2003 NBA Finals
The 2003 NBA Finals marked the final chapter for David Robinson, a star who announced his retirement during that same season. He played in San Antonio's new arena, known then as the SBC Center, which hosted their first year of play there. Robinson missed 18 games due to injuries and averaged just 8.5 points per game in his farewell campaign. Despite these struggles, he retired holding franchise records in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. The Spurs finished with a 60, 22 record, tying for the best in the league that year. Steve Kerr also ended his playing career after this series, having won three titles with Chicago before joining San Antonio.
San Antonio lost Game 1 of their first-round series against Phoenix in overtime but bounced back to win the series in six games. They faced the Los Angeles Lakers next, splitting the first four games before winning Game 5 thanks to a rare last-second miss by Robert Horry. The Spurs defeated the Lakers in Game 6 to advance. In the conference finals, they took down Dallas after losing Game 1 by three points. A 15-point fourth-quarter comeback sealed the series with a 90, 78 victory in Dallas. Meanwhile, New Jersey swept Boston and Detroit to reach their second straight Eastern Conference championship. Their 49, 33 regular-season record made them the lowest-win team to reach the Finals until Miami Heat did so in 2023.
Game 1 on June 4 saw San Antonio defeat New Jersey 101, 89 at home. Game 2 followed two days later with a narrow Nets win, 87, 85. Game 3 moved to New Jersey, where the Spurs won 84, 79. Game 4 was a sellout at Continental Airlines Arena, ending 77, 76 in favor of the visitors. Game 5 gave San Antonio a 93, 83 road win. The series concluded on June 15 when the Spurs won Game 6, 88, 77, to take the title 4, 2. Only one team broke 100 points during the entire series. Stephen Jackson hit a crucial three-pointer during a 19, 0 run that secured the final game after the Spurs trailed 72, 63.
Tim Duncan earned Finals MVP honors, becoming only the eighth player to win the award twice. He finished Game 6 with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight blocks, just two blocks shy of a quadruple-double. Robinson contributed 13 points and 17 rebounds in the clincher. Together, Duncan and Robinson grabbed 37 rebounds, more than the entire Nets roster combined, which totaled 35. Steve Kerr became one of five players to win at least two championships with two different franchises. He had won three with Chicago and another with San Antonio in 1999. Robert Horry also achieved multiple titles across Houston, Los Angeles, and San Antonio over his career.
ABC aired the 2003 NBA Finals for the first time, ending NBC's 12-year broadcast tenure. Brad Nessler, Bill Walton, and Tom Tolbert formed the commentary team. This was Walton’s last assignment as an announcer for the Finals. The series drew the lowest ratings in NBA history up to that point. ABC also covered the Stanley Cup Final involving teams playing in the same arenas during each series. During Game 3, Nessler noted the unique situation of preparing for both basketball and hockey broadcasts. Gary Thorne later thanked Nessler on air while promoting the NHL coverage. All three commentators were demoted from their lead roles after the series concluded.
Jason Kidd remained with New Jersey until being traded to Dallas in February 2008. He led the Mavericks to a title in 2011 alongside Dirk Nowitzki. Kenyon Martin went to Denver after the 2003, 04 season, while Richard Jefferson joined San Antonio in 2009 before winning another ring with Cleveland in 2016. Stephen Jackson left as a free agent despite his strong performance in the clinching game. Robinson, Kerr, and Danny Ferry all retired following the series. The Nets lost to Detroit in seven games the next year and have not returned to the conference finals since 2003. They relocated to Brooklyn ahead of the 2012, 13 season.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
Who retired after the 2003 NBA Finals?
David Robinson and Steve Kerr both ended their playing careers following the 2003 NBA Finals. Danny Ferry also retired from basketball after the series concluded.
When did the 2003 NBA Finals take place?
The 2003 NBA Finals began on June 4 and concluded on June 15 with Game 6. The series spanned two weeks during early summer of that year.
Where was the 2003 NBA Finals played?
Games took place at the SBC Center in San Antonio and the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey. The venue hosted the first year of play for the Spurs before they moved to a new arena later.
Why did Tim Duncan win the 2003 NBA Finals MVP award?
Tim Duncan earned Finals MVP honors by recording 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight blocks in Game 6. He became only the eighth player to win the award twice while leading his team to victory.
How many games were played in the 2003 NBA Finals?
Six games were played in the 2003 NBA Finals as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Jersey Nets 4-2. Only one team broke 100 points during the entire series.