The series finally came down to who can make the final run in the game 7. Spurs did just that with six minutes left in the game. Detroit was able to stretch to their largest lead in the game in the third quarter. It took the crowd out of the game totally. Spurs started their comeback by a Tony Parker jump shot and a three point play by Tim Duncan. Doesn't matter how good Ben Wallace was on Tim Duncan, how much Tim struggled in the first half, he was able to find a way to make his shots close around the basket. For the first time in the series, foul trouble was a huge factor. It turned out that foul trouble became a one of the deciding element of the championship. Both Rasheed and Ben Wallace was in foul trouble in this game. So Tim Duncan took the advantage of playing against a more cautious defense that was trying to avoid getting more fouls. This allowed Tim Duncan to start the spark. That moment was the beginning of the Spurs' victory parade... The inside out play by Tim Duncan created two key three pointers (almost identical) for Parker and Bruce Bowen. Both threes were crucial part of the final run by the Spurs. Tim Duncan can't do everything and can't force things to happen against the tough defense by Ben Wallace. The offense has to go through him but not necessarily finished by him... The Spurs were after all the better team. It was so wrong for people to write them out after game 6. The psychology part of the game was somewhat quite predictable. My theory of "losing after winning by blow out" happened twice, it was two of two. Spurs won big in game 2, lost game 3. Pistons blew out Spurs in game 4, lost game 5. The Spurs got loose in game 6 to have let the Pistons false hope. The Spurs were just too good at home. But it was a little distracted to close out the series the first game at home after three games on the road... I don't know if this is a dynasty. But one thing I'm sure. The Pistons lost their chance to become a dynasty. The Spurs have the their core triangle signed through at least 2010. I would say they can play in the Finals many more times. The Spurs were the most consistent fundamental team since 1999. They had the best winning percentage since then, not just in the NBA, but in all American major sports. The Spurs dynasty can start right now, starting with their 2 out of last 3... The Pistons are not dwelling in such bright future as the Spurs. If they can keep the starting five, they are still not as good as the Spurs's starting five on paper, unless Darko Milicic becomes what he was advertised overnight. Larry Brown's uncertainty is also a big concern. As good as the Pistons are defensively, I'm still not totally convinced that their offensive ability would be able to carry them in a long run... Tim Duncan's legacy was kept intact by his heads up plays that helped winning this title. I didn't believe his reputation would be damaged even if the Spurs had lost. Nonetheless, now Timmy strengthened his position in NBA history. Proving that he can win without his mentor and former partner David Robinson. And remember, he was playing against one of the greatest defenders in this game in Ben Wallace. He still won this close battle. Tim Duncan is as good as it gets at his position... The game 7 wasn't as good as I wish. The series overall lacked close game ending situations (except game 5). Most games were won by runs that took place early fourth quarter. My best Finals memory is still the 6 games Bull vs. Jazz in 1998... My predictions wrap up: Correctly predicting the Spurs in win in 7, correctly predicting game results in 6 out of 7, and offense would decide who wins. Championship deciding moment: Tim Duncan's pass from low post to Tony Parker for a three pointer in the fourth quarter of game 7 to secure the lead... This season of the NBA is my least attended season in 11 years. I had hardly sat down for a regular season game. Half of the NBA season I was out here in California living without cable, or in some case, without a tv. I wasn't following the playoffs as closely as I wish. But this was a fun season to see so many young teams achieving: Bulls, Wizards, Warriors, Suns... The NBA has entered a new era led by names like LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire. Now you don't hear the media talking about seeking the next Jordan. The NBA finally got rid of the past. The future is now. (Sorry for using such cliche, but it's so true.)

6.24.05 photo: AP/Joe Cavaretta