Open Thread: The opportunity for the 3-2 comeback

Open Thread: The opportunity for the 3-2 comeback

(Original Caption) Boston Celtics player-coach Bill Russell and guard Emmette Bryant (7) head for the showers after the Celtics defeated the los Angeles Lakers 108-106 to capture their eleventh National Basketball Association Championship.

In the NBA, overcoming a 3-2 deficit is notoriously difficult. But it has been done.

In 1969, the Boston Celtics trailed the Los Angeles Lakers. After dropping the first two games, the Celtics tied the series before falling in a 3-2 hole.

The Celtics won the final two games, giving Bill Russell his swan song. Russell started is career with the Celtics in 1956 before retiring after the 1969 Finals. From 1966-1969 he served as player-coach. Over 13 seasons, Russell and the Celtics won 11 titles.

The 1969 Finals was also the first year to offer a Finals MVP. The winner was Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the only time that the MVP award was given to a player on the losing team.

The 3-2 comeback has happened a couple of others, though it is not common. Two games can be daunting.

The Spurs return home for Game 6. And that should be the only thing on their mind. They need a full team effort to force a Game 7. They have a plan which requires flawless execution.

The good news they know what needs to be done, and they have the skills to accomplish it.

Go Spurs Go!


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