Tony Parker (Part 3)

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14 Mar 2024

Tony Parker (Part 3)

In May 2014, Tony Parker, together with Manu Ginóbili and Tim Duncan, achieved a significant milestone by tying the record for the most wins in playoffs history by a trio of players playing together. The trio's accomplishment matched the record previously held by the LA Lakers' Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Cooper at 110 wins. Following this achievement, the Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, securing their spot in the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.
In the 2014 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs once again faced off against the Miami Heat, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. The Spurs delivered an impressive performance throughout the series, ultimately clinching the championship title in five games. This victory marked Tony Parker's fourth NBA championship and the fifth overall for the Spurs franchise.

On August 1, 2014, Tony Parker signed a significant three-year, $43.3 million contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs, solidifying his commitment to the team for the foreseeable future. The 2014–15 season saw the Spurs finish with a commendable 55–27 record. However, they faced disappointment in the playoffs, being eliminated in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Parker's performance in the playoffs was hampered by injury, resulting in him averaging 10.9 points per game on 36% shooting.
The following season, 2015–16, Parker played a pivotal role as the Spurs achieved a franchise-best 67-win record. Despite their regular-season success, the team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games.

In the 2016–17 season, Parker experienced a significant change as longtime teammate Tim Duncan retired. Despite this transition, the Spurs continued their strong performance, finishing the season with a 61–21 record, marking the first time in franchise history they achieved back-to-back 60-win seasons. Parker played 63 games during the season, averaging 10.1 points per game. However, his season was cut short during the playoffs after suffering a rupture of his left quadriceps tendon in Game 2 of the second round against the Houston Rockets.
After undergoing surgery and a period of rehabilitation, Parker made a remarkable return to the court on November 27, 2017, against the Dallas Mavericks. He contributed six points and four assists in 14 minutes of play in his first appearance since the injury. Parker's resilience was further demonstrated in his subsequent games, including a 10-point, five-assist performance on November 29.

In his final season with the Spurs, Parker played 55 games and averaged a career-low 7.7 points per game. The Spurs made it to the playoffs but were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in five games in the first round.
Tony Parker's illustrious career with the San Antonio Spurs was honored on November 11, 2019, when the team retired his No. 9 jersey, commemorating his significant contributions to the franchise's success.

Tony Parker's international basketball career with France spanned multiple championships and tournaments, showcasing his talent and leadership on the global stage.
Starting from his junior years, Parker represented France in various FIBA tournaments, including the Under-16, Under-18, and Under-20 Championships. He notably earned the Most Valuable Player award at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, leading France to a gold medal with impressive statistics.
Transitioning to the senior national team, Parker continued to excel, participating in multiple FIBA EuroBasket tournaments. France achieved notable success during Parker's tenure, including a bronze medal at the 2005 FIBA EuroBasket, where Parker played a pivotal role.
Parker faced challenges such as injuries that sidelined him from certain tournaments, including the 2006 FIBA World Championship. However, he consistently returned to represent France whenever possible, contributing significantly to the team's performances.

One of Parker's significant milestones came during EuroBasket 2015, where he surpassed Nikos Galis to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the EuroBasket competition, highlighting his scoring prowess and longevity at the international level.
After the 2016 Summer Olympics, Parker announced his retirement from international competition, concluding a remarkable career representing France. Despite retiring from the international stage, Parker's impact and legacy in French basketball remain enduring, with his contributions instrumental in elevating the country's basketball program to new heights.

Tony Parker's physical attributes, combined with his skill and speed, made him a formidable point guard in the NBA. Despite being relatively small for a basketball player, he utilized his quickness and agility to his advantage, frequently driving to the basket for layups or teardrop shots.
Early in his career, Parker struggled with his shooting consistency, particularly from beyond the arc. However, under the guidance of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and shooting coach Chip Engelland, Parker underwent significant improvements in his shooting technique. Engelland's coaching focused on refining Parker's shooting motion and thumb position, while also limiting his three-point shot attempts.

As a result of this dedicated work on his shooting mechanics, Parker saw notable improvements in his shooting accuracy. He became more efficient from the field, with his field goal percentage increasing by 4%, and he also improved his free throw shooting, reaching an impressive 78% accuracy during the 2006-07 season.
Additionally, Parker's relentless attacking style led to him leading the league in "points in the paint" for a significant portion of the 2005-06 season. Despite facing challenges such as tendinitis in his knees early in his career, Parker's commitment to refining his game and maximizing his strengths ultimately solidified his status as one of the premier point guards in the NBA.