What a rematch this promises to be for all basketball fans as the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat clash in the 2014 NBA Finals.
The Heat easily made their way through the weaker Eastern Conference, beating the Charlotte Bobcats 4-0, the Brooklyn Nets 4-1 and the No.1 seeded Indiana Pacers 4-2.
The Spurs have had a tougher battle in the Western Conference but have won through with victories over the Dallas Mavericks (4-3), the Portland Trail Blazers (4-1) and a 4-2 conference final victory over Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 2013 NBA Finals showdown between these two teams was one for the ages.
With 5.2 seconds left in regulation of Game 6, a Ray Allen three-pointer gave the Miami Heat the chance to beat the Spurs in overtime to force Game 7. They did just that, winning 103-100.
The Heat also won Game 7 95-88, with LeBron James scoring 37 points for the Heat and Tim Duncan leading the Spurs with 24.
The Spurs still have a bad taste in their mouths after that finals series loss. They wanted to extract revenge from the Miami Heat in the finals this season, and they got it.
During the regular season this match-up was split 1-1. Miami won at home 113-103 and San Antonio also won at home 111-87.
Although regular season match-ups don’t necessarily count in the playoffs, the Heat have gone 12-3 and the Spurs have gone 12-6 in these playoffs. It promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Key Match-up: LeBron James v Tim Duncan
Everyone is talking about legacies in this match-up. Will 38-year-old Duncan win his fifth ring, or will James add a third to his collection?
For Duncan this is one last shot at ending a glorious career with San Antonio, and a chance for redemption following the 2013 NBA Finals. For LeBron James, this is another shot at glory after winning the last two NBA Finals and reaching the last three Finals series.
Who will come out on top?
Duncan is playing the lowest playoff minutes off his career. I think he will still be a strong presence in the paint, but those old legs might get to him after such a long season.
LeBron James is just getting into his prime, which is crazy considering he’s already been
around for 11 seasons. James’ playoff stats this season speak for themselves: 27.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 5.0apg, and an efficiency rating of 29.6.
The Benches
The Spurs bench is by far the best in the NBA – with Manu Ginóbili sixth man, how could it not be?
Ginóbili has been great in these playoffs, hitting threes when it’s mattered most and going to the lane when needed. The Heat will need to stop him in order to win.
Boris Diaw has also contributed a lot these playoffs, including a 26-point showing against Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Australia’s own Patty Mills came off the bench to hit a few threes, but will have to do better this series if they want to win.
The Heat will need to watch out for all of the Spurs bench as they play no hero ball. Their movement of the basketball is great to watch, thanks to Greg Popovich.
The Heat bench is lacking at times but Chris Andersen has been great on the boards in the playoffs, also chipping in with much needed points against the Pacers.
Ray Allen is the best three-point shooter of all time. He was superb in Game 3, knocking four three-pointers from as many attempts in the fourth quarter. One of the Heat’s biggest influences off the court, at 38 years of age this might be his last year in the NBA.
Norris Cole has also contributed enough from the bench to get a mention. He has landed some great
buckets to either keep the Heat within reaching distance or extend their lead.
Prediction
Miami Heat in 7
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