San Antonio Spurs (1973-Present)

Historical Moments:
ABA Years:
1973/74: Initially as a trial run the Dallas Chaparrals were moved to San Antonio after they were purchased by a group of local businessmen. The agreement would state that team would move to Antonio for 3 years, if after that they had not drawn enough interest the team would be sold back to Dallas. The team's name was originally slated to be Gunslingers. However, before they even played a game the name was changed to Spurs. The Spurs would be coached by Tom Nissalke who left the team a year earlier for the NBA, but returned sighting leaving as a mistake. In the first game at the HemisFair Arena the Spurs would lose to the San Diego Conquistadors, despite attracting a noisy crowd of 6,000 fans. A smothering defense was the team's image as they held opponents less than 100 points an ABA record 49 times. The team would get stronger as the season went on as they twice took advantage of the Virginia Squires acquiring Swen Nater who would go on to win Rookie of the Year in November and The Iceman George Gervin in January. The ABA tried to halt Gervin deal citing it was detrimental to the league, but a judge would rule in the Spurs player, and Gervin made his Spurs debut on February 7th. The Spurs would go on to finish with a 45-39 record good for 3rd place in the Western Division. In the playoffs the Spurs would battle the Indiana Pacers to the bitter end before falling in 7 games. Following the season ownership decided to complete purchase and keeping the team in San Antonio permanently.

1974/75: Despite a respectable 17-10 start Coach Tom Nisslake is fired as owners become tired of the Spurs slow defensive style of games. He would be replaced by Bob Bass, who stated that the Spurs would have an entirely new playing style: "It is my belief that you cannot throw a set offense at another professional team for 48 minutes. You've got to let them play some schoolyard basketball." George Gervin and James Silas took that style to heart, as the Spurs became an exciting fast breaking team on the way to a solid 51-33 record, good enough for 2nd place in the West. However in the playoffs the Spurs would fall to the Indiana Pacers in 6 games.

1975/76: The Spurs continued their exciting style of play averring 8,000 fans per game while the rest of the ABA was just barely hanging on. The Spurs would go on to finish in 3rd place in the ABA with a solid 50-34 record. In the playoffs the Spurs would face the New York Nets. However in Game 1, James Silas would be lost to a broken ankle as the Spurs fell in 7 games. Following the season as the ABA was folding the Spurs were one of 4 teams selected to join the NBA along with the Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers.

NBA Years:
1976/77: The Spurs made their debut on October 22nd stunning the 76ers in Philadelphia 121-118. However, the Spurs would win just 1 of their next 7 games as they tried to adjust to life in the NBA. In November the Spurs would fin their stride winning 6 straight, by February the Spurs were 10 games over .500, with NBA's highest scoring team at 115 ppg. However, the Spurs also had the league's worst defense at 114-0.4 ppg as they struggled down the stretch to finish in 3rd place in the Central Division with a record of 44-38. In the playoffs the struggle would continue as they were swept in 2 straight by the Boston Celtics.

1977/78: George Gervin and David Thompson of the Denver Nuggets would battle all season for the NBA scoring title. On the finally day of the season Thompson would take the lead by scoring 73 points in an afternoon game against the Detroit Pistons. That night Gervin knew he needed 58 points against the Jazz in New Orleans. Gervin would get off to a good start by scoring 20 points in the 1st Quarter. In the 2nd The Iceman was even better setting a single period record with 33 points. Early on in the 3rd period Gervin would score his 58 points on the way to 63 capturing the scoring title. While Gervin was lighting up the scoreboard the Spurs were winning the Central Division with a 52-30 record. However, in the playoffs the Spurs would be stunned in 6 games by the Washington Bullets despite an outstanding series from Gervin who averaged 33.2 ppg.

1978/79: The Spurs opened the season with a franchise record 153 setting the tone for the rest of the season scoring a league high 119.3 ppg on the way to their 2nd straight Division Title with a record of 48-34, as George Gervin again took home the league scoring title. In the playoffs the Spurs would get their first taste of postseason success as they survived a 7-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in the Eastern Finals the Spurs would be shot down by the Washington Bullets in 7 games, losing the final 3 games after grabbing a 3-1 series lead by a combined 14 points.

