Now that we have overcome a feisty, and worthy opponent, we face the object of our fear: the Spurs.

If we wish to become champions, or even aspire to further success, this is an obstacle we must and have always needed to overcome.  Not just because of the obvious and prosaic "we've got to beat them to win this series, and advance to the next round" motive, but because the Spurs have been our bogeyman...  an adversary seemingly allied to dark forces, conjuring bolts of outrageous misfortune against us.

Moreover, they are in our minds, and in being there, have caused us to beat ourselves, just as much as they have beaten us directly.

This series is about us, about our determination, our character, our tenacity and our toughness.  It's about staring Fate in the face, and poking her eye out with a fully extended middle finger.

Consequently, as important as winning this series is, what is more important is how we win.  If we can achieve victory with a statement of strength and resolve, with fortune on our side, we can figuratively bury this demon, and then whatever lies beyond that will hold no fear for us.

This is no time for timidity or apprehension.  This is the time to leap into the crucible where heroes are born and cowards wither away.