The 2014 NBA Finals rematch is just three games deep. I say “just” because there is a distinct feeling about this series that could see the full seven games of basketball being required to determine a very deserving winner.
As it stands, the San Antonio Spurs hold sway with a 2-1 advantage, but they will be very aware that this time last year they were in an identical position, and failed to complete the task at hand, allowing the Miami Heat to repeat as NBA Champions.
They will be hoping and working towards making this time different.
Prior to this NBA Finals series, we knew we were in for something special. The best player in the game against a dynasty that has spanned a decade. Revenge was on the menu, but there was also a legacy to be made. So many subliminal stories. Tim Duncan vs LeBron James – again. The “built vs bought” notion. The idea that a three peat in this day and age could still be achieved. The four consecutive finals appearances.
The stage was set well before the opening tip of Game 1 and now that we have witnessed three incredible games it is time to take a look at where this series sits, how we got here and what we can expect over the coming week or so of basketball action.
The San Antonio Spurs recorded the leagues best record and therefore went into the NBA Finals with home court advantage. Every little bit helps and throughout the season it appeared as though the Spurs saw this edge as crucial. The Miami Heat played it a little differently, arguably “cruising” their way to the NBA Finals and managing their roster in the process so as to hit the last round of the season at full strength.
What we got from the outset, were two teams ready to claim the ultimate prize and willing to leave it all on the line to take it.
Game 1 will no doubt be thought of as the “cramp game”. It has been well documented that the air conditioning at San Antonio blew up and that it affected LeBron James to the point that he had to retire from the game – in a crucial stage too as it had a “Miami challenge” feel about it. It wasn’t to be and the Spurs were able to execute well enough down the stretch to take the first game. Tim Duncan was crucial as expected.
The second game was always going to be LeBron’s. There are very few competitors that will listen to all the criticism and use it as fuel to systematically prove you wrong and beat you until you are bloodied. James did this in sensational fashion with a third quarter onslaught that you could only sit back and marvel at. In the end, the Heat came away with the win, tied the series and had done what they set out to do – reclaim home court advantage by getting one win on the road.
Heading in to Game 3 it wasn’t easy to tell which way the pendulum was swinging. LeBron was looking like he was determined to destroy the Spurs legacy while creating one of his own, but the Spurs hardly seemed rattled. Both teams went into this third game believing in themselves. The Heat hadn’t been beaten on their home floor all playoffs – until now. The Spurs managed to put together one of the most brilliant halves of basketball ever seen. Their ball movement, their shooting – it was as perfect as you could play and they had Miami in the locker room at half time on the ropes and shaking their heads.
As with any championship team though, once you come out for the second half, it is all business and the Heat went about chipping away at the 20 point deficit. They worked their offense, made the right stops, got to the line and to the rim and towards the latter part of the third quarter, they looked as though they were going to fight their way back into it.
The fourth quarter saw the Spurs pull away and the Heat unable to capitalise on all their hard work. They couldn’t peg back the margin and their focus quickly shifted to an all important Game 4. The Spurs had been challenged, and they had come out in front on this occasion.
So here we sit, post Game 3 and awaiting Game 4 with huge anticipation. San Antonio fans will be happy with a 2-1 lead, but they should remember last year. The Spurs won Game 3 convincingly then too, they took a 2-1 lead then too. And they lost the next three games. This will give the Miami Heat hope. Surely the Spurs can’t shoot that well again. Miami are still at home and have the best player on the planet – and they have done this all before.
The task this year however, is a little more difficult. Reverting back to the old playoff format (2-2-1-1-1) means that the last three games of the series will alternate and the Heat would find the going very tough heading back to San Antonio trailing in this series. Miami are used to tough though. Four consecutive finals appearances, back to back championships – you can’t question the mettle of this team.
The Spurs too have a date with destiny it seems and right now have their noses in front – albeit slightly.
Buckle up fans – this series is far from over and there are still plenty of heroics left to be performed.
By Mark Bruty (@MarkBruty )
