Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage of NBA Finals Game 1: Miami Heat @ San Antonio SpursFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2014-06-08T14:31:44-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/55459092014-06-08T14:31:44-05:002014-06-08T14:31:44-05:00The Spurs' near-perfect fourth quarter
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Heat didn't have LeBron James for the end of Game 1 and the Spurs took advantage with a run the likes of which had never been seen in the The Finals before.</p> <p>Every virtuoso works toward mastery of their craft by pursuing perfection in one form of another. Whether it be a painting that captures an old scene in a beautifully refreshing way, a concerto that moves an audience to tears, or a flawless athletic performance - perfection is elusive. If attained, the moment is ephemeral. Otherwise, it's an ever-haunting goal, always out of reach.</p>
<p>A perfect basketball game has never been played. It's an impossible accomplishment even between teams of drastically different skill levels. But that reality shouldn't deter the aspiration. A team can pursue perfection, even if it means they always fall short on the court. Even so, what would a nearly unblemished perf<wbr></wbr>ormance look like?</p>
<p>I submit for your approval: the final quarter of Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals.</p>
<p>The first three quarters of the game were closely contested, but far from perfect -- what with the Spurs' patented style of hot-potato basketball turned turnover-happy. Fortunately, Parker's ankle didn't seem to be holding him back, and Ginobili and Duncan were playing like they just drank directly from Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth. But still, Green couldn't make a shot, Leonard was limited with early fouls, and the Spurs squandered a half-time lead to start the fourth down by four, 78 - 74. Advantage Miami.</p>
<p>The quarter began with Ray Allen dishing to Chris Bosh for a jumper but Tiago Splitter replied with back-to-back layups, drawing a foul on the second. Splitter's five point spurt cut the lead to a single point.</p>
<p>Bosh countered Splitter with a six point run of his own, including a four point play to push Miami to a seven point lead with 9:37 to go. But Parker and Duncan both converted shots to chip away at Miami's lead. When the Spurs pulled to 86 to 84, the Heat called a timeout of their own to regroup and make substitutions.</p>
<p>This is where the Spurs run began in earnest. First, Diaw dished to Green for a corner three. Swish. Then again, a horseshoe pass from Diaw found Green beyond the arc. Swish. Chris Anderson added two for the Heat. Duncan finished a layup before snagging a rebound off a Wade miss which created a fast break ending in an emphatic slam by Green. Spurs up 4. Heat call for time.</p>
<p>During the timeout the Coyote stood in the middle of court and, as customary, tried to organize a cheer. But just before the Coyote stomped on the first "S" in Spurs (presumably, to organize an <i>S-P-U-R-S</i> cheer before a chorus of GO SPURS GO) the crowd took over with a cheer of their own: Beat the Heat! Beat the Heat!</p>
<p>LeBron entered the game and quickly silenced the AT&T Center with a driving layup of his own. With 4:09 remaining the Spurs were only up by two. It was still anybody's game. But that's when LeBron's cramping became so severe that he couldn't continue. And that's when Green converted his third three to give the Spurs a five point lead with 3:49 remaining and the crowd erupted with another spontaneous chorus of "Beat the Heat!"</p>
<p>To this point in the quarter, the Spurs had converted every field goal they attempted but one -- a Ginobili two-pointer shortly after the first Heat timeout. The second miss came after Diaw's only bucket of the game, which was followed by a Mario Chalmers corner three. Parker missed a layup with 1:49 remaining and the Spurs up four.</p>
<p>In the final two minutes of the game, while the Heat struggled to score, the Spurs orchestrated a sublime explosion of offensive production, closing with an 11 - 0 run. Kawhi made two three-pointers, Tony added five points (including a very poised corner three, his second of the game), and the Spurs roared to a fifteen point victory, the largest lead of the game.</p>
<p>In the fourth the Spurs approached what must be the Platonic ideal of perfect basketball with the best offensive quarter in NBA Finals history. Fourteen out of their sixteen shoots dropped for a shooting percentage of 87.5%. The Spurs' marksmen shot 100% from three-point territory, draining all six of their attempts. Defensively, the Spurs contained the Heat to 17 points.</p>
<p>If you examine the fourth quarter on a micro level, the Spurs played something close to perfect basketball. The Spurs won the quarter 36 to 17 playing as a cohesive unit by making passes and finding the open man. On a macro level -- Tim Duncan has now tallied 156 playoff double-doubles, which is two away from surpassing Magic Johnson's 18 year-old record. Meanwhile, the team is making history with its eighth consecutive home playoff game won by a margin of at least fifteen points.</p>
