THE REMATCH

Mental strength is one of the key contributing factors to any athlete's or team's success. After crumbling in the waning moments of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs lost their opportunity at a 5th title in the Duncan era. Most teams would crumble. The veteran Spurs appeared to miss their opportunity, coming so close, yet falling just short. Nevertheless, the NBA Finals are almost upon us, and the same two teams are matched up once again. The reason? Mental strength.

The mental fortitude the San Antonio Spurs have displayed, in yet again reaching the NBA Finals, is unprecedented. Much of the credit can be attributed to Gregg Popovich, whose system, reliant on constant penetration and ball movement, allows the Spurs to continue to succeed. The 38 year old Tim Duncan, 32 year old Tony Parker, and 36 year old Manu Ginobili proved, by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder, that experience and teamwork can defeat talent and athleticism. Now the Spurs get the rematch they have been dreaming of for the past year.

Both teams arrive in the Finals with very similar rosters as appeared in last year's Finals. As such, the difference in this year's Finals will simply be how well each team plays. While Tony Parker sat much of Game 6 against the Thunder, expect him back healthy for Game 1. The Spurs, despite playing without their floor general, had no problem finishing off the Thunder in Game 6. Many believed this would be the year the Spurs finally fell to father time. But, I believe the team that has lost a step is, in fact, the Miami Heat. 

The Spurs, after winning a league leading 62 games this season, dispatched of their Western Conference foes with a relentless offensive attack, matching their strengths with opponents weaknesses. This was evident when Matt Bonner started Games 5 and 6 against the Thunder to drag Serge Ibaka away from the rim.

The Heat have had an extremely easy path to the NBA Finals. While they have dispatched of their opponents relatively easily thus far, the team appears to have lost a step. Beyond questions of Dwyane Wade's health, the Heat are too reliant on Chris Bosh's three point shot. LeBron James has looked unstoppable. And he is. But he refuses to be the black hole he will need to be to propel the Heat to their third straight NBA Championship. The Spurs have the rare advantage of allowing defensive stopper Kawhi Leonard to play James 1 on 1 and actually expect defensive stops.

The Spurs are playing their best basketball in recent memory, and revenge is in the cards. This year, the Spurs will capitalize where they failed to last year. The Spurs, who are the better team, will win this series in 6 games.