The Finals: Spurs hold off Bucks, win historic 9th consecutive title (4-1).
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| Dejounte Murray, under Pop's tutelage, won Finals MVP. |
"I told him to finish it," Coach Popovich revealed on the sidelines as pandemonium and jubilation ensued as the last buzzer of the NBA Finals sounded throughout AT&T Center. "We kept building our lead, they kept breaking it down. It was a bad case of déjà vu." Everyone watching couldn't blame Giannis Antetokounmpo for never giving up, despite his team being down 1-3 without home court advantage, as the Bucks got within single digits. So, Murray whipped the ball down court to Avery Bradley for the pull-away dunk and hit his own free throws later once Milwaukee started to foul. Next, the Spurs called timeout to pull the stars and prep the celebration. "Both of our teams have scored so many points in these five games, I'm convinced that defense is a dead language now."
Truth in humor, the Bucks were bested 128-137 tonight, one of many high scores as both teams showcased their scoring abilities and athleticism, especially Milwaukee in their second straight Finals appearance. Only Game 2 was not competitive, the other four being anyone's for the taking, with Milwaukee claiming one victory in this series, a notable improvement over last year's sweep.
"I honestly couldn't think of a better team to face. They've got a ton of heart, and a ton of height," Popovich remarked paying respects to a worthy challenger in the promising Bucks. "To reach the Finals two years straight is a huge accomplishment, as we can attest to. They brought the best out of us, and I don't even think we've seen theirs yet. They're going to be a scary team in the foreseeable future."
The quarters went as such: 35-35, 24-23, Spurs; 47-36, Spurs & 34-31, Bucks. It took twenty 3PTers to down the Bucks in this series, as Milwaukee shot 67% to the Spurs 55%. The Bucks won the glass 42-20, 31-20 in assists, but suffered 18 turnovers as its inexperience was exposed by the Spurs. Even so, huge differences were apparent from last year's match-up and basketball enthusiasts will be salivating all summer long about a third potential meeting come next June.
Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 33 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists (11/20)
Eric Bledsoe: 25 points, 6 assists (12/15)
Malcolm Brogdon: 14 points
George Hill: 11 points
Khris Middleton: 7 points (3/10)
Spurs
Dejounte Murray: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals (12/17, 3/5 3PT)
T.J. Warren: 20 points (8/14, 3/8 3PT)
Patty Mills: 20 points (4/9 3PT)
Brandon Ingram: 18 points, 3 steals (8/19)
Iman Shumpert: 17 points, 5/8 3PT
Dragan Bender: 12 points
Avery Bradley: 10 points
For the San Antonio Spurs, a summer awaits them that will include top Duke prospect Zion Williamson likely joining the New Orleans Pelicans, sans-Anthony Davis (now a Laker), and Kawhi Leonard preparing for his new season as a Clipper (and Paul George). Each team must decide how to build toward the future, eager to find a path that hopefully leads to success, as a free agent pool has filled with internationally gifted basketball players and must be emptied.
What will the Spurs do? The Spurs Way, as many decisions need made by Popovich & R.C. Buford.
Brandon Ingram is an NBA Champion. The Kawhi Leonard era is officially over.