In
Game 5 of the 2013 NBA Finals, players on both sides had much to prove. And they
did. Danny Green proved that he belonged in finals lore, next to such great
names as Ray Allen. Ray Allen proved that he still held such distinction,
converting two four-point plays in one game. Manu GINOOOOOOBLI!! Proved that he
(and his bald spot) can still redefine his game and elevate to new levels, and
Miami’s Big Three proved that they can tussle and battle despite huge deficits
and seemingly insurmountable disadvantages. But the most crucial fact that was
uncovered Sunday night? The Miami Heat will be champions again. Don’t believe
me? Watch.
San
Antonio came into Game 5 having just suffered a 16-point loss on their home
court a few nights before. They had to play inspired. A 3-2 deficit heading
back to Miami was looking less and less attractive by the second, that was
obvious. With the resurgence of Dwyane Wade, it was now Manu Ginobli who the
microscope was over. Is he injured? Is he too old? Could his bald spot possibly
get any bigger without forcing him to just shave his head? Basketball fans were
demanding answers to these and many more questions. And then it happened. Game 5
happened.
However,
before any of you Spurs fans get excited, here are some things to notice about
Game 5. First of all, Danny Green went on a ridiculous shooting binge, passing
Ray Allen’s 22 for most three’s made in a Finals series. But did you see
something different? Did you see the total airball that was his first shot? Did
you notice when, during yet another Heat run late in the game, his shots
stopped falling and led to transition points for Miami? Everyone who’s seen
even one basketball game knows rule number one: He who lives by the three,
shall die by the three. And in Game 5, the Spurs almost died by the three. And they
still might have, had Ray Allen’s shot late in the fourth quarter not been
nullified by yet another terrible call. Which brings me to my next point…
The
refs. ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?! I don’t think I’ve ever cussed out so many
people I don’t know in my head in such a short amount of time. When Battier
almost pushed Manu and Manu folded like a lawn chair, still getting the call
(of course), I was already at my wit’s end. And it only got worse from there. The
refs continued to give the Spurs every call they could ever hope to have swing
their way, throwing in a few travels against Tony Parker to keep the fans
unawares. Without fail, the refs were there to slash the tires off of every run
Miami made, conveniently robbing them of any and all momentum time and time
again. Look at that! This is a perfect Segway into…
Runs!
Runs! Runs! No, not The Runs. Runs, as in, Miami going on long stretches of
time without having any of their points contested. This is how LeBron & Co.
were able to return from deficits of over 20 points to being within one shot of
taking the lead. Miami was able to stay in the game no matter what the Spurs
did, thanks in most part to transition attacking by D-Wade and great shooting
by Ray Allen. Not to mention that they were doing all of this on the road,
which brings up…
The
Heat no longer whither in big moments. Some will say that Miami failed on
Sunday night, and maybe they did, but one thing they did not do is give up. The
Big Three has learned to recognize turning points in the game, in the series,
in their career, and buckle down. After winning only one of the first two games
on their home court, Miami traveled to San Antonio only to suffer a 36-point
loss. However, they came out in Game 3, where many expected them to fade away, and executed a sound victory on the road. Even in Game 5, the Heat played
very well when the chips were down. It just so happened that the Spurs were
playing PERFECTLY and this brings me to my final point…
Do
you see now? Do you realize what is only inevitable? In Games 6 and 7, both
which will be played on Miami’s floor, the Spurs can not play as well as they
did on Sunday night. Even if Danny Green’s shots keep falling, they will not
get as many favorable calls from the refs. Even if Manu Ginobli maintains his otherworldly
success, the Heat will still go on uncontested runs. You see, Miami played
great basketball in both games 4 and 5, but the Spurs made a concerted effort
in Game 5 because returning to Miami with a 3-2 deficit would essentially seal
their fate. However, the Heat have found their groove and are now being
afforded the luxury of two games at home. It took a perfect game from the Spurs
to hold off the Heat on Sunday. Don’t expect them to be able to do it again.
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