<p>None of these accomplishments are things the Spurs pursue, and achieving them is only possible in the pursuit of something greater. The next step the the journey of is tonight, when the Spurs have another shot at perfection: agoal that can lead to basketball nirvana even though it's never reached.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/8/5791076/nba-finals-heat-spurs-near-perfect-fourth-quarterianpanchevre2014-06-07T10:36:04-05:002014-06-07T10:36:04-05:00Game 1 notes and observations
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There was much to worry about in Game 1, but a few good things too. It's not easy to beat the champs by 15 points. </p> <p>What am I supposed to say about <span>LeBron James</span> leaving the game with cramps, beyond that it was a fortunate break for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>? Certainly I won't cast aspersions on his toughness or manhood or any of that silly stuff. But when you strut and preen and flex your arms after "and-1s" and generally carry on like you're above everyone else, you make it easy for those who are prone to those kinds of <i>criticisms</i>. If you want the roses, you've got to accept the thorns. To James' credit, he didn't lash out at anyone or blame anybody.</p>
<p>James never really put his true imprint on the game and got off to a tentative start, content to let <span>Chris Bosh</span> and <span>Dwyane Wade</span> carry the load early on. It's a testament to his talent that he can have a quiet 25 points, but from the beginning it was apparent that his energy level wasn't what we're accustomed to seeing from him. In Game 1 last year he had 18 rebounds and 10 assists in a losing cause. A year later? Six rebounds, three assists.</p>
<p>The one thing about him that was truly frightening is that he seems to have figured out the match-up with <span>Boris Diaw</span>. James drove it right to the rim whenever Diaw guarded him, and scored easily, even on his final play in which he pulled up lame on the baseline with just under four minutes to go.</p>
<p>I'm content to let James score on drives. Just don't suck in off the three-point shooters. That -- and turnovers -- is how Miami kills teams.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>The Spurs' depth made the difference. Both teams played nine guys, but because of the malfunctioning air-conditioner, Spoelstra had to alter his rotations and minutes rations substantially. The bottom line is that the non-big-three Spurs outscored the non-big-three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> 54-33. Anytime Tony Parker- <span>Tim Duncan</span>-<span>Manu Ginobili</span> can stay within ten points of James-Wade-Bosh, the Spurs should expect to win handily. I wouldn't say every Spur played well. <span>Marco Belinelli</span> made a number of poor passes and bad decisions and <span>Patty Mills</span> really struggled defensively, but they combined for 16 points on eight shots at least. Allen was the only "role player" that showed up for Miami, and even labeling him as such is unfair considering he's a Hall-of-Famer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Game 1 was illustrative of how far <span>Danny Green</span> has come. He was absolutely putrid for three quarters, but he didn't get down on himself. Then in the fourth quarter, he hit three of the biggest shots in the game to help pull it out. No matter how much he misses, he continues to run and look for his chances, and he makes teams pay if they lose him. Kudos to Pop for not giving up on him and kudos to his teammates for continuing to look for him.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>I'm not worried about Kawhi Leonard. He came out of the gates slowly in last year's Finals too (check out the box score of <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400467195">Game 1 last year</a> if you want a laugh) but got better as the series went on. It's going to be difficult for him to have as much of an offensive impact as last year if Parker and Ginobili are healthy and playing better and also if the Spurs continue to play bigger than they did last year.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Speaking of playing big, we need to get something straight. People like Bill Simmons continue to insist that the Spurs are playing small and "have mastered small-ball," but I can't agree. Diaw is listed as a power forward. To me when he's paired with <span>Tiago Splitter</span> or Duncan, the Spurs are playing big, the same as the Heat are playing big when they have Bosh and <span>Rashard Lewis</span> (or <span>Chris Andersen</span>) out on the floor. Maybe it's semantics, but to me true small ball is when Leonard and James match up at power forwards.</p>
