Why The Spurs Winning The 2014 Championship Mattered

With the 2014-2015 NBA season starting today, I am excited to once again be able to watch the best players in the world compete for the most prestigious prize in basketball, The Larry O'Brien Trophy. This season looks to be a great one as the competition is tight with no one team having a guaranteed Finals appearance. Although, some might argue the Cavs but I would disagree as they are still inexperienced and will face tough competition against the Bulls. Not only that, the Knicks would be tough to beat if they are able to adapt to the triangle offense. Also, don't forget about the Heat, Pacers, and Wizards looking to surprise some teams. Over on the Western Conference, it's anybody's game to win. It's a battle royale over on the West Coast with teams like the Timberwolves, Blazers, Nuggets, Jazz and Kings all contending to make the Playoffs, while teams such as the Warriors, Clippers, Rockets, Mavs, Grizzlies, Suns, and Thunder, are aiming to overthrow last year's top seed – and eventual champions – The San Antonio Spurs. With all the buzz being about how the Cavs are favorites to win it all now with LeBron's return, the Spurs are once again brushed off as legitimate title contenders. It was said probably 3 or 4 years ago that the Spurs are too old to win another championship. What happened? They were one rebound away from winning in 2013, and won the 2014 title in spectacular fashion. Their victory against the Heat this past June to me was one of the best things that happened to the game of basketball in recent memory – and here's why: it showed the world that teamwork triumphs over individual greatness, that a team should be developed and built through thick and thin, and that defense is still a priority in winning championships.

Built Not Bought
The San Antonio Spurs' organization is truly one to be commended for their ability to draft and attain good players who are willing to play certain roles, pass the basketball, and motivate one another to higher levels. The Spurs were fortunate to draft Tim Duncan at number 1 in 1997 and was able to build the team around him since then, obtaining valuable pieces in Manu Ginobili (57th in 1999) and Tony Parker (28th in 2001). This was the core that won championships in 2005, 2007, and 2014 (99' and 03' featured David Robinson). Never did they sign two or three more top 5 draft pick players to win. They were able to develop Parker and Ginobili into all-stars, and would bring in key pieces to help complete the puzzle.

 

D + O = W
For those of you who don't know basketball math, that's defense plus offense equals wins. And that was the formula the Spurs used to beat the Heat in 4-1 in last season's Finals. Yes, their offense was great (more on that later), but it was their defense that stopped the Heat from three-peating. Defense was a priority for the Spurs. After every timeout and team huddle, they would put their fist together and shout, "defense!" Whether they were down 20, up by 5, tied, before games or after practice, "defense" was their mantra after every huddle. The Spurs were given a lot of credit for their teamwork and ball movement but I believe that it was as much defense as it was offense that gave them the upper hand in that Finals series. 

A True Team
Teams are everywhere. In your workplace, in schools, and in clubs, there are teams being formed. In the NBA, there are 30 teams competing to be the best. However, never have I seen a true team as the one I saw winning the 2014 NBA championship. The Spurs to me, are the definition of a true team in every sense of the word. You can have super-teams and all the superstars in the world, but it takes more than a couple of great players to make a team. You have to have each other's back, trust one another, and believe in a common goal. I believe the Spurs were all that and more. Led by their head coach Greg Popovich and the big 3, the Spurs were able to bring out the most in every player they had on the roster. Danny Green emerged as a 3-point specialist during the 2013 finals. Sharpshooting Patty Mills came up big of the bench hitting critical shots for the Spurs. Their third year player – Kawhi Leonard, was named Finals MVP. EVERYONE on the team scored in game 4 of the Finals. The team was selfless. They bought into Coach Pop's system and philosophy. They stood by one another through tough times. They suffered a devastating loss in game 6 of the 2013 Finals as they were up 5 with 28 seconds left in the game. The trophy was literally making it way out of the tunnel and into the court, but it was not to be. Nevertheless, they still believed in one another. They still believed in Popovich's wisdom. They regained their focused the following year and became Champions once again after 7 years. 

I urge every young aspiring basketball player to rewatch every game of the 2014 NBA Finals and focus on the Spurs. Focus on how they play. Focus on their defense. Focus on their ball movement. Focus on their unselfishness. Focus on their demeanor and how they bring each other up and never down. The teamwork they showed is something that I hope will catch on with the generations to come. Too often do we see the media glorifying individuals. Replaying the dunks, crossover and assists of ONE player. Basketball is a team sport – and what the Spurs put on display in the 2014 Finals was the epitome of team basketball. While the Heat were busy looking for their superstar, the Spurs were looking for each other. I'm glad they won because it was the first time I had seen people actually buzzing over team basketball. People were excited about ball movement. People were tweeting about how everyone touched the ball in that possession. People were, once again, amazed by the beautiful game. 

I leave you all with two videos showing of the Spurs demonstrating how great, and beautiful, the game of basketball can be.