Parker-powered Spurs sweep into NBA Finals

MEMPHIS: Tony Parker netted 37 points, his highest of the season, as the San Antonio Spurs defeated Memphis 93-86 on Monday to complete a playoff sweep and reach the NBA Finals.

The Spurs will play for the championship for the first time since 2007, when they swept LeBron James-led Cleveland for their fourth title in nine seasons.

“It seems like forever since we have been there,” said Spurs star big man Tim Duncan. “We have been driven and we’re glad to get back there.”

French guard Parker, briefly knocked out of the game by a slap to the face, made 15-of-21 shots from the field and had six assists and four rebounds in powering the Spurs to their sixth playoff triumph in a row.

“I’m glad we’re done with them. They are very physical,” Parker said. “Now we have a week off. That will be nice.”

The Spurs will face either the defending champions Miami Heat or the Indiana Pacers, in the best-of-seven championship series starting on June 6.