It was a long way to the to top for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2004-2005 NBA Championship, but when all was said and done, the drive and dedication of head coach Gregg Popovich and company made for one of the most exciting season closers in recent memory. Defeating reigning champions the Detroit Pistons to win their third NBA Championship in seven years, the Spurs also made the grade by allowing the fewest points in the NBA for the second straight season. The seven breathless battles against the Pistons may have been tough going through and through, but when the smoke on the court cleared and the Spurs came out on top, there were few who would say that it didn't go to the team that played their hardest and fought like champions until the final buzzer sounded. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi