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Talk about high stakes.
Miami HEAT and San Antonio Spurs had produced a back-and-forth enthralling NBA Finals, and it would all epitomize in emphatic fashion, Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
With the eyes of the World upon the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida, the objective of the HEAT and Spurs was simple – win the game and you become the NBA Champions. But that achieving that objective would not be easy at all, because the passion and desire to become Champion was on full display as the NBA season culminated in an amazing way.
Both teams played with intensity in the first quarter but the low scoring end was a result of poor shooting and turnovers.
Dwyane Wade came out aggressive for Miami, and Tim Duncan’s desire to further solidify his legacy was on full display in the first quarter. Duncan had an unusual-but-impressive play, when he managed to steal the ball and hit a fast break – or slow break, as some would say.
Meanwhile Manu Ginobili found himself in some foul trouble as he picked up two fouls in the first quarter, however coach Greg Popovich invested trust in the veteran allowing him to play out the last 3 minutes of the quarter.
Miami gained an all-important threshold on the quarter when they took the lead for the first time following an 8 – 0 run, to finish the quarter two points ahead, leading 18 – 16.
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| First Quarter Shot Chart via HEAT.com shows the poor shooting by both teams in the opening 12 minutes. |
Maybe pressure could explain the poor shooting…
Some poor shooting would continue in the second quarter, a combination of nerves and of course fatigue from that grueling Game 6 thriller on Tuesday which set up for the Game 7.
Chris Bosh picked up his third foul as he struggled to contain The Big Fundamental Tim Duncan, resulting in Bosh getting a third foul less than halfway through the quarter. Hot shooting from beyond-the-arc by Shane Battier
Dwyane Wade was on some excellent form with 14 points better than his Game 6 performance. An aggressive performance by Wade in particular had a significant impact.
Meanwhile his counterpart Manu Ginobili had glimpses of his best with his shooting, layups and assists. Bosh would remain quiet with 0 points in the first half. This is the first time in the postseason where he has had a scoreless first half.
LeBron’s 15 points was important to keep the HEAT tipping ahead, including picking up some points in great fashion (see video above).
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| 2nd Quarter Shot Chart via HEAT.com |
A first half that started with poor shooting and turnovers, but the pace picked up and a good game has come out of it. Spurs may be thankful to the free-throws for keeping them in it, but good work to stay with the HEAT nonetheless. LeBron and Wade with a combined 29 points meanwhile the Spurs also got it done, as Tim Duncan scored 15 points and picked up three rebounds and Kawhi Leonard had 10 rebounds, an incredible amount for the first half.
With business now picked up, who would go on to become the NBA Champions?
Kawhi Leonard picked up an early double-double in the third quarter with 11 points and 11 rebounds, this was score was to increase with the NBA Championship hanging in the balance.
Miami pulled off a magnificent play when Miller threw it to LeBron who dished it out to Dwyane Wade for the dunk. Spectacular.
However things were not looking quite as good for man of the moment Danny Green…
But then he hit the three to give the Spurs a 1 point lead, would this be the start of another three-point frenzy?
LeBron James 5th three pointer had HEAT leading, and also broke a record in the NBA Finals, with the most ever three-pointers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Even Diaw got into the mix when his shot from downtown gave the Spurs a 1-point edge before a timeout.
Back and forth they went, and it set up the quarter for a one-point game.
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| Third Quarter Shot Chart via HEAT.com |
The HEAT went in with just a 1-point lead courtesy of Shane Battier (who hit his 4th 3-pointer) and then Chalmers took the roof of the AmercianAirlines Arena when he drilled a Three-Pointer on the buzzer.
The stage was set. Miami were leading 72 – 71, with one quarter left of the NBA season…
Tim Duncan joined Kawhi Leonard as he got a double-double in the fourth quarter. Miami got on a run to get a lead, but there was still a lot to play for. The pressure was high on the officials as numerous video reviews occurred to ensure that there would be no refereeing errors that possibly would decide the outcome of such an important game.
With 5:37 remaining in the final quarter, San Antonio called a much needed timeout as they trailed 83 – 77 to Miami, following LeBron’s mid-range jumper and Ginobili had been costly with his mistakes in the fourth quarter. Pressure was mounting, would this get out of the Spurs’ control?
Just as many began to write off the Spurs, they fought back to within three points, after back and fourth enthralling action which saw Duncan on the boards, Battier hit another three and Ginobili get back to his usual by sinking a three (maybe too costly however). With three minutes remaining, the clock was ticking, the Championships were waiting..
Chris Bosh had a chance to seal the game with 90 seconds left, but buckled under pressure and missed both free throws. 2 points were the difference.
Less than a minute to go, Duncan missed an opportunity to even the game, this was TENSE.
LeBron took it home for Miami in the final minute, following another field goal he found himself at the free throw line after intercepting the Spurs pass in the paint and being fouled.
And with that, the NBA season was secured.
Spurs fall short, they have had a great season but could not beat the HEAT this time round. Spurs can leave with their heads held high.
Miami HEAT defeated the Spurs 95 – 88 after an incredible season. Spectacular NBA Finals and Miami are NBA Champions.
A fitting culmination to an amazing season to watch and experience.
Your NBA Champions, Miami HEAT.
Published by Nisar Khan, founder of TheSportMatrix.com
TheSportMatrix.com – Your Place For NBA, Your Place For Sports.
IMAGE COURTESY: ESPN.com, Bleacher Report, Getty Images, GIFs via Bleacher Report
No copyright infringement intended, no profit is gained from the use of these images
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