Ever since the NBA Finals changed to a 2-3-2 format in 1985, there have only been three teams-the 1988 and 2010 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 1994 Houston Rockets-to have managed to come back down from a 3-2 hole to win the final two games on their home floor to take the title.
The San Antonio Spurs will do everything they can in Game 6 to prevent the Miami Heat from becoming the fourth team in league history to make such a rally.
"I think every one of us wants this very badly, from the top on down," said 37-year-old forward Tim Duncan, a three-time Finals MVP and the only player on the roster on hand for all four Spurs championships. "We're trying to play that way."
With a fifth title, Duncan would pass Shaquille O'Neal-the only name worth to be thrown into the discussion for "Best Big Man of His Generation"-and equal Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, to only further the discussion on who the "Best of the Generation" really is.
"It will be something great to look back on when I'm done," Duncan said. "But in the heat of things, that's just not anything I ever look up or think about."
As for Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich, a fifth title would cement his visage on the Mount Rushmore of great NBA coaches, alongside Red Auerbach, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. Only Jackson (11) and Auerbach (nine) would own more titles.
However, the Miami Heat have every reason to remain cautiously optimistic. The Heat are 6-0 following a Playoff defeat and have beaten opponents by an average of 20.7 points, including 19 and 16-point victories against the Spurs.
Also, no home team has ever lost a Game 7 since the NBA has changed to this current format.
NBA Finals Schdedule:
6/18/ Game 6, 9 p.m. on ABC
6/20 Game 7 (if necessary), 9 p.m. ABC
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