1979/80: George Gervin wins his 3rd straight scoring title, but the Spurs struggle at the .500 mark all season with a poor defense that allows a league worse 119.7 ppg. The Spurs would go on to finish the season with a record of 41-41 barely sneaking into the playoffs. In the playoffs the Spurs would be knocked off in a 3-game series by the Houston Rockets.

1980/81: Under realignment the Spurs are shifted to the Midwestern Division in the Western Conference. To improve on last season performance the Spurs looked to shore up the defense by acquiring Dave Corzine, Dave Johnson, and Reggie Johnson. The moves paid immediate dividends as the Spurs jumped out to a 10-2 start, on the way to a Division Crown with a 52-30 record. However, in the playoffs the Spurs would be stunned in 7 games by the cross state Houston Rockets.

1981/82: Led by George Gervin who wins his 4th scoring title in 5 years with 32.3 ppg the Spurs win their 2nd straight division title with a record of 48-34. In the playoffs the Spurs atoned from their failures a season earlier by beating the Seattle Supersonics in 5 games. However in the Western Finals the Spurs would be swept in 4 straight by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1982/83: The Spurs looking to get stronger acquire former ABA star Artis Gilmore from the Chicago Bulls for Mark Olberding and Dave Corzine. The mover would pay off as the Spurs won their 3rd straight Midwestern Division with a solid 53-29 record. In the playoffs the Spurs faced the Denver Nuggets in the highest scoring playoff series in NBA history, winning in 5 games by incredible average score of 132.8-119.4. However in the Western Finals the Spurs would be beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers again this time falling in 6 games.

1983/84: With Coach Stan Albeck leaving to Coach the New Jersey Nets the Spurs suddenly fell apart under replacement Morris McHone getting off to a 6-12 start. McHone would not even last to the New Year as GM Bob Bass tried to step in salvage the season. However, with Johnny Moore and Artis Gilmore missing time due to injuries the Spurs would miss the playoffs with a disappointing 5th place record of 37-45.

1984/85: Under new Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons the Spurs showed flashes on the way to a 41-41 season that saw them land in 4th Place. In the playoffs the Spurs almost stunned the 1st Place Denver Nuggets before falling in the decisive 5th game by 27 points. Following the season the Ice Age would come to an end in San Antonio as George Gervin was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

1985/86: The Spurs would get off to a decent start playing with a 19-13 record through the first 2 months. However in late December Johnny Moore would be stricken with desert fever, ending his season and effectively ending his career. Without Moore the Spurs would struggle the rest of the way losing 10 of 16 game sin January and 13 of 16 in March to finish with a last place 35-47 record. Despite finishing in last place the Spurs had the 8th best record in the Western Conference, and mad eth e playoffs where they were swept in 3 straight by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1986/87: With Bob Weiss taking over the Coaching duties the Spurs fortunes would not improve as they finished in last place for the 2nd straight season with an awful 28-54 record, and this time there would be no playoff reprieve. Following the season the Spurs would earn the top pick in the lottery, instead of concentrating on the current team the Spurs made a commitment to the future by drafting Naval Academy Star David Robinson. However, since Robinson had a 2-year commitment to the Navy the Spurs would have to wait for his debut.

1987/88: The waiting for David Robinson began with Spurs continued struggle on the court as they finished with a 31-51 record. Once again the Spurs would sneak into the playoffs as the 8th seed, but once again the Spurs proved they didn't belong in the postseason as they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in 3 straight.

1988/89: The Spurs make a Change at the top as Red McCombs buys out his partners to take full ownership of the Spurs, while Larry Brown was brought into Coach. However, on the court the only thing Spurs fans had to look forward to was that David Robinson was now just one year away as the team struggled all season on the way to finishing in 5th place with a miserable 21-61 record.

1989/90: The anticipated debut of David Robinson finally occurs on November 4th at HemisFair Arena against the Lakers. Robinson would show no rust in his debut as the he scored 23 points in a 106-98 win. With Robinson winning Rookie of the Year the Spurs go from worst to first with an impressive 56-26 record that set a new franchise high for wins. In the playoffs the Spurs would make quick work of the Denver Nuggets sweeping them in 3 straight. However, in the 2nd Round the young Spurs would lose a heartbreaking 7-game series to the Portland Trailblazers. In the exciting series the Spurs would lose 2 games in double overtime, and Game 6 by a slim 3-point margin.

1990/91: Despite losing Rod Strickland and Terry Cummings for long stretched due to injuries the Spurs again win the Midwest Division with a solid 54-28 record. However, in the playoffs the Spurs would be stunned by the Golden State Warriors in 4 games.

