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Knicks & Spurs 1999: A Dynasty's Humble Start
3 Jun
Summary
- The 1999 NBA Finals saw a rare low-scoring series with low shooting percentages.
- Tim Duncan, age 22, was named Finals MVP, marking the start of a Spurs dynasty.
- Jalen Brunson's father, Rick, was a player on the 1999 Knicks team.
The 1998-99 NBA season, shortened to 50 games due to a lockout, culminated in a championship series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. This Finals matchup was characterized by exceptionally low scoring and poor shooting efficiency, with only one team surpassing 90 points throughout the series. San Antonio's Tim Duncan, at just 22 years old, was named Finals MVP, averaging 27.4 points and 14 rebounds, and his performance heralded the beginning of the Spurs' dynastic run.
The Spurs' dominance extended for two decades, with additional championships secured in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014, largely driven by Duncan and later joined by stars like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Coach Gregg Popovich also achieved significant success during this era. Meanwhile, the 1999 Knicks team featured Rick Brunson, father of current Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals the following season, the Knicks entered a long period of struggle, not returning to conference finals until recently.
