Spurs capture fourth NBA title

Manu Ginobili added 27 points for the Spurs, who completed their first sweep in the NBA Finals, eighth in league history and first since the Los Angeles Lakers had their way with the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

It now can be argued that San Antonio is a legitimate dynasty, joining the Boston Celtics (16), Lakers (14) and Chicago Bulls (six) as the only teams in league history to win at least four championships.

The Spurs withstood a frantic run by Cleveland in the final period, but then turned on the jets and sprinted to the finish line.  Trailing, 60-52, heading into the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers scored the first 11 points of the period to take a 63-60 lead. San Antonio then went on a 14-3 run, capped by Fabricio Oberto's layup with two minutes left to make it 74-66.  Time would become a factor as the Cavaliers poured in some points in the waning seconds but it would be too little, too late.

It was more heavy lifting for LeBron James, who continued to get swarmed by an overloaded San Antonio defence. James, who had 24 points and 10 assists on 10-of-30 shooting, also became a father for the second time early Thursday morning. But despite the elation in the "Alamo City," the Finals have been lacking significant juice - thanks in part to a surgically precise San Antonio squad

After two demoralizing defeats in Games One and Two, the Cavaliers returned home for their first NBA Finals home game in franchise history.  With a rabid fan base spurring it on, Cleveland finally played a competitive game - even if it was an ugly contest - but dropped a rugged 75-72 decision on Tuesday.

James had a chance to tie the game on its controversial final play.  The young superstar hoisted a potential game-tying three-pointer that skimmed off the front rim as he was being grabbed by San Antonio guard Bruce Bowen.

After the contest, James refused to blame the loss on the non-call, saying it was "incidental contact" and not the only reason for the defeat. During Wednesday's media session, the All-Star swingman implored his team to "still believe," echoing the words of coach Mike Brown, who acknowledged that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, but said there is a first time for everything.

Cleveland showed some fortitude in the opening period, taking a 20-19 lead into the second quarter, despite 10 points from Spurs speedster Parker.  The Cavaliers were led by James, who scored six points in the period, two on an emphatic slam to make it 20-19 - only his second dunk of the series.

San Antonio pressed on in the second quarter, coming to life and outscoring Cleveland, 20-14, in the period to take a 39-34 lead at halftime.  However, the Spurs made headway without an effective Duncan, who scored just two points in the first half, shooting 0-of-5 from the field and 2-of-6 from the free-throw line. Duncan got going in the third for San Antonio, which outscored Cleveland, 21-18, in the period, precluding an exciting fourth quarter.