Chapter 405: A Little Boy from Kent
The Western Conference Finals against the Lakers gave the Supersonics a significant psychological advantage.
They had swept their opponent during the regular season.
Although only one of those victories occurred after the Lakers had strengthened their lineup, it was enough to bolster confidence.
"Over the past few years, my record against them has not been pretty," Phil Jackson said before the game with the Supersonics began, "I think, this time we can properly compete like we didn't in the last game."
Jermaine O'Neal also made a statement: "We likewise defeated the Spurs, but I wouldn't say that I blew Tim Duncan away like someone else would."
To be fair, Duncan was the only one on the Spurs who could say he was innocent in the loss of the semifinal.
He averaged 24 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks per game, statistics that could be discussed alongside those of the ancient greats.