Michael Finley interview after winning championship
InsideHoops.com NewsWire | June 15, 2007
Thursday night the San Antonio Spurs, playing on the road, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 83-82, winning Game 4 and sweeping the Cavs to win the 2006-07 NBA championship. Here's what Spurs swingman Michael Finley, enjoying his first championship, said after the game:
Q: How's it feel? You're a champion.
Finley: ... I came to a team that had experience, a team that welcomed me with open arms and we won it. So it's a good feeling.
Q: Growing up in Chicago and watching the Bulls win championships, is that what you thought this moment would feel like?
Finley: Oh, yeah. I've seen MJ win, Scottie win. I've been downtown in the parade. I always dreamed of being a part of it, whether it was with Chicago ... with any team ... just to be part of the celebration. It's a combination of all your hard work. I [saw] how hard MJ and Scottie worked in the offseason to then seeing them celebrate in the locker room. I always wanted to be a part of that and I finally am.
Q: Looking at how Dallas had two guys win the [regular season] MVP trophy, I'm sure you'd rather have your trophy...
Finley: Yeah, I think so ... but they got the MVP trophy [and] it was very deserving. But those are two of my best friends -- Steve and Dirk -- and they congratulated me for getting to The Finals and I won't be surprised if they congratulated me today.
Q: Is this everything you dreamed it would be?
Finley: Oh yeah, it's a great feeling. It's that and then some. I always dreamed of being a champion, being in this locker room atmosphere, everybody celebrating ... words can't explain it.
Q: How emotional was it being presented the game ball by your teammates?
Finley: It's a great feeling. These guys are good guys. They dedicated this Finals to me [and] it just shows you what type of guys these are. For them to give me the game ball, they played the championship for me ... I mean, I'm blessed. What more can I ask for?
Q: What's in the future for Michael Finley?
Finley: I'm going to enjoy this. I'm going to party all the way until the end of Tony Parker's wedding. And then I might relax a little bit.
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