2007 The French Flash Crowned: Parker’s Sweep
The 2007 NBA Finals saw the San Antonio Spurs demolish LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0. The brightest star was French guard Tony Parker — a tireless "sports car" slicing the Cavs’ defense again and again.
Parker averaged 24.5 points and 5.0 assists on better than 56% shooting, the Spurs’ steadiest blade. He scored 24 in Game 4 to clinch the title on the road. He was the unanimous Finals MVP — making history as the first European-born, European-citizen Finals MVP.
The ring signaled the maturity of San Antonio’s "GDP" trio (Ginóbili, Duncan, Parker) and proved international players could star at the highest level. With speed, pace and mid-range touch, Parker redrew the passport map of Finals MVPs.
From a French kid to a San Antonio hero, Parker’s 2007 was the finest footnote for the "international brigade" reaching the top.