1991/92: Through most of the first half the Spurs struggled with mediocrity holding a 21-17 record in late January when Coach Larry Brown suddenly steps down. Taking the reigns for the 4th time in 17 years would be GM Bob Bass. Under Bass the Spurs would play slightly stronger finished the season in 2nd Place with a 47-35 record. However, in the playoffs the Spurs would fall in the first round again as they are swept in 3 straight by the Phoenix Suns.

1992/93: In the final season at the HemisFair Arena the Spurs would bring in legendary College Coach Jerry Tarkanian to lead the team. However under Tark the Shark the Spurs never jelled, as he is replaced just 20 games into the season. With Jerry Lucas taking over as Coach the Spurs finally played up to their full potential finishing in 2nd place with a solid 49-33 record. In the playoffs the Spurs would shake off their past failures by beating the Portland Trailblazers in 4 games. In the 2nd Round the Spurs would find themselves a quick 2-0 hole to the Phoenix Suns. However, as the series returned to San Antonio they defended their crumbling home like the Alamo winning 2 straight to even the series. After losing Game 5 in Phoenix HemisFair Arena would finally fall as David Robinson missed a 20-footer as time expired.

1993/94: To alleviate some of the pressure of David Robinson the Spurs acquire rebounding king Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons. Playing in the spacious Alamodome the trade worked wonders as Rodman led the NBA with 17.6 rebounds per game, which helped David Robinson win the league's scoring title. However, the Spurs would fall 3 games short in their quest for the Division Title with a record of 55-27. However in the payoffs the often-enigmatic Rodman would become a distraction as he scuffled with Coach John Lucas as the Spurs fell to the Utah Jazz in 4 games. Following the season Coach Jerry Lucas would depart for a job as GM with Philadelphia 76ers, he would be replaced by Bob Hill as coach of the Spurs.

1994/95: With Dennis Rodman serving a suspension at the start of the season the Spurs stumbled out of the gate holding a record of 7-9. However the Spurs would soon go on a 15-game winning streak as they climbed the standings in the Midwest Division, winning 21 of their final 23 games on the way to a league best record of 62-20 that set a new franchise record in wins. Along the way David Robinson won his 2nd straight scoring title and his first MVP award. In the playoffs the Spurs would make quick work of the Denver Nuggets sweeping them in 3 straight. In the 2nd Round Rodman and Coach Bob Hill would begin to have friction as Rodman seemed to be self destructing again, as the Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 games. In the Western Finals Rodman had become a sideshow and the Spurs could no longer avoid the distraction as they fell to the Houston Rockets in 6 games. Following the season the Spurs would trade Rodman to the Chicago Bulls, no longer being able to handle the distractions that came along with the NBA's top rebounder.

1995/96: Without Dennis Rodman the Spurs had a solid team chemistry led by David Robinson and Sean Elliott on the way to their 2nd straight Division Title at 59-23. IN the playoffs the Spurs would easily beat the Phoenix Suns in 4 games. However in the 2ned Round the Spurs would again stumble in the postseason losing to the Utah Jazz in 6 games.

1996/97: Injuries would cripple the Spurs right from the start of the season, as David Robinson started the season on the injured list. Without Robinson the Spurs would lose 15 out of their first 18 games as Coach Bob Hill was fired and replaced by GM Greg Popovich. However, under Popovich things would not get better as David Robinson returned to play just 9 games before breaking his leg. In addition to Robinson, the Spurs lost Chuck Person for the entire season. While Chuck Person was limited to 17 games and Sean Elliot was limited to 39. In total 4 of the Spurs top 6 scorers form the previous season were lost for more then half the season. No team could overcome such a plague of injuries and the Spurs bottomed out finishing with a franchise worse 20-62 record. However the pain would turn to pleasure following the season as the Spurs earned the top pick in the draft lottery allowing them to select Wake Forrest star Tim Duncan.

