Despite broken hearts, S.A. celebrates

Spurs fans rally on Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio after their team lost in the NBA Finals on June 21, 2013. Spurs fans rally on Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio after their team lost in the NBA Finals on June 21, 2013. Photo: TOM REEL Photo: TOM REEL Image 1 of / 128 Caption Close Despite broken hearts, S.A. celebrates 1 / 128 Back to Gallery

Two hours before Game 7, downtown bars started filling up in anticipation of the Spurs' fifth NBA championship. Fans were primed and ready to cruise the streets of San Antonio in full celebratory form.

Instead, they experienced a devastating loss. But San Antonians love a party and still love their Spurs; so several dozen cars still drove around honking their horns, presumably in celebration of a landmark season.

Police blocked off Commerce and Market streets in anticipation of a Spurs win. The measure still proved to be the right call.

With the seconds winding down in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, hundreds of dejected fans of the silver and black began spilling out of downtown bars, the crowd growing into the thousands.

Police on motorcycles tried to keep pedestrians on the sidewalk, with mild success.

But still, it was not nearly as much noise or as many fans as there would have been if the Spurs had won.

Some folk took the loss relatively well.

“We're about to cry,” Amber Felice said.

The 33-year-old watched the game against Miami at The Ticket sports bar. “The bottom line is we are the better overall team.”

Some people were angry. A group shouting expletives about the Heat formed on Market Street. Four police rushed over, but quickly realized there was no threat and continued on their way.

Mostly, it was a civilized expression of disappointment downtown.

“I think the way it ended up, the Heat won it outright,” said Robert Gonzales, 32, who watched the game at Moses Roses Hideout on Houston Street. But he was optimistic the Spurs will have another run in them.

Meanwhile, other members of the Spurs nation honked their horns or marched along Losoya, proudly carrying Spurs banners and shouting out a final “Go Spurs Go.”

Staff Writers Emily Miller, Lydia Duncombe and Drew Joseph contributed to this report.