<p>The Spurs played 6:28 with Leonard at the four and were -11 in that time, including my favored lineup of Duncan-Leonard-Green-Ginobili-Parker finishing -6 in 1:06, so no, I'm not going to say they've exactly mastered small ball.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>The Spurs' best lineup was Duncan-Diaw-Leonard-Ginobili-Parker, which finished plus-22 in 8:23 over four separate shifts. Their second-best was Duncan-Diaw-Green-Ginobili-Parker, which was plus-8 in 5:08. The only other lineup that Pop used more than once was the traditional starters, who totaled 6:58 and Pop pulled the plug on them really early in the third quarter. The other 17 lineups were one-and-done, with none of them totaling more than 3:39. Generally, they were awesome when Diaw and Ginobili were two of the five on the floor (+36 in 26 minutes) and crummy when Bobo and Manu rested.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Splitter gave the team good minutes on the floor, especially away from Duncan, and scored one less point (14) on Thursday than he did in Games 4-7 of the Finals last year. He also had a pair of blocks, including one on James, but somehow I doubt that'll get played endlessly on the highlight shows. Splitter did turn it over four times though.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>The silver lining of those 23 turnovers: at least the Spurs didn't have the ball stuck in the mud and were making an effort to move it and share it and trust one another. They didn't get 30 assists on their 40 baskets by accident, nor did they get all those layups for Duncan and Splitter by just taking the court. It's a risk vs. reward battle versus Miami, that is how they play. When your passes are sharp and on point, You can score on them, but by definition it's hard to be perfect. You live with the giveaways in the paint, because the risk is worth the reward. What the Spurs have to do is clean up the unforced turnovers on the perimeter, the needless giveaways borne of sloppiness and bad execution. Those are the ones that are guaranteed layups on the other end. At least when you lose it in the paint there are usually guys who can get back in transition.</p>
<p>The adjustment the Heat will probably make is to ensure that a big will be their third guy rotating over, at least someone like James or <span>Shane Battier</span> if not Bosh or Andersen. It's not going to be their point guards or Wade any more, you can be sure of that. The Spurs' bigs will have to make the next pass to the corner even quicker, and without turning it over. Those corner threes should be there for the Spurs all series long though. Miami's scheme just gives some of those up.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Has anyone mentioned that the Spurs forced 18 turnovers themselves and that the points-off-turnovers was 28-to-27? If they have, I missed it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Ginobili was the only player on either team to play the entire fourth quarter. He had six assists in the period. Call me a homer, but I think he's better this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p><b>Your 3 Stars: </b></p>
<p><b>3. Boris Diaw (17 pts)</b></p>
<p><b>2. Manu Ginobili (27 pts)</b></p>
<p><b>1. Tim Duncan (30 pts)</b></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/7/5787502/nba-finals-spurs-heat-game-1-notes-thoughtsMichael Erler2014-06-06T23:47:09-05:002014-06-06T23:47:09-05:00Spurs Infographic: Finals Game 1
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Behold! The triumphant return of the Spurs Infographic. New, improved and ready for action!</p> <p>Pounding the Rock is proud to present this infographic from Mariah Medina. You can follow her on Twitter @mariahmedinaaa</p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5786802/spurs-infographic-san-antonio-vs-miami-nba-finals-game-1J.R. Wilco2014-06-06T18:11:56-05:002014-06-06T18:11:56-05:00Spurs rally past Heat to take a 1-0 Finals lead
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>I admit it, the Spurs were very lucky by what happened Thursday night ... Mario Chalmers' foul trouble was a huge break, I'm not gonna lie. </p> <p><b>Finals Game 1 vs. Miami: <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> 110, <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> 95 Series: 1-0, Spurs</b></p>
<p>All season long the Spurs have faced crossroads and chosen the correct path every time.</p>
<p>They had a chance to feel sorry for themselves last summer after the tragic end to their season -- to stage a "pity party" as <span>Gregg Popovich</span> calls it -- and cash in their chips. <span>Tim Duncan</span> and <span>Manu Ginobili</span> could've both chosen to retire, rightly reasoning that they just blew their best chance for another title and that chasing another one would be futile, what with their bodies even likelier to betray them in 2014. But they both came back to chase it again, more determined than ever.</p>
<p><span>Danny Green</span> could've grown weary of being scapegoated by Pop for that loss and for being benched early in the season. He could have demanded a trade, declaring that he deserved more respect than he was getting. Instead he just pressed on and figured out different ways to get his three-point shots.</p>