1997/98: With the return of David Robinson and the addition of Tim Duncan the Spurs had one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in NBA history. Duncan would make his presence known immediately taking Rookie of the Year honors while leading all NBA players in double doubles with 57. A year after making the steepest decline in NBA history the Spurs made the biggest improvement finishing in 2nd Place with a solid 56-26 record. In the playoffs the Spurs would make easily knock off the Phoenix Suns in 4 games. In the 2nd Round the Spurs were matched up against the Utah Jazz. In the first 2 games in Utah Duncan was impressive, but the Spurs lost two heartbreakers. When the series returned to the Alamodome the Spurs won Game 3 despite Tim Duncan injuring his ankle. In the final 2 games Duncan played through pain but the Spurs chances were shot as they fell in 5 games.

1998/99: After a promising rookie season from Tim Duncan Spurs fans could hardly wait for the start of the next season. However, they would have to wait 3 and half months as half of the NBA season was wiped out by a lockout. However, when the season started the Spurs started slowly posting 6-8 record in February. However, come March the Spurs roared like a lion winning 31 of their final 36 games on the way to a league best record of 37-13. In the playoffs the Spurs would knock off the Minnesota Timberwolves in 4 games, winning 2 games on the road after dropping Game 2 at home. Moving on to the 2nd Round the Spurs Twin Towers of David Robinson and Tim Duncan outplayed Shaquille O'Neal as the Spurs swept the Los Angeles Lakers in 4 straight. After taking Game 1 in the West Finals the Spurs faced heading to Portland even at a game apiece as the trailed the Blazers by double digits all game. However in the 4th Quarter the Spurs would make a run and with 9 seconds left Sean Elliott tip toed down the sidelines staying barley inbounds to nail a dramatic game winning 3-pointer. From there the Spurs would go on to sweep the Trailblazers to become the first former ABA team to make a NBA Final. Unknown publicly Elliott was suffering through a rare kidney ailment at the time. In the Finals more then 39,000 fans witnessed the Spurs easily beat the New York Knicks in the first 2 games at the Alamodome. After losing Game 3 in New York the Spurs rebounded to take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead. Trailing late in Game 5, Avery Johnson nailed the Finals clinching shot with 47 seconds left as The Spurs beat the Knicks 78-77 to win their first ever NBA Championship. Tim Duncan would average 27.4 points and 14 rebounds would be named Finals MVP.

1999/00: Coming of their first NBA Championship the Spurs were still among the best teams in the West battling for first place in the Midwest Division all season. On March 14th the Spurs playoff spirits would get a lift when Sean Elliott who received a kidney transplant prior to the season returned and played in the last 19 games. However as the season wound down Tim Duncan would suffer a knee injury as the Spurs finished in 2nd place with a 53-29 record. Without Duncan in the playoffs the Spurs would be knocked off by the Phoenix Suns in 4 games.

2000/01: The Spurs continued to be among the NBA's elite recapturing the Midwest Division with a 58-24 record, while posting a league best 33-8 record at home. In the playoffs the Spurs would easily knock off the Minnesota Timberwolves in 4 games before beating the Dallas Mavericks in 5 to set up a much-anticipated West Final against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the match up would turn into a mismatch as the Spurs are overwhelmed by the Lakers in 4 straight. Following a season in which he played 52 games transplant recipient Sean Elliott would retire.

2001/02: With David Robinson showing signs of age, Tim Duncan needed to step it up in order for the Spurs to be successful, and step it up he did winning the NBA MVP while finishing in the top 5 in rebounding, blocks and points. In addition the Spurs got unexpected contribution from 19-year old Rookie Tony Parker, on the way to another Division title with a record of 58-24. In the playoffs the Spurs would need the full 5 games to survive a challenge by the settle Supersonics. However, in the 2nd Round the Spurs would be sunk by the Los Angeles Lakers again falling in 5 games. The season would mark the last for the Spurs at the Alamodome, who despite leading the league in attendance 2 ears in a row grew unhappy with its anticipated spacious feel wanting to return to the more traditional feel of an arena.

