Who knew when Mark Jackson opines his “Mama, there goes that man” signature phrase into what seems like the double-digits of each game he would come to be referring to … Boris Diaw?
Stranger things occurred, but no greater overall performance was turned in than that of journeyman Frenchman in the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 dismantling of LeBron James and the two-time defending champion Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Certainly, Diaw was all-world against Miami in Game 5, orchestrating his customary but pivotal all everything five points, 10 rebounds, two assists performance in the Spurs 104-87 title-clinching victory at the At&T Center.
All season long San Antonio had preached atonement, completely focusing themselves on earning the title they felt they squandered the year before when the Heat rallied from a late sixth-game deficit that propelled them to the tittle.
In name Kawhi Leonard was tabbed finals MVP, but in spirit there’s little question the 32-year-old, 11-year veteran who has played for four different teams played just as a critical overall role as anyone.
When the Heat decided to go small Diaw was there. And when Miami wanted to go big, well … Diaw was there too. The point is the man that no NBA team seemed to want just two-years ago when he was unceremoniously dumped by none other than the then cellar-dwelling Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets was everywhere when it mattered most for the newly minted NBA champs.
LeBron James’ 31 points, 10 rebound one-man performance was a mere sideshow to the way Diaw guided the Spurs offense, leading Leonard to his shining moment and Tim Duncan and Tony Parker to nabbing their fifth NBA title.
But for all Duncan and Parker’s Hall of Fame bound majesty, San Antonio wouldn’t be standing where they are now without the wizardry of Diaw.
So spellbinding was his performance he now has Pat Riley and the Heat wondering what they have do next to counter it. Indeed, there are an array of issues yet to be faced in South Beach, where James, Wade and Chris Bosh can all become free-agents on a team that already lacks depth in spades.
“I haven’t gotten to that point yet,” James told ESPN when asked what his thoughts are about all the decisions he and his team now face. “You’re trying to find answers but I’m not going to give you one.”
Well, at least he has the time now to ponder all the possibilities, Boris Diaw and the San Antonio Spurs easily made sure of that.