<p>Ginobili could've noticed the pattern after suffering his second hamstring strain midway through the season at Houston, at the same point of the year he tweaked it the second of three times in 2013. He could have gotten down, playing cautiously and tentatively and always wondering when the next pull was coming. But he stayed positive and put together a campaign worthy of the Sixth Man of the Year award.</p>
<p>The team could've given in when the injury epidemic hit, not just to Ginobili and Green but also <span>Tony Parker</span>, <span>Tiago Splitter</span>, <span>Kawhi Leonard</span>, but Duncan just wouldn't let them. He dragged a squad that was pretty much just him, <span>Boris Diaw</span>, <span>Patty Mills</span> and <span>Marco Belinelli</span> to a successful Rodeo Road Trip.</p>
<p><span>Cory Joseph</span> could've mentally checked out once Pop made the decision to go with Mills as Parker's backup, but instead he stayed engaged and has made the most of every opportunity he was given, regardless of whether or not it was in garbage time.</p>
<p>Down 2-1 in the first round to a spunky <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> squad after a buzzer-beating gut-punch three from <span>Vince Carter</span>, the Spurs could've folded. They hadn't won a road game in a series they were trailing since 2010 -- a 1-0 hole, against those same Mavs. This time they played a gritty Game 4 at Dallas and won a back-and-forth fourth quarter, thanks to some heroics from Diaw and Parker, to regain control of the series.</p>
<p>Nursing the wounds to their pride after two straight butt-kickings on the road at Oklahoma City and hearing all the doubters bringing up 2012, they could've gone down meekly, reasoning that they just can't score on Serge Ibaka. Out of nowhere, they blew the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a> off the floor in Game 5.</p>
<p>In Game 6 -- in a building where they'd lost nine straight -- down seven at half, they could've sat everyone in the second half, especially once they found out that Parker was out for the rest of the night with an ankle injury. They could've told themselves "This is why we fought all year long for home court advantage, so we don't need to win games like this." Instead, they played like it was a must-win, putting together an all-time third quarter on the road.</p>
<p>After blowing a ten point fourth quarter lead and letting the Thunder take the game to overtime, the Spurs could've thought about Game 6 at Miami and last year and dropped their heads. Rather, Duncan outscored the Thunder by himself in the extra period.</p>
<p>So here they are now, right back in almost the same spot they found themselves last year, up 1-0 in the Finals to the defending champion Heat, only this time they're at home so losing a Game 2 would be even more damaging.</p>
<p>As we discovered last season, the toughest thing to do in the modern NBA is to beat Miami in an elimination game. The second toughest, though, is to beat them consecutively, period. They haven't lost two straight playoff games since games 2 and 3 of the second round against the <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a> in 2012, and even that had a bit of an asterisk as <span>Chris Bosh</span> tore an abdominal muscle (which inadvertently gave <span>Erik Spoelstra</span> the idea to use <span>LeBron James</span> as a power forward to unleashed hell on the league).</p>
<p>To win Game 2 the Spurs will have to overcome an angry and incredibly inspired James, and they'll have to prove they can win after a crummy win, which they almost never, ever do.</p>
<p>Remember the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=400553054&period=0">very first game of these playoffs</a>? The Spurs were down 81-71 with 7:30 to go against Dallas and closed it out with a 19-4 run. They didn't play at all well, especially offensively, but they let out a sigh of relief at having overcome that bit of adversity and "pounding the rock" over 48 minutes and all that.</p>
<p>And what'd they do after having learned that crucial lesson? How did they handle prosperity after stealing a home win? <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400553055">They spat up all over themselves in a 113-92 loss</a>, turning it over 24 times.</p>
<p>This isn't a perfect comparison, of course, because the Spurs just won a 23 turnover game, leading to 28 Heat points. According to Matthew Tynan of <a href="http://48minutesofhell.com">48 Minutes of Hell</a>, the Heat are 47-5 in their Big Three Era when forcing 19 or more turnovers.</p>
<p>It's hard to imagine that the Spurs will somehow be sloppier with the ball in Game 2, though that may just be because I don't want to. They can most definitely play worse in other fronts though. They can (and almost certainly will) allow way more than 11 free throw attempts. They can (and almost certainly will) shoot worse than 59 percent from the floor and 52 percent from downtown. They can certainly get burned more from Miami's threes, especially if they give <span>Ray Allen</span> as many open looks as he got in Game 1.</p>