2002/03: After splitting their first 2 games on the road the Spurs christened the SBC Center in style on November 1st by beating the Toronto Raptors 91-72. The Spurs would not get off to a flying start as they had a 19-13 record heading into January, which had them 7 games out of first place in the Midwest Division. In January the Spurs began to gel and seemed prepped to make a run, when they were forced to embark on a 9-game road trip from January 25th to February 16th while the rodeo was in town. However, it would be hardly a bump in he road for the charging Spurs who won 8 of the 9 and began to climb their way to first place. The Spurs would go on to erase their 7-game deficit and finish the season in a flatfooted tie with the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the NBA. Thanks to a tiebreaker the Spurs would win their 3rd straight Division title as Tim Duncan claimed his second straight NBA MVP. In the playoffs the top seeded Spurs got off to a shaky start as they dropped Game 1 of the first round to the Phoenix Suns in overtime 96-95 on a stunning 3 pointer by Stephon Marbury at the buzzer. The Spurs would recover to win the next 2, but watched a big lead slip away in Game 4 as the Suns evened the series at 2. The Spurs would recover again and would win the next 2 games to set up a showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs would get the early jump on the 3-time defending champions by winning the first 2 games at the SBC Center. However, as the series shifted to LA the Lakers held court and even the series at 2 games apiece. Facing a must win at home in Game 5 the Spurs built a big lead, but watched in horror as the Lakers chipped away. With time winding down the Spurs once 30-point lead was down to 2 when Lakers clutch shooter Robert Horry was left wide open from 3-point range. However, the shot would rim out and the Spurs held on to a 96-94 win. In Game 6 in LA the Spurs would put an end to the Lakers Championship run with an impressive 110-82 win that left no doubt who the team to beat was now. In a Lone Star showdown in the Western Conference Finals the Spurs would get off to a shaky start as the Dallas Mavericks took Game 1 at the SBC Center 113-110 from the free throw line. The Spurs would quickly recover, and would take the next 3 games including both games in Dallas to establish a 3-1 series lead. However, with a chance to close things out in Game 5 at home the Spurs were outscored 29-10 in the 4th Quarter as the Mavs forced a 6th game back in Dallas with a 103-91 win. However, in Dallas for Game 6 the Spurs would have a reversal of fortunes on their way to the NBA Finals as the outscored the Mavericks 34-9, thanks to a 3-point outburst from Steve Kerr in the 4th Quarter to overcome a 69-56 deficit and advance to the NBA Finals with a 90-78 win. Facing the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals the Spurs got off to a strong start winning Game 1 at home easily 101-89. Game 2 would be a defensive struggle as the Spurs late rally would fall short in a Nets 87-85 win. The Spurs would quickly rebound by taking Game 3 in New Jersey 84-79. After losing another defensive struggle 77-76 in Game 4 the Spurs regained control of the series with a solid 93-83 win. With a chance to close things out at home in Game 6 the Spurs found themselves in another defensive struggle as they entered the 4th Quarter trailing 63-56. However the Spurs would start the 4th Quarter with a 19-0 run and would never look back as Tim Duncan nearly recorded a quadruple double with 21points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocked shots to lock up Finals MVP honors as the Spurs won their second NBA Championship with an 88-77 win. The Championship would serve as the perfect ending to David Robinson's career as he sailed off after a solid 13-year Hall of Fame career.

2003/04: Coming off their second NBA Championship the Spurs playing with 9 new players struggled early as they missed the presence of David Robinson while the new players struggled to fit in, as they held a 9-10 record on December 3rd. However the Spurs would turn it around as they ended December on 13-game winning streak, as the Spurs quickly climbed back to the top of the NBA's elite. The Spurs would battle all year for the top spot in the Western Conference, as they ended the season on another strong note winning their final 11 games. However they would fall 1 game short of a division title and the best record in the West as they posted a record of 57-25. In the playoffs the Spurs remained hot as they swept the Memphis Grizzlies in 4 straight games. In the second round the Spurs found themselves in another showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs winning streak would continue as they captured the first two games at home brining their winning streak from the end of the regular season up to 17 games. However as the series shifted to Los Angeles the Spurs would suddenly have trouble finding the basket as they lost both games as the Lakers evened the series. The series which was playing out as an exact duplicate of their match up a year earlier took a dramatics turn in Game 5 as the SBC Center as Tim Duncan seemingly delivered the Spurs a 73-72 win as he gave the Spurs a lead with a dramatic shot over Kobe Bryant with just 0.4 seconds remaining. However, the Lakers Derek Fisher would launch a prayer as time expired which would go in giving the Lakers a stunning 74-73 win to take a 3-2 series lead, as the Lakers went on to win the series in 6 games.

