History lesson
No Finals team has won Games 6 and 7 on the road
Posted: Sunday June 15, 2003 11:47 AM
SAN ANTONIO -- The Spurs already have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker to throw at the Nets. Now they have history on their side as well.
Of the 22 previous Finals that were tied at 2-all, the winner of Game 5 has won the NBA title 16 times (73 percent). And no team has ever won Games 6 and 7 on the road in the current 2-3-2 format.
The Nets hope to buck those odds, beginning Sunday night in Game 6. But to do so, New Jersey is going to need to find a way to put the ball in the basket. San Antonio's defense, especially its 3-2 zone, has shut down the Nets much of the series.
For San Antonio, the challenge is not just to win the title but to do it with authority. Besides, a loss Sunday would put the pressure right back on the Spurs' shoulders in a Game 7.
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New Jersey Nets at San Antonio Spurs
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
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| Series Snapshot |
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| Game 1 |
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101 |
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89 |
| Game 2 |
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87 |
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85 |
| Game 3 |
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84 |
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79 |
| Game 4 |
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77 |
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76 |
| Game 5 |
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93 |
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83 |
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The past ... On Friday the 13th, the Spurs had more than enough to survive Jason in the Swamp. Duncan had 29 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and four blocks as the Spurs outlasted a determined Jason Kidd to claim a 93-83 victory in Game 5 and take a 3-2 series lead. Malik Rose added 14 points, and little-used veteran Steve Kerr came off the bench to hit two big shots and make a key steal late for the Spurs. Kidd had 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for New Jersey, but got little help from his teammates. Forward Kenyon Martin, bothered by flu symptoms, finished with just four points and eight turnovers. San Antonio's zone defense once again caused problems for the Nets, who managed to shoot just 35.1 percent from the floor. It was the third consecutive game New Jersey was held under 38 percent shooting.
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Malik Rose has been a big factor in San Antonio's stifling defense against New Jersey's starting forwards. Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images |
The present ... Despite the long odds, New Jersey is a proud team that will fight to the bitter end. Martin, in particular, is sure to be embarrassed about his woeful performance and probably will play with uncommon fire. The Nets' biggest problem will be finding a way to solve San Antonio's defense, especially its 3-2 zone. New Jersey coach Byron Scott might have to give shooters Lucius Harris, Rodney Rogers and perhaps even Anthony Johnson more time on the floor with Kidd, and hope they can hit some outside shots. The Nets also might consider using a ball fake now and then to get the Spurs' defenders moving. The Spurs are 7-4 at home this postseason and will be fired up by the home crowd. They just need to stay focused and not jump the gun on the victory celebration.
The future ... Kidd and the Nets won't go down without a fight. But the Spurs clinched in six games against the Suns, Lakers and Mavs this postseason. Go with San Antonio to keep the pattern.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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