-June 5, 2014
The atmosphere in Amway Center was great. The NBA Finals had finally arrived. The city of Orlando was behind us, and I could feel the energy from the moment I stepped onto the court.
The San Antonio Spurs were a dynasty in motion. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and the rising star Kawhi Leonard—they had experience, chemistry, and a legendary coach in Gregg Popovich. But we weren't here to just admire them.
We were here to take what belongs to us.
-Game 1
Hitting my first few shots inside and controlling the glass. The Spurs ran their signature ball movement, but our defense was locked in. We forced turnovers, got out in transition, and capitalized on every mistake.
Late in the fourth, up by six, I hit a fadeway over Kawhi, sealing the deal. Final score: Orlando wins, 105-98.
Stat Line, 35 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK
-Game 2 – June 8, 2014
San Antonio came back stronger, making adjustments, but we kept our foot on the gas.
Tobias and Doron Lamb hit clutch shots, and we built a lead going into the final minutes. Tony Parker did his best to keep them alive, but I shut down their last attempt with a huge block on Kawhi.
Final score: 110-102.
We were up 2-0.
Stat Line, 33 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK
-Game 3 – June 10, 2014
Popovich's adjustments were deadly.
San Antonio's ball movement was surgical, and their defense tightened up. They trapped me off every pick-and-roll, forcing tough shots. Duncan and Splitter clogged the paint, and we struggled to get into a rhythm.
Despite a late push, we couldn't overcome their execution. Final score: 108-92.
Stat Line, 25 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST
-Game 4 – June 12, 2014
If Game 3 was tough, Game 4 was brutal.
San Antonio played perfect basketball—every possession was clean, every shot was calculated. Kawhi Leonard took the challenge of guarding me personally, making everything difficult. Meanwhile, Manu Ginóbili turned back the clock, torching us with clutch plays.
We got blown out. Final score: 114-101.
Stat Line, 24 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
Series tied 2-2.
-Game 5 – June 15, 2014
Back home. Back to business.
We came out with desperation and energy. Jameer was aggressive, our defense was locked in, and I played my most efficient game of the series. I dominated inside, drawing fouls and setting the tone early.
In the fourth, up by five, I hit a deep two over Duncan, then came back down and slammed a putback dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Final score: Orlando wins, 104-97.
We took a 3-2 lead.
Stat Line, 30 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST, 3 BLK
-Game 6 – June 17, 2014
San Antonio responded like champions.
They controlled the pace, took high-quality shots, and made us work for everything. Kawhi Leonard had his best game of the series, dropping 28 points while locking me up on the other end.
Despite a late fourth-quarter push, Tim Duncan sealed the win with a clutch hook shot in the final minute.
Final score, Spurs win, 108-104.
Stat Line, 26 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST
Series tied 3-3.
Everything comes down to Game 7.
The championship is on the line.
-June 20, 2014 – NBA Finals Game 7
AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
The locker room was silent. Not in a bad way. Just… focused.
I sat on the bench, staring at my jersey hanging in front of me. Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Everything we had fought for, every late-night workout, every ounce of sweat, every injury—it all came down to this.
Coach walked in, clapping his hands. "Alright. One game. One game. You don't need me to tell you what this means. We know what we're up against, but they don't know what's about to hit them. Play your game. Play for each other. Leave it all out there."
I nodded. The room was tense. Vucevic was gripping his wrist tape, staring at the floor. Tobias took a deep breath, locking eyes with me.
"You ready, Pres?" He asked.
I smirked. "Always."
The energy in AT&T Center was suffocating. The Spurs' fans were deafening, standing before the game even started. Tim Duncan gave me a respectful nod before we lined up for the jump ball.
-First Quarter
San Antonio played like a team that had been here before. They controlled the tempo, moved the ball with precision, and didn't force anything.
Kawhi Leonard was aggressive early, attacking and making his presence felt on both ends.
Duncan was locking up the paint, making every drive difficult. I hit a mid-range jumper over him, then found Vucevic for an easy bucket. But despite our efforts, we were down 28-20 after the first.
-Second Quarter
Coach made adjustments. We pushed the pace, got out in transition, and finally found some rhythm. I started to take over, attacking off the dribble and drawing fouls.
With six minutes left in the quarter, I posted up Duncan, faked one way, and spun baseline for a dunk. The bench erupted.
"Let's go, fuck them" I yelled.
San Antonio answered, though. Manu Ginóbili came off the bench. Three after three. Contested layups. He was killing Tobias so us.
Still, we cut the lead to two by halftime. Spurs 54 – Magic 52.
-Halftime
Back in the locker room, nobody sat down. We were too wired. Coach pointed at me.
"Franklin they're doubling you, they're being physical, but you gotta find a way to impact the game."
I nodded. I knew what I had to do.
-Third Quarter
The second half started, and I came out on fire.
First possession, Step-back jumper over Duncan.
Next play, Pick-and-roll with Doron, easy floater.
Then, a massive putback dunk off a missed three.
The crowd was stunned. We took the lead, and I felt unstoppable.
But the Spurs didn't flinch. Parker kept hitting floaters, Duncan made clutch plays, and their defense tightened again.
We went into the fourth quarter tied 84-81 for them.
-Fourth Quarter
The final twelve minutes were a slugfest. Every possession was a battle. Every shot contested. Every point felt like life or death.
With two minutes left, we were down 103-101. I caught the ball in the post, faced up against Duncan, and hit a turnaround fadeaway. Tie game.
San Antonio answered—Kawhi drilled a cold-blooded three to put them up 106-103.
With 18 seconds left, we had the ball. Coach drew up the play—get me the ball in the post, let me work.
I caught it near the elbow. Tim Duncan was on me.
I jab-stepped, spun baseline—nothing. He was locked in.
Clock ticking. Seven seconds.
I saw Tobias open on the wing.
I made the pass. He caught it.
Five seconds.
He rose up.
BAM.
Kawhi Leonard flew in from the side.
A clean block. The ball hit the floor as the buzzer sounded.
Silence.
106-103.
The Spurs exploded in celebration. The crowd went wild. Tim Duncan, Parker, Ginóbili, and Kawhi embraced at center court.
I just stood there. Hands on my hips. Watching.
Tobias looked devastated, staring at the floor.
Duncan walked over and put a hand on my shoulder. "You're gonna be back here, kid." I just nodded.
Honestly at that moment I wanted to insult him but I remained calm.
Later, as I walked toward the tunnel, Kawhi found me.
"Respect" He said, shaking my hand.
"Respect" I muttered.
I turned around and walked off. The pain was real.