Here we groan again. Spurs. Heat. Vomit.
Let’s admit it, The NBA Finals not only will match the two best teams in basketball, but also the two most hated teams in the Fort Worth-Dallas Metroplex.
The Spurs, of course, have long been Dallas’ biggest rival and largest obstacle out of the Western Conference. As if the decade-long nuisance of Tim Duncan-Manu Ginobli-Tony Parker hadn’t long ago grown stale with their smugness and championships, San Antonio up and knocked the Mavs out of this year’s playoffs in a first round that feels like it was played six months ago.
And then there’s the Heat, the most reviled team in all of sports. The Mavs won their only championship in Miami in 2011, but the Heat beat them in 2006 and we’ll never forget – much less forgive – Dwyane Wade and LeBron James mocking Dirk Nowitzki’s cough three summers ago.
So there is no good, logical choice. Only better bad options.
Though we wish The Finals could somehow end in a 3-3 tie, there will be a venomous champion crowned in two weeks. I’m tired of the Heat and cringe at the thought of their Three-Peat. But I’ve been weary of the Spurs for a decade because, you know, the "Texas pride" aspect long ago expired its shelf life.
Because I grudgingly admire and respect the Spurs more than the Heat - give me team basketball over individual athleticism - give me San Antonio.
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In other words, I choose to be stabbed over being shot.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
