Down... But not out.

[Blackjack]

After watching these first two games I can't help but feel I've seen this once before.

After coming off a grueling six game series with the Kings, the Spurs found themselves having to face a well rested Mavs team with only a days rest in between series.

They didn't have any issues with their transportation then, but were forced to play less than thirty-six hours after wrapping up game six in Sacramento.

The Spurs came out in game one and played better than anyone could have expected. Using the cir stance as a challenge and an "Us against the world" approach, they controlled the game throughout. At least untill the fourth quarter came.

That's when the adrenaline wore off and the Spurs offense vanished. The jumpers were short, the ball movement stopped, and it looked as if they were destined to collapse.

The Spurs didn't collapse though. They managed somehow to hold off the Mavs late rally with the help of their fans, their defense, and a little help from Jerry Stackhouse.

After the game, the thinking was- "Now they'll have a day off to rest up, sleep in their own beds, get their bodies right, and take control of the series with a win in game two."

When in reality, with Duncan's bad foot and Manu and Tony both being banged up, a day just wasn't enough.

The Mavs blew out the Spurs in game two, stealing homecourt, and eventually taking a 3-1 series lead. The Spurs now find themselves in a similar situation.

Like then, the Spurs are the defending champs and down two games. Manu is banged up, and the team as a whole is worn-out. The Lakers, like the Mavs then, are the younger more athletic team. But the Spurs, like then, will fight their way back into this series.

Unlike then, Duncan and Parker are healthy for the most part, but there's less time between games. The Spurs also haven't lost on their homecourt, but then again, Dirk is no Kobe. And unlike then, this team has overcome an 0-2 defecit.

The fatigue is real, and it could turn out to be too much to overcome. But with the chemistry and mental toughness of this team, nothing is impossible.

The champs heart still beats, and until that heart is stopped... They never will.

[ShowtimeRedux]

The champs heart still beats, and until that heart is stopped... They never will.

So you're saying your team won't stop fighting to win until it is eliminated. Do other teams do that?

Also, would you write me a hallmark card? You are so gifted!