On Thursday, June 14, 2007 the San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a 4-0 series victory over Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tim Duncan and the Spurs are on their way to becoming an NBA dynasty as they take their 4th NBA title in 9 seasons. The Spurs clenched the win by one point at 83-83 and sent the young Cleveland Cavaliers team back home to learn from this playoff experience. Tony Parker from the San Antonio Spurs became the first European player to win the NBA Finals MVP trophy which surprised many fans who were expecting Tim Duncan to take that trophy home. The Spurs quick victory wasn’t exactly a shocker since most people expected them to win in 5 or 6 games. Lebron James, only 22 years old, attempted to lead his team of less-than-all stars but couldn’t quite match up against the extremely deep and experienced San Antonio Spurs.
NBA Finals 2007: Who Saw It?
NBA Official Joey Crawford Treated Unfairly?
On April 15, 2007 in a West coast showcase game featuring the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs, superstar Tim Duncan received two quick technical fouls that resulted in his ejection from the game. The first technical foul which came in the end of the 3rd quarter was called for arguing about an offensive foul call. Crawford then awarded Tim Duncan his second technical a minute and sixteen seconds later for merely laughing at one of Crawford’s calls from the San Antonio bench. Tim Duncan also stated after the game that the 55 year old official also challenged him to a fight. Joey Crawford is known around the league as an official with a short fuse but many people believe that this time he went too far. Crawford was cited for improper conduct and warned about his inappropriate comments made to Tim Duncan during the Spurs-Mavericks game. Following the match up, NBA commissioner David Stern suspended Joey Crawford indefinitely stating that he “failed to meet the standard of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees.” Crawford has since been suspended for the remainder of the NBA season and playoffs. The veteran basketball official has also stated that his return to NBA officiating next season is yet to be determined. Tim Duncan was fined $25,000 for verbal abuse of an official.
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