Created Thursday, 31 May 2007 20:12

Spurs Hammer Jazz Advance to NBA Finals

Written by Randy Watson

Game 5 was close for about half of the first quarter.  Then Tony Parker ignited an explosion of scoring that gave the Spurs a 23-point lead in the first half.  Utah\'s young team never recovered, and the game was never again in doubt. 

San Antonio had a five point lead when Tony Parker started slashing and driving to the basket, and over the next 2:13, San Antonio\'s dynamic point guard scored 7 points and assisted Tim Duncan on a slam that ignited the fans, and signaled the end of Utah\'s post-season run.  Parker and Duncan both finished the game with 21 points each. Fabrico Oberto had another productive game, scoring 7 points and leading the team with 10 rebounds.  The Spurs\' bench players saw significant playing time, allowing the veteran starters to start their long rest before beginning the finals.  Jaques Vaughn had 8 points and 6 assists off the bench, and Brent Barry and Francisco Elson both scored 9.

The Jazz never managed to get anything going.  Carlos Boozer, who had been terrific in the playoffs, managed only 9 points and 12 rebounds.  Star point guard, Deron Williams, scored 11 points. 

Now the Spurs should have about a week to rest up and plan their strategy against the winner of the Eastern Conference Championship.  That series featuring Cleveland and Detroit is tied at 2-2.  Should Detroit win, the Finals match-up will be between the two most veteran teams in the NBA.  Should the Cavaliers win, San Antonio will have to face the upstarts of the playoffs, and the newest budding superstar, Lebron James.