NBA Finals Game 4 (Los Angeles Lakers vs New Jersey Nets 2003)
Spurs defeat Nets 4–2 for second championship; Tim Duncan named Finals MVP.
The 2003 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2002–03 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs played the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets for the title, with the Spurs holding home court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven format.
Quick Facts
- Event
- 2003 NBA Finals
- Matchup
- San Antonio Spurs vs New Jersey Nets
- Venue
- Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford
- Series context
- Game 4 of 7
- Outcome
- Spurs Victory
- Key players
- Tim Duncan
- Tony Parker
- Jason Kidd
Lore & Background
The Spurs defeated the Nets to win the series 4–2 for their second championship. Spurs forward Tim Duncan was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship series. The series was broadcast on U.S. television on ABC, with Brad Nessler, Bill Walton and Tom Tolbert announcing.
Reader's Guide
The Finals were played using a 2–3–2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with home court advantage. The NBA, after experimenting in the early years, restored this original format for the Finals in 1985. So far, the other playoff series are still running on a 2–2–1–1–1 site format. Game 4 at Continental Airlines Arena was a sellout. This was the last Finals' series to be played on a Wednesday–Friday–Sunday rotation, which was used starting in 1991 when NBC began carrying the NBA. Starting with the 2004 NBA Finals, all games were played on Thursday–Sunday–Tuesday format until 2016, when it was changed to allow for two days off each time teams traveled.
Did You Know?
- The Spurs' win denied New Jersey from having both NBA and National Hockey League (NHL) titles in the same year as NHL's New Jersey Devils won the 2003 Stanley Cup Final.
- Duncan became the eighth player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP award a second time.
- In the series-clinching game, Duncan came two blocks shy of a quadruple double in an NBA Finals game, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks.
- David Robinson recorded the last quadruple double in NBA history with the Spurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in NBA Finals Game 4 of 2003?
The match featured the San Antonio Spurs against the New Jersey Nets, with stars like Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd leading their respective teams. This contest was a critical part of the championship series between these two franchises.
What happened in NBA Finals Game 4 (Spurs vs Nets 2003)?
The Spurs secured a decisive victory at Continental Airlines Arena, effectively halting the Nets' momentum after their earlier Game 3 win. This result kept San Antonio firmly in control of the series and prevented New Jersey from gaining further ground.
Where was NBA Finals Game 4 (Spurs vs Nets 2003) played?
The game took place at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It served as a home-court showdown for the Nets before they ultimately fell short against the Spurs.
How did NBA Finals Game 4 (Spurs vs Nets 2003) end?
The San Antonio Spurs emerged victorious, delivering a strong performance that neutralized the Nets' offensive efforts. The outcome ensured the Spurs remained on track to win their championship against the Eastern Conference champions.
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