2004/05: After their disappointing second round collapse the Spurs looked to regain the NBA crow, and would get off to a quick start posting a 12-3 record in November. The Spurs would stay hot through December as they established a 25-6 record entering the New Year. The Spurs would, be near the top in the Western Conference all season battling the Phoenix Suns for the best record in the NBA. Just as it appeared the Spurs would cruise toward the playoffs their season suddenly hit a bump in the road when Tim Duncan went down in a March 20th loss to the Detroit Pistons with a sprained ankle. The rest of the way the Spurs would limp home winning 9 of their last 17 as they held on to the Southwest Division by just 1 game with a 59-23 record. However, by the time the playoffs rolled around Duncan was ready to return. The Spurs playoff run would get off to a rocky start as they dropped Game 1 to the Denver Nuggets 93-87. The Spurs would quickly turn things around as they would road back to win the next 4 games to win the series in 5, while Duncan got stronger as the series went on scoring 39 points in a key overtime win in Game 4. In the 2nd round against the Seattle Supersonics the Spurs would get off to a fast start winning the first 2 games at home by double digits. With a shot to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, Tim Duncan missed a final shot at the buzzer as the Sonics held on for a 92-91 win. The Sonics would also win Game 4 to send the series back to San Antonio tied at 2 games apiece. In Game 5 faced with seeing another meltdown the Spurs looked toward Manu Ginobili who took over with a game high 39 points in leading the Spurs to a solid 103-90 win. The Spurs would go on to capture the series in 6 games win a 98-96 win in Seattle to close it out. In the Western Conference Finals the Spurs would face the Phoenix Suns, and take control early, winning the first 2 games on the road. They would stay hot as the series came home winning Game 3 to take a 3-0 series lead. However, with a chance to close things out at home the Spurs saw the Suns hang on for a 111-106 win in Game 4. Back in Phoenix for Game 5 Tim Duncan would take over leading the Spurs in points with 31 and 15 rebounds as the Spurs won the West with a 101-95 win. In the NBA Finals the Spurs would face the defending Champion Detroit Pistons. The first 2 games in San Antonio were all Spurs as Manu Ginobili led the way with 26 and 27 points, in blow out wins by the Spurs. However, as the series shifted to Detroit the Spurs were the ones who were blowout losing Games 3 and 4 big margins as the Pistons evened the series. Faced with a 3rd straight loss in Detroit the Spurs would play much tougher in Game 5 which would become a classic as they game went into overtime. After scoring 0 points in the first half Robert Horry was the hot hand in the second half and that would continue into overtime as he nailed a clutch 3-point shot with 5 second reaming to give the Spurs a dramatic 96-95 win. However with a chance to close things out back at home in Game 6 the Spurs would lose 95-86 setting up the first NBA Finals Game 7 in 11 years. With the whole world watching Game 7 in San Antonio the game was a white-knuckler as the game went back and forth and was tied 57-57 after 3 Quarters. In the 4th Quarter it would be Tim Duncan time as he had his best game of the series with 25 points as the Spurs pulled away late to win their 3rd NBA Title in 7 years with an 81-74 win in Game 7 as Duncan was once again named Finals MVP.

2005/06: Coming off their third NBA Championship in six years there was a sense that the Spurs were the class of the NBA, and once again would be the team to beat in the NBA for the Championship. Not surprisingly the Spurs would come flying out of the gate winning 16 of their first 19 games. Once again the Spurs would get challenged within their own division by the Dallas Mavericks as they held the two best records in the Western Conference all season, battling for first place. In the end the experience of the Spurs would be the difference as the won the Southwest Division Again with a new franchise best record of 63-19. In the playoffs the Spurs would get a surprisingly tough test from the Sacramento Kings in the first round as they need an overtime win in Game 2 to win the first two games at home, before losing the next two on the road. After regaining control of the series with a 109-98 win in Game 5 the Spurs won the series in six games as the won the finale 105-83 to set up another second round Lone Star Showdown with the Mavericks. Game 1 would set the tone of the series as it was tight all the way with Tim Duncan scoring a game high 31 points in an 87-85 win. However, in Game 2 the Spurs were rocked at home losing by 22 points. As the series shifted to Dallas, the Mavericks gained control winning two close nail bitters to take a 3-1 series lead. However, the Spurs would not go down without a fight as they rebounded to win a physical war in Game 5 by a score of 98-97, as former Maverick Michael Finley got hit with a low blow from Jason Terry in the final seconds. Terry who had killed the Spurs all series would be suspended for Game 6 and the Spurs took full advantage winning on the road 91-86 to force a 7th game home at the AT&T Center. In Game 7 Tim Duncan would lead the way for the Spurs with 41 points and 15 rebounds. However, he was matched by Dirk Nowitzki as the game went into overtime as the Spurs erased an early 20-point deficit. However, in overtime it was not meant to be as the Mavericks were on fire scoring 15 points to win the game 119-111.

