The most satisfying series finales in NBA history

No. 2: 2014 San Antonio Spurs

When this series was being played, I had at that point been watching basketball for a little over 20 years. Thinking back on it now, I remain convinced that I could watch for another 20 years, or 200 years or 2000 years and never see the sport being played at a higher level than during the last few games of those Finals.

Despite all the narratives surrounding the series, it was ultimately the basketball itself that will forever leave people remembering the 2014 Spurs as a special team and a special story.

When it really started to click, sometime around Game 3, everyone watching realized what they were seeing at the same time. It was a collective sense of “Oh my God, they’ve figured it out,” and we all understood we were witnessing the sport of basketball being played in its most perfect form as it was happening. Even though common sense dictated that if anyone could do it, it would be this franchise with this coach and this collection of players, but for some reason, it came as somewhat of a surprise, which made it all the more amazing.

And then there were the narratives. Avenging the Ray Allen shot, and subsequent Game 7 heartbreak. Timmy’s swan song. The last ride for the three amigos. Kawhi becoming a superstar before our eyes. Boris Diaw being his best self. It had it all.

Almost enough to be first here.