You're on point with how sports can transcend their context and become something more than just sweaty men trying to outscore each other. The 2013 Finals unfolded exactly like an epic tragedy that seemed to be authored by some higher power. I'm not religious person, or even particularly spiritual, but every so often, a very small sliver of me, the irrational side of myself, believes some things are just "meant to be." When Duncan caught that ball against Battier, I knew he was going to miss it. I think every Spurs fan knew he was going to miss it. It's the way this "story" had to end. And like all great stories, it "enlightened" us.
That said, I'm not going to necessarily be "haunted" by it, when there's much worse things to be haunted by than watching your favorite millionaire athletes lose a basketball game.
And for someone such as yourself, who's experienced those much worse things, {{{I find it fascinating the '84 Finals found more purchase in your psyche than watching young men die.}}}