Well you almost beat him on the road with equal effort, the point different is not that impressive (also he had a crappy 4th quarter so it was probably garbage time with the subs playing).
He was losing by 24 entering the 4th quarter, ignore the final score when the scrubs come in because that's called a blowout.
He lost by 24 at home with equal effort during the season too.
Unfortunately he's right, he's not going to win this final. His opponent is too deep and too good. Sometimes you just have to be realistic about your situation. .