By Telema Davies
It was just as anticipated at the AT&T Centre as San Antonio Spurs ran out victorious over the Miami Heat. Just as social media was abuzz with lightning and feverish expectations, so also did the game have a heated encounter. Tim Duncan and the rest of the Spurs gave LeBron James and his crew of most valuables something to ponder after Game 1. San Antonio Spurs pipped the Miami Heat 110-95 to give the NBA post-season finale an energetic spark.
An air conditioning failure was in some respect, the Achilles’ heel of the Miami Heat – quite an extraordinary contradiction. And it was the Heat’s most decisive game changer that felt the brunt of the breakdown as he suffered cramps by which he was unable to complete the game. That set the tone for the Spurs to rally into the lead; a game phenomenon given that prior to James’ exit the Heat looked comfortable on the throne.
Tim Duncan, who earned the MVP in Game 1, stayed cool through the encounter as he finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The steamy arena may have been enough to set a recourse in favour of the Spurs, but it was the Heat who looked done for. With San Antonio Spurs playing host to Game 2 on Sunday, Miami Heat will hope for cooler conditioning, perhaps the malfunction of the power system is their kryptonite.
Despite James’ departure midway through the fourth quarter, he showed leadership on the court as his game ended with 25 points, the highest in the late night showdown. That sets him on the record as he becomes only the third player after Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant with 4,000 points and 1000 rebounds in the postseason. He however, had 6 rebounds which was one more of Manu Ginobili’s 5 in last night’s game.
The Spurs’ “Big Three” were more than equal to their Eastern Conference rivals in Game 1. Their calm demeanour played a huge part in securing a 1-0 lead in the series. Should that composure receive an assurance from the cooling system ahead of Game 2 encounter, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili can call it a day on the heat right before the game gets started. Team effort and the less emphasis on individual character looks the more likely success tip for San Antonio Spurs.
Miami Heat are well in the know that their best way back into the game is to even the series. James’ swift return is the very spur that can calm nerves and lead them to their third title in consecutive years. Although, Dwayne Wade opines that the responsibility isn’t on the shoulder of team mate, LeBron James alone. “Obviously, tonight we would’ve loved to have him in there to finish the game, but we’ve got to finish the game better.”
This livewire encounter is a rematch of last year’s series between both sides. Miami Heat rallied late to win Game 6 in overtime forcing Game 7 which they won.
Image source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com