Project Spurs kicks off its 2013 Spurs Playoff preview as the Spurs face the Lakers in the first round. We start off with Jose Grijalva's top-5 moments in the Spurs-Lakers rivalry.
With the playoffs approaching and the Los Angeles Lakers waiting to play the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center for Game 1, we'll take a look at some of the top-5 moments during the Spurs-Lakers rivalry that's heated up throughout the years.
#5: Bowen makes 7-three pointers for Spurs' playoff record.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6GwjNWJHYg0?list=PLdZstxgGweEJjXUoHGa5PyhDOQxdP_VFD
During Game 2 of the 2003 Semifinals against the Lakers, Bruce Bowen got plenty of open looks from the Los Angeles defense. With Phil Jackson more concerned with Tim Duncan inside, the San Antonio shooters got plenty of shot opportunities with the Lakers scrambling in the paint and Bowen was no exception. Bowen was known for his corner 3-point shot, but he made them from where the Lakers left him open this game, even at the top of the key. Bowen's 7-three point made Spurs playoff history that night. Bruce's performance can be seen at the 2:00 mark.
#4: Duncan's incredible shot over Shaquille O'Neal!
The defending champs San Antonio Spurs were locked up 2-2 in the 2004 West Semis against the Lakers nd the Spurs were looking to put a nail in the coffin of the Lakers' playoff hopes by going up 3-2 in San Antonio. Tim Duncan was going to try to shoulder the burden and made a very difficult shot over Shaq, leaving .4 seconds on the clock. That shot is one many Spurs fans remember as one of the top moments of his career. The shot starts at the 34 second mark on the video below at the No. 3 spot.
#3: .4
Spurs fans thought Duncan sealed the win with the shot over O'Neal, but the Lakers had different plans. With a quick inbound pass from Gary Payton to Derek Fisher for a quick catch-and-shoot, the Lakers sent the Spurs home that night demoralized. The Lakers would win the game, go up 3-2 in the series and end the West Semis in 6 games. You can see Fisher's miraculous shot at the 1:39 mark on the video below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ww_2yzDiG6g?rel=0
#2: Which team was the last to win at the old Forum? Mario Elie knows.
The Great Western Forum was the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and 1999 was their final season in that arena before moving to the Staples Center. The Spurs were the last opponents the Lakers saw in the Forum and it wasn't the most pleasant experience either. The final game not only ended in embarrassing fashion for Los Angeles in a 118-107 loss, but it completed a sweep by the Spurs during quest for their first NBA championship. Not to mention former Spur Mario Elie exclaiming how The Forum was shut down at the hands of the Spurs. The Spurs would go on to win their first NBA title beating the Knicks.
#1: Let the tears flow!
On May 15, 2003, the most satisfying event took place for San Antonio Spurs fans. During the Spurs' 110-82 win and elimination of the Los Angeles Lakers, silver and black faithful saw a sight that's still gold to their eyes today. They saw their hated rivals shed tears after being dethroned during their dominant 3-peat run as NBA champions. The 2003 season was filled with many memories with the top memory being David Robinson walking into the sunset a champion, but this one has secured its place as second that season and one in the rivalry between the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ck9nyiwaTIg?rel=0
Did we miss anything Spurs fans? What about Manu's dunk over two Lakers? Should that have made the top-5 list? Leave us your favorite moment from the Spurs-Lakers rivalry.