The NBA Finals will be more about substance than style, more about matchups than minutiae.

　　Neither the Detroit Pistons nor the San Antonio Spurs are all that sexy on the surface, but both are a sight to behold for basketball purists. And if one looks deep enough and factors in a few special subplots, there might just be that little extra something that draws in the masses.

　　One team is the defending champion. The other was the reigning titlist a year ago.

　　The only superstar in the series, Tim Duncan, seems dull but is quietly charismatic. The coaches, Detroit’s Larry Brown and San Antonio's Gregg Popovich, are such good friends that "Pop" was the best man at the wedding of "L.B." They speak on the phone nearly every day.

　　Both teams have made defense and team play their calling cards. Neither has a player who will make your jaw drop.