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The San Antonio Spurs are undefeated in the NBA Finals as a franchise. Going up against a team like the Miami Heat, they entered this year’s Finals as an underdog which could wind up breaking that streak. However, as ESPN reported today, point guard Tony Parker decided it was going down differently quite some time ago.
In fact, Parker promised a championship for his Spurs this year.
Parker told ESPN that prior to the start of the playoffs, he spoke with teammate and friend Tim Duncan about what another title would mean to them. Parker said he remembered telling Duncan that they would get it done, and that it was a promise.
Well, it couldn’t have started out any better for Duncan’s sake. His buddy Parker absolutely took over the fourth quarter against Miami and led the Spurs back to a game one victory.
Heading into game two, Duncan and Parker will need to be at their best once again. LeBron James did just about everything he could to get his team a win in game one grabbing himself a triple-double, but his critics are clamoring for more.
During the regular season, James undoubtedly deserved to win the MVP. This postseason, though, is a different story. Many would have a very valid argument that Parker could be taking that title if the Spurs were to win a fifth championship. He has been stellar this postseason as he was during the regular season – but has taken it to another level as of late.
If San Antonio’s legend-in-the-making wishes to get himself a fifth ring, Parker is going to have to deliver on that promise. So far, so good for the ‘other’ big three. Duncan, Parker and sixth man Manu Ginobili get a chance to steal a second game on the road tomorrow night.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA writer for www.RantSports.com also contributing to the NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
