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The San Antonio Spurs have learnt a lot since 1995.
After the Spurs finished with the best record in the NBA 62-20 in the 94-95 season. A Spurs fan at the Alamodome, called out to Sean Elliott; "Can you say championship", Elliott responded to the fan with excitement.
But that excitement didn't last long.
The Spurs were picked to win the championship. Unfortunately they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Houston Rockets 4-2. The loss gave the Spurs a reality check, and after watching the Houston Rockets sweep the Orlando Magic 4-0 in the NBA Finals, it left the Spurs thinking about what could have been.
The 1999 NBA season saw the Spurs sign NBA championship guard Mario Elie. Ironically Mario Elie was playing for the Houston Rockets in previous seasons, and it was his toughness that helped the Spurs overcome the Rockets in 1999. Finally the Spurs have toughness at shooting guard, instead of Vinny Del Negro, who is a season star and a playoff softie.
The Spurs can't be called "Soft" any more. They have now got guys who can perform under pressure, and since that infamous 1995 Playoff campaign, they have added 8 NBA Championship rings experience via Elie, Steve Kerr and Will Perdue and a 2 time NBA final player Jerome Kersey. The Spurs finally have 3 stars on the team that are dedicated to the franchise in Robinson, Elliott and a young gun in Tim Duncan, who is not afraid of anyone.
Add Malik Rose for toughness and work ethic. Antonio Daniels and Jaren Jackson off the bench, and the Spurs have the talent to go all the way.
Let see if the Spurs can perform under pressure, and make 1995 a distant memory. The Spurs have learnt a lot. Lets just hope the lessons have paid off.
Will the Spurs be smiling come Finals time? Step on the Soapbox and have your say.
