the finals four straight seasons (Celtics and Lakers), but the fact that they only succeeded twice out of four seasons with the “Big-Three” is downright disappointing, and a black-mark on James’ career.
Congratulations San Antonio, the Larry O'Brien Trophy is now yours once again.