The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat 92-88 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It looked as though the Heat were going to lock this one up in the second half, but with a big game from their duo, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, the Spurs were able to rally back late in this game to strip home court from the defending champs.
Parker finished with 21 points, none bigger than his jumper in the final seconds of the game. Parker was on his knees with LeBron James on his back. He got up from the floor and as the shotclock was winding down, he got off a jumper giving the Spurs a four-point lead. Mixed in with the Spurs defense, San Antonio was able to put this game away as they trailed right after the first quarter.
The Spurs turned the table around in the fourth quarter when it mattered most. It was a close game all throughout, but forcing Heat turnovers and taking advantage of James and Wade on the bench, the Spurs chopped up the Heat's slim three-point fourth quarter lead. By the time Wade and James got back on the floor, the Heat had no momentum on offense.
Miami was cruising throughout the game. They attacked from beyond the arc as they quickly turned a Spurs' seven point lead into an advantage. San Antonio took an early 9-2 lead in the first quarter, but the Heat rallied behind their players as Chris Bosh stepped up and Miami ran the floor at will.
Greg Popovich complained about the Spurs transition defense as the Heat were out running the Spurs. Wade and James were cutting up the Spurs offense and finding the open man, which was usually standing behind the line. Ray Allen quickly hit two threes. Mike Miller and Norris Cole dropped bombs as well helping the Heat build a lead.
For the Spurs, right when the game seemed to be get out of hand, Duncan was near the basket. He gave the Spurs a huge bust in the second quarter getting two blocks, an offensive board and then drawing fouls. Duncan finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots.
James finished with a triple-double, but the fourth quarter was atrocious for the Heat. James finished with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists, but the Heat only scored 16 points in the fourth quarter on five field goals and turned the ball over five times in the final 12 minutes.
Game 2 is on Sunday in Miami and the Spurs will have a chance to take a 2-0 lead to San Antonio.
