Duncan leads Spurs to game 1 win over Heat

MANILA, Philippines – The San Antonio Spurs moved one step closer to winning their fifth championship in franchise history, beating the Miami Heat behind an offensive clinic late in the fourth quarter on Thursday, June 5 (Friday morning PH time) at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The Spurs’ arena went as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit due to an electrical failure that stopped the air conditioning system from working.

Tim Duncan had 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting and 10 rebounds to lead the Spurs, which prevailed despite committing 22 turnovers. Coming off the bench, Manu Ginobili had an efficient night, scoring 16 markers on only 10 shot attempts.

Tony Parker, who was a question mark to play in this game a few days ago due to an ankle injury, recorded 19 points and dished out eight assists. Danny Green struggled to start the contest, but had 11 points in the final period to propel the Spurs.

Miami was led by LeBron James, who despite scoring 25 points was not able to finish the contest due to cramps on his left thigh. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 37 points, while Ray Allen came off the bench to produce 16 markers and five steals.

The start of the third quarter was another representation of the game’s theme: a series of runs. After the Spurs scored the first four points of the second half to go up nine, Miami responded with an 8-0 rally, 58-57. Moments later, a contested triple by James awarded Miami its first lead in a while, 62-60, but was quickly answered by Duncan’s post score.

AS IT HAPPENS: NBA Finals 2014 Game 1

Around the seven-minute mark, James asked for a substitution after apparently getting exhausted by the lack of air conditioning at the AT&T Center. Nonetheless, Miami stayed at bay thanks to five quick points from Rashard Lewis, who totaled 10 points. 

James returned a few minutes later with the Spurs up two, 69-67. The Heat then proceeded to go on an 11-5 run, taking advantage of nine San Antonio third quarter turnovers to lead by four, 78-74, heading into the fourth period.

Thanks to Tiago Splitter’s strong play early on, the Spurs got within one, 80-79, and had a chance to take the lead on the following possession. But another turnover hurt the club, and the Heat picked up six quick markers to take a seven-point lead.

Moments later, James started to cramp up – something he’s dealt with multiple times in the past – and took two ill-advised jumpers that clanked off the ring. The Spurs countered by attacking the basket and getting two big shots from Parker and Duncan. 

After the time-out, a midrange jumper by Wade gave Miami a four-point breathing room while James rested on the bench. But consecutive threes from Green and a breakaway dunk put his team on top by four, 94-90. 

LeBron returned after, and immediately ended San Antonio’s run by driving on Boris Diaw for the lay-up. But upon his landing, James left thigh started to cramp again, and he had to be helped over to the bench. After which, another three by Green put the Spurs up five with 3:40 to go.

LeBron James scores but immediately cramps back up and has to check back out of the game with 3:59 left. #MIAvsSA pic.twitter.com/WEUK2nyLE0

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 6, 2014

A Mario Chalmers three – his first bucket of the game – cut San Antonio’s lead to four later on, but the Spurs continued to put the assault on the Heat, and a pair of 3-balls by Kawhi Leonard and Parker provided the daggers to end the game.

Game 2 is on Monday morning (Manila time), with the Spurs looking to win and take a 2-0 advantage back to South Beach.

In Game 1, the Spurs shot a magnificent 13-of-25 from long range, and made it to the free throw line 22 times, where they converted 17. San Antonio also outrebounded Miami, 39-29, and had more assists, 30-16. 

Thanks to Duncan and Splitter’s effectiveness inside, the Spurs also outscored the Heat in the paint, 48-36.

The tempo was fast to start the game – similar to last year’s finals – as both clubs produced on offense with the Heat clinging on to a small advantage, 11-10. The Spurs would get some breathing room first though, thanks to two consecutive threes from Ginobili who place San Antonio up 18-13.

Nonetheless, the Heat responded with a 6-0 run thanks to the penetration of James and Wade. The Spurs didn’t take long to put a stop to it, leaning on another Ginobili trey – his third of the first quarter – to help his team regain the advantage.

Miami couldn’t counter as Wade took a rest on the bench with Bosh, while James was dared by his adversaries to make jumpshots. A couple of consecutive lapses later from the four-time MVP allowed San Antonio to get on the break and take advantage, with Patty Mills’ 3-ball putting his team on top 26-20.

A tandem of jump shots from Norris Cole and Allen let the Heat stay in the game after allowing San Antonio to go up eight. Moments later, a steal for Allen led to a three attempt from the right side corner, which he made to tie the matchup at 31-all. However, Italian guard Marco Belinelli responded right away, hitting a 3-ball of his own before a Parker floater increased the lead back up to six, 36-30.

But once again, Miami responded with another run, not permitting the Spurs to erect a double-digit lead. A quick eight consecutive points – capped off by a Wade layup over Duncan – place Miami back on top, 38-36. San Antonio then proceeded to pull off another run – with some assistance from James’ lethargic play – to grab hold of another four-point lead.

Entering halftime, the Spurs were on top by five, 54-49, after a couple of threes by Lewis and Green ricocheted off the rim.

Scores

San Antonio (110): Duncan 21, Parker 19, Ginobili 16, Splitter 14, Green 13, Leonard 9, Belinelli 9, Mills 7, Diaw 2

Miami (95): James 25, Wade 19, Bosh 18, Allen 16, Lewis 10, Chalmers 3, Andersen 2, Cole 2, Battier 0

Quarter Scores: 26-20, 54-49, 74-78, 110-95

– Rappler.com