The Best Moments of the 08-09 Season: Michael Finley’s 3 to Send the Final Game of the Season to OT

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I’ve seen a few people use this play as a scapegoat for their frustrations regarding our first round exit. Rather than appreciate it for what it is, and how it made them feel at the time, they characterize it as the penultimate cause of our match-up with the Mavs. Don’t let hindsight tarnish your memory of such an exhilarating play.

Of all the moments included in this retrospective, none looked as destined for failure as this play. After Finley received the inbounds pass, James Posey successfully forced him 40 feet from the basket. When Mason received the pass from Finley, he was several feet from the 3-point line and had achieved no space since curling off of Kurt Thomas’ pick. A contested 3-pointer by Mason seemed to be the inevitable conclusion. But up until that moment, the play had been a ruse. Popovich had lured Posey into a fleeting state of indecision. Suspecting a shot by Mason, Posey hesitated and allowed Finley just enough space to catch and shoot. Coach Pop called a brilliant but unconventional play.

Previous moments:

Tony Parker Breaks Landro Barbosa’s Ankles

Mason’s “And One” to Beat the Lakers

  • SpurredOn

    Graydon – I’m enjoying these “Best Moments” and appreciate your taking the time to give us some positive Spurs moments at a time of year where the guys normally provide them every few nights.

    I hope no one thinks of this play as what led to our first round exit. If guys not named Parker, Duncan, Hill or Bowen couldn’t hit open shots against the Mavs I think it’s safe to say they would not have vs Houston, a far superior defensive team to dallas. Sometimes it’s just not meant to be; when you’re good enough, the matchup excuse is not an issue. I wish we had won one more game and gotten the 2-seed and faced the injured Hornets. But that we didn’t win that extra game shows that we ended up wehere we deserved to be and received the result deserving a team that played so poorly during the post-season.

  • thomas

    well said spurred on. i’m really enjoying this series as well as your in-depth draft guide.

    needless to say you have me feeling good that the spurs will stay strong for years to come with their use of Austin.

  • Christian

    I love this blog. I used to hate the off season and while I still do this definitely helps. Appreciate all the hard work!

  • tomasito

    This shot is David West’s fault, not Posey’s. Posey got picked from behind by TD, while West was lollygagging at the free throw line. If West had been paying attention, he could have switched to contest Mason’s pass to Fin, and the subsequent three-ball.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Graydon Gordian

    Tomasito,

    I agree. West definitely deserves a fair amount of blame but Posey clearly takes a moment to decide whether to collapse on Mason or to stick with Finley. And a moment was all we needed.