<p>In short, the Spurs will have to play much, much better to win Game 2. To me the series is just starting now. I was counting on a Game 1 win all along. As arrogant as it sounds, I was almost taking it for granted. To be down seven with 9:38 to go against them really threw me for a loop. I thought it'd take the Heat at least five or six quarters to catch up to the Spurs' pace and quality after being mired in the Eastern muck. Instead they answered every body blow from the Spurs with one of their own.</p>
<p>I was extremely impressed by the Heat on both ends of the floor. Their ball movement was just as dizzying and dazzling as the Spurs at times and their gambling, all-or-nothing defense is unorthodox, but it sure seems to work for them. They dare you to be perfect and precise and they punish you when you're not. Other teams just want to force contested shots and rebound. Miami tries to prevent shot attempts altogether.</p>
<p>I'm already regretting the hubris in my <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/4/5778570/nba-finals-prediction-spurs-heat">pre-series prediction column.</a> These guys are going to be tougher to beat than the Thunder were. It's going to be a tremendous challenge. I honestly can't say I'm more encouraged after Game 1, even with a win, but it's better than the alternative I suppose.</p>
<p>Now comes the hard part.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5786990/nba-finals-spurs-sloppiness-ac-take-lead-vs-miamiMichael Erler2014-06-06T15:01:52-05:002014-06-06T15:01:52-05:00GIF Breakdown: Finals Game 1 - Miami Heat at Spurs
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Spurs picked up their 13th win of the postseason and take a 1-0 series lead after an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter. Let's look at some of the plays that stood out in this edition of GIF Breakdown. </p> <p><span>Gregg Popovich</span> waited five minutes to bring <span>Manu Ginobili</span> off of the bench and the Argentine was an absolute stud on Thursday night. This is the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>' first offensive possession with Gino on the floor and The Wily One sets up at the left wing as <span>Tim Duncan</span> seals off <span>Rashard Lewis</span> in the left block. Manu moves toward the baseline, <span>LeBron James</span> sees the seal and the move from Manu so he leaves <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> alone in the corner to bring help on big Tim. It's no use as the bounce pass from Manu is pure and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#timduncan">GOAT PUFF </a>gets two of his 21 points.</p>
<p><img alt="1_manu_to_timmy" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573329/1_manu_to_timmy.gif"> <br id="1402033488926"></p>
<p><img alt="1_manu_to_timmy" class="photo" src="http://giant.gfycat.com/FlawedSecondhandAustraliankestrel.gif"> <br id="1402033488926"></p>
<p>After the Timmy layup Manu started to rain deep-balls, going 3-of-3 from behind the arc in the first quarter. This is the middle triple and it comes out of transition. <span>Tony Parker</span> is pushing the ball in the middle of the floor and Gino moves to the break where Parker hits him with a solid, if unspectacular, pass. Numero Veinte hits no rim and the Spurs' bench gives him a standing ovation.</p>
<p><img alt="2_manu_tres" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573337/2_manu_tres.gif"> <br id="1402033561964"></p>
<p>Manu is a great passer in a pick-and-roll setting and <span>Tiago Splitter</span> is a great roll man. So, when Chris Anderson and <span>Ray Allen</span> pursue Gino around the arc Tiago is free to roll into the paint where <span>Shane Battier</span> is a little undersized to stop Splitter. Manu makes one of his fantastic passes, over and between the two defenders, and Tiago shows good patience under the basket as he waits for <span>Norris Cole</span> to fly by before hitting a bunny.</p>
<p><img alt="3_manu_tiago_pnr" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573355/3_manu_tiago_pnr.gif"> <br id="1402033634516"></p>
<p>Here's Ginobili weaving his way through defenders into the paint as Patty floats to the corner. Patty's man, Norris Cole, doesn't see him move and helps on Manu which made it easy for Gino to kick it to the corner where the little Aussie buries it.</p>
<p><img alt="4_manu_to_patty" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573379/4_manu_to_patty.gif"></p>
<p>Ginobili wasn't the only Spur that consistently created for the team. My man <span>Boris Diaw</span> played a spectacular game despite only scoring two points on five shots. His six assists and 10 rebounds were really important, and his versatility is going to play a huge role for the rest of this series. This sequence starts with Boris receiving the ball in the right corner and driving around Ray without hesitation. Tony is camped out in his spot in the left corner and Boris hits him after tricking LeBron and Cole. That's a great French Connection.</p>
