ElNono
06-05-2012, 11:07 PM
The Spurs and Celtics came into their respective conference finals in very different positions. The Spurs were riding a 18 game winning streak, that ballooned to 20 by the time they were 2 games into WCF with all of their players healthy for the first time in years. On the other side the Boston Celtics struggled through an ailing Hawks team, and an offensively challenged 76ers. After 2 games in the ECF, the C's found themselves down 0-2, with an ailing Ray Allen, and slowed Paul Pierce, and a time limited Kevin Garnett. However 3 games later in their respective series, the Spurs find themselves down 2-3, and the Celtics have battled the reigning MVP to take a 3-2 lead. Obviously the Thunder and Heat are different teams, but their opponents aren't the ones making the differences in these series. For the Celtics, their will and pride took over in their series, however those same traits have been largely absent in this series.
Even in their wins, the Spurs seemed glad to skim by and accept the W, instead of closing things out and making sure their 10 point leads didn't turn into 3 at the buzzer. Derek Fisher after their game 2 loss said that the Thunder needed to have the desire and will to win, they brought it in the subsequent 3 games, the Spurs didn't. A blowout game, and 50 turnovers later, the Spurs look clumsy, frustrated, and embarrassed.
Now its time for the Spurs to show that same desperation, that same will, and that same pride on the court tomorrow night, as the Celtics have all series. IF they want it badly enough, this team has shown they can play against anyone on any night. IF they want a chance at another ring, they've got the opportunity to turn 1 game into 2, and 2 games into another series. The Spurs for all intensive purposes were gifted a historical winning streak, but if they want the chance to play for another ring, another series, or even another game, it won't be given; they are going to have to take it.
So now the time comes for the Spurs to show us, who they want to be. Do they want to be another honorable mention for the 2012 season, or do they want to fight for their chance for something more. The Spurs I know compete, the Spurs I know make love to pressure, the Spurs I know can take the next 2 games. But this isn't about me or any other fan. Greatness isn't something your given, its something you put yourself in position to take when the time comes. Game 6 is calling the Spurs and asking, who do you want to be?
Even in their wins, the Spurs seemed glad to skim by and accept the W, instead of closing things out and making sure their 10 point leads didn't turn into 3 at the buzzer. Derek Fisher after their game 2 loss said that the Thunder needed to have the desire and will to win, they brought it in the subsequent 3 games, the Spurs didn't. A blowout game, and 50 turnovers later, the Spurs look clumsy, frustrated, and embarrassed.
Now its time for the Spurs to show that same desperation, that same will, and that same pride on the court tomorrow night, as the Celtics have all series. IF they want it badly enough, this team has shown they can play against anyone on any night. IF they want a chance at another ring, they've got the opportunity to turn 1 game into 2, and 2 games into another series. The Spurs for all intensive purposes were gifted a historical winning streak, but if they want the chance to play for another ring, another series, or even another game, it won't be given; they are going to have to take it.
So now the time comes for the Spurs to show us, who they want to be. Do they want to be another honorable mention for the 2012 season, or do they want to fight for their chance for something more. The Spurs I know compete, the Spurs I know make love to pressure, the Spurs I know can take the next 2 games. But this isn't about me or any other fan. Greatness isn't something your given, its something you put yourself in position to take when the time comes. Game 6 is calling the Spurs and asking, who do you want to be?