The San Antonio Spurs face the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the 2013 NBA Finals. There are two reasons why the Spurs are bound to win Game 5; inconsistency from Miami and the usual adjustments made by the Spurs.
Prior to Game 4, the Spurs had done a great job keeping LeBron James away from the paint. Thanks to a miraculous performance by a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade, James was able to do more in Game 4 as the Heat crushed the Spurs, 109-93. However, we're talking about Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. San Antonio makes great game-to-game adjustments and they have one of the toughest defenses in the NBA.
Another factor favoring the Spurs are the inconsistencies seen up and down the Heat's lineup. Which Wade and James be present in Game 5? Will Chris Bosh step in and contribute the way he did in Game 4? Prior to Game 4, the Heat's Big 3 had been shutdown. Mario Chalmers stepped up to help the Heat win Game 2, it wasn't James or Wade who led the team to victory. However, the Heat's bench has been very streaky throughout the series. Mike Miller got the Game 4 start and, after making eight straight threes, he missed his first shot from beyond the arc. Shane Battier can't even get the usual charging calls he received during the regular season.
Obviously, the Heat still have a lot of questions to answer despite their strong performance in Game 5. The Spurs know this and they will head into Game 5 confidently. With Gary Neal as their new weapon off their bench, San Antonio should have no problems harassing the Heat from beyond the arc. The Spurs should try getting Danny Green more involved in the offense as he's crippled the Heat's defense. Tony Parker has done a great job penetrating. He must continue getting to the paint, which in turn draws Heat defenders and Miami somehow forgets that Green and Neal have destroyed them from beyond the arc in this series.
Also, Miami knows it's heading home to play Game 6. If the Spurs lose Game 5, the Heat will have all the momentum heading into the possible Game 6 clincher.
