In the 50-game 1998-99 season, the Spurs beat New York 4-1. Tim Duncan averaged 27.4 points and 14 boards to win his first Finals MVP.
With the 2026 FMVP, Brunson stands as the emblematic "first" among short guards — using effort and IQ to shatter the ceiling height imposed on him.
From the 33rd pick to unanimous 2026 FMVP, Brunson spent eight years proving effort is not betrayed. A salute to the model king.