At this point when my team is out, I have to start rooting for some other team. And that team was the Spurs after the first round. Now the finals are down to one game and the series is tied. I watched every game of the series, except the game 2, cause I was on the countryside enjoying summertime. Didn't bother to be online too much out there.
Anyway, the series was really tough and great to watch. Game 3 was a total blowout. The Spurs were feeling it from downtown; 16/32 and Danny Green 7/9 & Gary Neal 6/10. And if Ginobili (0/4) & Bonner (0/2) would have also been in the zone... but the cold hard fact is that you usually don't win games from downtown. That kinda happened in game 7.
Heat's "big three" got it going in game 4 and tied the series 2-2. If I remember right, the Heat had a huge run in this game, like 30-5 or something. This series had a lot of "runs". 20-2, 24-4 and so on. And another weird fact is that not a single technical foul were called in the finals. I think it was a good thing. Players we're not complaining too much. Mostly good officiating.
But all and all it was tight. Got my heart beating faster. That's a good sign. That's why we love this (or any other sport) game.
Then game 5. The last home game for San Antonio and the first game of the season, when Manu Ginobili was in the starting line-up. Nice pull from Popovich. Manu scored 24 points (8/14 FG, 7/8 FT) and had 10 assists. He made some tough plays and played a heck of a game. But we can't forget the other players. Kawhi Leonard 16 points (6/8 FG) and 8 rebounds. Did a great job defending "the greatest player" LeBron James. Tim Duncan and his post-up and bankshots. He plays good and simple basketball. Tony Parker and his floater and playmaking skills. He does it so well. Driving through the lane and making his decision. Lay-up or the pass. Pure point guard. And Danny Green and his shooting. Made a new record for most made three point shots in NBA Finals. Congrats for that. Incredible performance. But of course he doesn't have the experience yet, so he has got some work to do. You're not too much of a threat if you can only shoot from downtown.
And of course the Heat have great players too. They have to be, cause they're team won the finals. Chris Bosh, but he was a bit off in these finals. He's a great PF/C with long distance. That's what I like to see from a big man. Chris Andersen with his tattoees. Doesn't look like a ball player, but plays well. Great fighter with attitude.
Well everybody's talking about LeBron James. The leader of the team. I think he is a great ball player. His physicality is amazing. But I think his game is too reliable on that. His post-up moves aren't too creative. He just roams to the basket strong using his 250 lb. body. His clutch plays especially in game 6 were odd. Late 4th he drove to the basket and I'm not sure if he tried to shoot or pass the ball. Maybe he wasn't sure either. Dennis Rodman said he would be an average player in the 90's. Maybe he would be. And I'm a bit annoyed about these kinda question: Which one's better? Michael Jordan or LeBron James? I think there's no such thing as the greatest basketball player. Or the best hockey player. I would say both and many others are "one of the best players".
But anyway in game 7 LeBron got hot. And Battier and bit surprisingly Kawhi Leonard knocked down some big shots too. Many got their attentions on Mr. James, but I think Kawhi did great job for a second year player. Props to him. Keep calm (like he never does) and keep up the good work.
And when he was giving the engouraging speech or whatever you call it before a game in these finals, he was like "we gotta sacrifice more, we gotta protect more" and stuff, he didn't really show it in last two games. There was a few times when he made a bad play on the offensive end and the Spurs rushed to the other end and scored, and he just walked/jogged back on defense. I know that nobody's perfect, but come on man. Really?
And by the way gotta love Pop's interviews. Hard questions keep coming towards him and he just gives them a simple answer to their question. Obviously a great coach. But why he put "Timmy" on the bench in late 4th in game 6? Gave the Heat a chance and look where we are now. The Heat are the NBA (NOT world champions to some of you NBA fans :D) champions. I think Spurs played just a bit better, until the end of game 6. And based on game 7, the Heat played better. I think Duncan and Parker got too tired. And was it the last shot and tip in attempt by Timmy, he puts those kinda shots in. But not that time. Shame. I didn't like the result, but I guess all I can say is: Miami Heat: congratulations. And LeBron with his MVP speech probably went like (I stopped watching the game on 0:40 mark in the end): "Not one, not two, not three, not four etc."
Anyway, enjoy it. We will forget this victory soon. Next season Rubio & the T'Wolves, Hibbert & the Pacers will conquer. And Kobe will be back and the Lakers will be the 2013-14 champions!!! :D
