SAN ANTONIO—The San Antonio Spurs were destined for redemption after losing the NBA title to the Miami Heat in 2013. Well, 2014 was in favor of the Spurs who defeated the Heat 104-87. Miami was in a desperate situation, either win or go home, with the Spurs just one game away from becoming the 2014 NBA Champions.
To make the situation worse, the Heat were playing on the Spurs home court and the Spurs were destined to end the series and add another title to the team’s history. Miami came out guns blazing in the first quarter with a hefty 29 points, sending the message to the Spurs that they had no intention of ending their season early without a win.
The Spurs countered that reaction by scoring high numbers in the second quarter, with 25 points. At half-time, the Spurs lead 47-40 and it was a done deal for the Miami Heat. The team solidified the win by scoring 30 points in the third quarter, nearly making it impossible for the Heat to regain the lead they initially held in the first half.
Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs in scoring with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Leonard was also in celebratory mode as he won the MVP award for his performance during the NBA Finals. Teammate Tim Duncan scored 14 points and 2 blocks in the game. This is the fifth title for Duncan who was a member of the team during their 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 wins.
In attendance during Sunday’s game were former Spurs players Avery Johnson and David Robinson. LeBron James led the Heat in scoring with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. James was indeed determined to lead his team to another title, but 2014 was not the Heat’s year. Chris Bosh finished the game with 13 points.
Both teams will have big questions to address in the coming year. The Spurs will deal with the question of rather coach Greg Popovich will return; the same applies for Duncan who, I would argue could be reaching the point of retirement in my opinion. Miami will also deal with free agency for James, Bosh and Dwayne Wade. With the Spurs knocking off two-time NBA champions the Miami Heat, it’s certain the team if its entire core returns will want to avenge the loss in 2015.
The 2014 NBA Finals was a competitive match, but it was obvious after Game 3, the Miami Heat was not match for the San Antonio Spurs. In 2013, both teams went to Game 7, in 2014, the Spurs knocked off the defending champs in just five games, 4-1. The Spurs were indeed the better team in the long run.
By LaDale Anderson
