Spurs Get Title, but It’s All About the Lakers

Now that the San Antonio Spurs have won their second NBA title, there are two questions I’d like to ask the Lakers.

First, I’d like to ask Phil Jackson if he thinks this championship should also have an asterisk.

Second, I’d like to ask Shaq how it feels to be the second-most dominant player in the NBA behind Tim Duncan.

Michael Lipofsky

Simi Valley

*

I’m glad to hear all the accolades that Tim Duncan is receiving for his play this season. I’m glad to hear all the talk that Tim Duncan is the best player in basketball.

I’m glad to hear all this Tim Duncan talk, because the last time I heard all this Tim Duncan talk, Shaq came out the next season and posted probably his most dominating season, which ended with a championship and one vote short of a unanimous MVP. With each Tim Duncan compliment, Shaq is getting madder, angrier and nastier.

So, if you go see “The Hulk” this weekend, just picture the big green monster who’s throwing cars around and smashing buildings in a gold Laker jersey with the number 34 on it.

Alvin M. Okamura

Encino

*

Only an L.A. paper would make Phil Jackson’s 1999 asterisk remark the story line for the Spurs’ 2003 championship, as if that tired angle meant anything. Let’s not forget, San Antonio flattened Shaq, Kobe and the Lakers on the way to their “tainted” 1999 title.

Hometown journalism aside, here’s the real story of the 2003 Spurs: a rare group of players who support one another, listen to their coaches, respect the officials, don’t whine about minutes, rely on skill rather than intimidation, and are heroes in their communities who rise above expectations to win the NBA’s regular-season [conference] and playoff titles. Refreshing and inspiring!

John Kamp

Thousand Oaks

*

Recently, I read a quote describing the San Antonio Spurs as the most “beatable potential champions in years.” They should be known as the ultimate Game 6 closers:

* Used a decisive 12-2 run in the fourth quarter against Phoenix. Spurs won the series, 4-2.

* Scored 44 of the final 62 points against the exalted Lakers at Staples Center. Spurs won the series, 4-2.

* Closed with a 32-7 tear against the Mavericks. Spurs won the series, 4-2.

* Rattled off 19 consecutive points to blow open Game 6 against the Nets. Spurs won the series and NBA championship, 4-2.

These guys looked like unbeatable champions to me.

Ed Balazs

Manhattan Beach

*

OK, I can see how an L.A. fan would express sour grapes to a friend over a beer about the Spurs’ victory. What is ridiculous, however, is when a reporter for a major newspaper publishes an article expressing those sentiments.

Mark Heisler’s June 16 article concerning the Spurs’ championship did not constitute journalism. Instead, it was an opportunity for Mr. Heisler to stomp his foot on the ground like a petulant little kid who is still mad about losing weeks before. Even his colleagues at the New York Times, the home newspaper of the Nets, gave the Spurs, and the retiring David Robinson, the respect they deserve.

The fact of the matter is that the Lakers lost to a better team; that team went on to win the championship. It’s time for Mr. Heisler to grow up and realize it.

Laura Godfrey

Venice

*

It has always been my opinion that the only thing more boring than watching golf on television was actually playing golf. That, however, was before I tuned in to this year’s NBA Finals.

Tony Medley

Marina del Rey

*

If the Nets and Spurs play in a forest, does it technically make a Nielsen sound across America?

Mark J. Featherstone

Windsor Hills