[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 25, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 485--CONGRATULATING THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS FOR WINNING 
         THE 2014 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. CORNYN (for himself and Mr. Cruz) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 485

       Whereas the San Antonio Spurs (referred to in this preamble 
     as the ``Spurs'') won their fifth National Basketball 
     Association (referred to in this preamble as the ``NBA'') 
     Championship in franchise history on Sunday, June 15, 2014, 
     by defeating the Miami Heat with a score of 104-87 in the 
     fifth game of the NBA Finals at the AT&T Center in San 
     Antonio, Texas;
       Whereas during the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Spurs defeated 
     the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trailblazers, Oklahoma City 
     Thunder, and the Miami Heat;
       Whereas the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat, in a rematch of 
     the 2013 NBA Finals, to clinch their fourth title in less 
     than a decade;
       Whereas the San Antonio Spurs overcame an early 16-point 
     deficit to finish the final series in a decisive fashion, 
     winning by 17 points and securing the NBA championship in 
     only 5 games;
       Whereas during the 2014 postseason, the Spurs won more 
     playoff games by 15 points or more than any team in NBA 
     history;
       Whereas the Spurs outscored opponents in the playoffs by 
     214 points and finished the NBA Finals with a plus 70 point 
     differential, both of which are NBA records;
       Whereas the Spurs have the highest field-goal percentage in 
     NBA Finals history at 52.8 percent;
       Whereas since its founding in 1967, the San Antonio Spurs 
     franchise has won 5 world championships, 6 conference titles, 
     and 20 division titles;
       Whereas the 2013-2014 Spurs roster was comprised of players 
     Jeff Ayres, Aron Baynes, Marco Belinelli, Matt Bonner, Austin 
     Daye, Boris Diaw, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Danny Green, 
     Damion James, Cory Joseph, Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills, Tony 
     Parker, and Tiago Splitter, all of whom contributed 
     positively to the team's success;
       Whereas, Kawhi Leonard was named the Most Valuable Player 
     during the 2014 Finals, averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds 
     for the San Antonio Spurs;
       Whereas Tim Duncan broke the record previously held by 
     Kareem Abdul-Jabar for most postseason minutes with 8,870 
     minutes and exceeded Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson's previous 
     record for postseason double-doubles with 158;
       Whereas Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli have more 
     playoff wins combined than any other 3 players on one team in 
     NBA history;
       Whereas Spurs Head Coach and 2014 NBA Coach of the Year 
     Award Winner Gregg Popovich added to his growing list of 
     accomplishments and impressive legacy by winning his fifth 
     NBA championship;
       Whereas Spurs Sports and Entertainment owner and Chief 
     Executive Officer Peter Holt and General Manager R. C. Buford 
     have built the Spurs into one of the most successful 
     organizations in NBA history;
       Whereas the Spurs coaching staff and management have shown 
     a positive commitment to the franchise by successfully 
     acquiring and maintaining a team of players dedicated to 
     discipline, leadership, and achievement;
       Whereas the Spurs serve the greater San Antonio community 
     by promoting education and literacy, encouraging civic 
     responsibility and engagement, and striving to enhance the 
     quality of life for San Antonians and South Texans alike; and
       Whereas the Spurs remain the pride and joy of the City of 
     San Antonio: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the San Antonio Spurs for winning the 
     2014 National Basketball Association Finals;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of all the players, 
     coaches, and staff who contributed to the 2014 season;
       (3) requests that the Secretary of the Senate prepare an 
     enrolled version of this resolution for presentation to--
       (A) the owner of San Antonio Spurs;
       (B) the general manager for the San Antonio Spurs; and
       (C) the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

                          ____________________