"We believe we can win on the road," Duncan said.

"It didn't happen in the first three (games) but we really did believe we had a chance to win here and get it done.

"This was huge for us. Being on the road, moving on to the conference finals, the situation that we were down 0-2, a lot of different factors come into it.

"Just to sustain everything that they gave us and to find a way to win, this is a huge series for us."

The Hornets failed in their bid to reach the conference final for the first time in the franchise's 20-year history, but coach Byron Scott was delighted with their progress.

"A lot of people didn't expect us to be where we are," he said.

"Like I tell the guys, you don't go from not making the playoffs to winning the championship, it just doesn't work that way.

"But I think we have developed something special here.

"Obviously we've got to add some pieces to the puzzle, but we are heading in the right direction and I like the direction that we are in."

The Spurs are seeking to win back-to-back titles for the first time.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily May 21, 2008)