Typically the outcomes are as anticipated. Going into our Spurs 1-on-1 match sequence, I puzzled if we’d see any loopy upsets within the fan voting. You could possibly argue Manu Ginobili overcoming prime Kawhi Leonard was the largest upset of the match. I had hoped for an surprising championship matchup, however we in the end obtained was a battle between the 2 greatest gamers in Spurs franchise historical past – David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
Listed here are the official outcomes of the Closing 4, which led to our championship matchup:
Here’s a reminder of the principles earlier than we get into the matchups:
Vote within the ballot beneath to crown the winner of the match.
Tim Duncan (1) vs. David Robinson (2)
Marilyn: I believe all of us knew it will come right down to this: the Spurs two biggest gamers of all time, who each occur to be totally different however dominant large males who might maintain their very own on each ends of the court docket. Whereas Timmy is a extra methodical participant, Robinson was an athletic freak of nature at his peak. Whereas I consider Duncan’s success and longevity makes him the next rating gamers in NBA historical past, I in the end should go together with the Admiral to beat him in a one-on-one match-up. Will probably be a good one between two defensive juggernauts who each have sturdy publish video games however are restricted past mid-range, and due to that, the one actual benefit goes to Robinson’s superior energy and athleticism, and that’s simply the sting he must win all of it.
Jacob: That is an extremely troublesome matchup to determine. Each gamers have an impeccable monitor document. MVP seasons, all-defensive groups, championships. At their peak, each gamers had been unstoppable publish presences and lock down rim protectors. This matchup is fundamentals vs. sheer athletic pressure. This shall be a battle on the block that might go on and on, with each gamers getting cease after cease. I consider Duncan is a top-10 NBA participant of all-time. Nevertheless, I like Robinson on this explicit matchup. In a marathon sort 1-on-1 sport, I consider in Robinson’s bodily benefit to provide him the slight edge, even when Duncan is the higher all-around participant.
Jesus: The match appeared predestined to come back right down to the 2 greatest gamers in franchise historical past. Even with that information and loads of time to consider the matchup, it has been exhausting to determine who would come out on prime. Robinson looks like the extra dominant participant by way of bodily instruments and scoring means, however by way of mindset, Duncan has an edge. The Admiral wasn’t tender, and his struggles towards a number of the elite large males that performed throughout his period have extra to do with these guys being absolute beasts than anything. Nonetheless, Duncan proved unflappable throughout his profession and was all the time prepared to up his sport and his depth in essential moments. It might be extraordinarily shut, however I can see Huge Enjoyable merely discovering a approach to win, like he did all through his profession.
J.R.: As I think about the matchup of the (first) two franchise large males to function the muse of the Spurs, there’s a single anecdote that involves thoughts. It’s from 1997 in Kerrville, Texas on the campus of Schreiner College the place San Antonio was holding its coaching camp, at nearly this time of 12 months. David Robinson has stated about rookie Tim, “I used to be among the finest defenders round and I couldn’t actually cease him. That was a bit unsettling to me.” Certain, that was the 32-year-old model of David, not prime Robinson to make sure. But in addition, that was Tim as a rookie.
