The San Antonio Spurs one-upped the Miami Heat last night in game 5 of the 2013 NBA Finals in a convincing 114-104 win to lead the series three games to two. The series now heads back to South Beach where LeBron and company will need to win two in a row for back-to-back NBA championships, though the fiery Spurs have already proven they can win in the Heat’s backyard.
The big story for the night was sixth man stud Manu Ginobli getting his first start since last year’s playoffs and making the best of it. Ginobli gave the Spurs another weapon to add to its arsenal thriving off his intense play, beyond the arc prowess, and knack for finding open passing lanes. Ginobli posted 24 points and doled out 10 assists while going 7-8 at the free throw line.
The Heat just couldn’t put a stop to San Antonio’s intensity though team leader and league MVP LeBron James was no slouch. Per usual James had his hand in almost every aspect of the game, tying Dwayne Wade with a team-high 25 points, handing out 4 assists, pulling down 6 rebounds, and forcing 4 steals. Along with his own 25 points, Wade dished out 10 assists.
The Spurs shooting guard Danny Green got the best of Ray Allen, both on the court and in the record books, sniping an impressive 6-10 from beyond the arc and smashing Allen’s record of most 3-pointers in a playoff series in his face with a total of 25 to date. He also put up 24 points.
Sitting on the brink of elimination in their own house might be enough to rally Miami behind its “Big 3,” though I think after Chris Bosh’s notorious and embarrassing flop in game 4, confidence from the Heat’s bench players might be hard to find. LeBron has a competitive streak reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s so if anyone can carry reach down into the depths of their willingness to win and pull an entire team onto their back, its James.
Conversely though, being one win away from a fifth NBA title is certainly enough fuel for the high-octane Spurs to pull out another W in Dade County as stoic leaders Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have already been on this stage and know what it takes. Basking in the game 5 win is not an option and coming out sluggish could be a nail in the Spurs’ title hopes coffin.
Game 6 is set for Thursday, June 10 at the American Airlines Center in Miami. Tip off will be at 9pm ET.