2006/07: After their disappointing defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs entered the season refreshed with renewed determination, as they felt fatigue played a large role as they failed to win a second straight NBA Title. The Spurs would get off to a strong start, but quickly found themselves in second place as the Mavericks went on an incredible winning streak. The Spurs would not catch the Mavs who would win the Midwest Division by nine games. However, with the NBA's top ranked defense and a 58-24 record the Spurs entered the postseason in good shape. Focusing on the playoffs the Spurs rested their players in the final week and lost their final three games. When the bell rang for the second season they were unable to answer it as they came out flat in a 95-87 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their first round series. However, led by a strong 22-point performance from Tim Duncan in Game 2 the Spurs were able to even the series with a 97-88 win. Duncan continued to play strong as the series shifted to Denver with a double-double in both games three and four as the Spurs won both to take a 3-1 series edge. In Game 5 the Spurs championship experience proved key, as they put the Nuggets away with a 93-78 win. While the Spurs were bouncing the Nuggets in five games the Mavericks who had a NBA best 67-15 record in the regular were unraveling losing the Golden State Warriors in six games. The Mavericks upset loss, set the Spurs second round series against the Phoenix Suns as the key series in the entire NBA Playoffs, as some even called in the "real NBA Finals". Game 1 would demonstrate just what a war the series would be as the Spurs and Suns battled in a tight game, with neither side giving in. In the final seconds the Spurs had a slim lead when Steve Nash going for a steal from Tony Parker, suffered a deep gash on his nose. Unable to stop the bleeding the Suns best player watched helplessly on from the bench as the Spurs took Game 1 on the road 111-106. After the Suns won Game 2 the series shifted to San Antonio where Spurs out-physicaled the Suns 108-101, as the intensity continued to heat up. The intensity would boil over in Game 4 as the Suns outscored the Spurs 32-18 in the 4th Quarter to even the series with a 104-98 win. However, the series turned in favor of the Spurs in the closing minutes as Robert Horry slammed Steve Nash into the scorer's table. The rough foul would warn Horry a tow game suspension, but occurring close to the Suns bench, two key players for Phoenix Amare Stoudamire and Boris Diaw left the bench area to check on their teammate who was still scuffling with Horry. Although they never got involved with the fight both were suspended for Game 5, as the series shifted back to Phoenix toed at two games apiece. The Suns despite missing two key players would get off to a fast start with a 24-13 lead after the first period. However, the lack of depth would catch up with them as the Spurs wore them down through out the game out scoring the Suns 55-31 in the second half as they took a 3-2 series lead with an 88-85 win. In Game 6 the Spurs once again shoed the ability to use the knock out punch as Tim Duncan barely missed a triple-double with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocked shots, while Manu Ginobilli led the way with 33 points in a 114-106 win to secure a trip to the Western Conference Finals. Those who said the second round series against the Suns, was the true NBA Finals would be proven right, as the Spurs easily dispatched the Utah Jazz in five games to reach the NBA Finals. The NBA Finals would be even easier as the Cleveland Cavaliers were woefully overmatched by the deeper Spurs. After winning the first two games easily in San Antonio the Spurs had to battle the crowd in Cleveland fired up for their first taste of the NBA's biggest stage. However, the crowd was soon silenced as the Spurs defense put the clamps on the Cavs, while the Spurs struggled to score themselves resulting in the second lowest scoring game in Finals history. However, at the end it was Spurs again as they took a 3-0 series lead with a 75-72 win that seemed to put more fans asleep, and turn the discussion of the NBA Finals from the sports page to the Tabloid section, as more fans seemed interested in the upcoming marriage of Tony Parker and Eva Longoria then the mismatched NBA Finals. Game 4 would be more of the same as the Spurs dominated again taking a double digit lead in the 3rd Quarter. The Cavs would battle back in the 4th Quarter, but the Spurs lead was never erased as the Spurs held on to an 83-82 win to complete the four game sweep and win their fourth NBA Championship. The tabloid junkies would get an extra special treat as Tony Parker was named Finals MVP, who had a series best 24.5 ppg while shooting 56.8% from the field.