<p><img alt="6_boris_kick_tp_corner" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573411/6_boris_kick_tp_corner.gif"> <br id="1402034138454"></p>
<p>Watch Boris go up and get an offensive rebound as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> don't do a good job of boxing out on Tony's miss. Boris takes a couple of dribbles as he surveys the floor and finds Timmy with an open lane in front of him near the free throw line. That's great chemistry and play from these two San Antonio big men.</p>
<p><img alt="7_bobo_board_and_dime" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573419/7_bobo_board_and_dime.gif"> <br id="1402034249935"></p>
<p>This is just poor defense from Dwyane Wade. He let's Manu saunter to the restricted area and Diaw feeds him the ball for the half-second score.</p>
<p><img alt="9_manu_inbound" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573459/9_manu_inbound.gif"> <br id="1402034494254"></p>
<p>Just out of transition we see Tony Parker work his way into the middle of the lane and fake a jumper to get <span>Chris Bosh</span> up in the air before he passes it to a wide-open Tiago Splitter. Throw it down, big man! Throw it down!</p>
<p><img alt="10_tony_to_ts" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573467/10_tony_to_ts.gif"> <br id="1402034675522"></p>
<p><span>Danny Green</span> was important in this one, scoring 11 points in just over two minutes of the fourth after going scoreless for the first 42 minutes of the game. This is his second three, and like the first one, Boris is the man that set him up. Boris drives baseline from the corner and Danny has drifted out to the wing where Bobo finds him for the wide-open look.</p>
<p><img alt="11" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573475/11.gif"> <br id="1402034803470"></p>
<p>That's it for this edition of GIF Breakdown.We'll be back after Game Two, hopefully after the good guys take a 2-0 lead over the bad guys. Until then, this team is so easy to root for.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">3</h3>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5784406/gif-breakdown-finals-game-1-miami-heat-at-san-antonio-spursChris Itz2014-06-06T12:55:22-05:002014-06-06T12:55:22-05:00The AC is back on at the AT&T Center
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<figcaption>Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> Sports & Entertainment has released the following statement:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>(SAN ANTONIO) June 6, 2014 </b>- The electrical failure that caused the AC system outage during Game 1 of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Finals</a> has been repaired. The AC system has been tested, is fully operational and will continue to be monitored. The upcoming events at the AT&T Center, including the Romeo Santos concert tonight, the Stars game on Saturday night and Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, will go on as scheduled. We apologize for the conditions in the arena during last night's game.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Temperatures reached over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during Game 1.</p>
<p>I'm really glad they got that taken care of, but we are going to have to get really creative to match the elite level of <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> jokes achieved in Game 1.</p>
<p>Like Mike Breen said during the game: That's awful nice of them to apologize</p>
<p>Game 2 is Sunday at 7, hopefully everyone will be nice and hydrated.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5786572/air-conditioning-ATT-center-has-been-fixedaustin.gilly2014-06-06T09:08:06-05:002014-06-06T09:08:06-05:00NBA Finals Game 1 Links
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<figcaption>Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Spurs withstood the Heat, while LeBron James had to get out of the kitchen. Here are your Game 1 links.</p> <p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20140605&game=MIASAS">Game Flow</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=400559374">Shot Char</a>t</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> Postgame Interviews: <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-popovich.nba//" target="_blank">Coach Pop</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-duncan.nba//" target="_blank">Timmy</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-duncan-walkoff-interview.nba//" target="_blank">Timmy On-Court</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-parker.nba//" target="_blank">Tony Parker</a>,<a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2014/06/06/20140605-gt-danny-green.nba//" target="_blank"> Danny Green 1</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/06/140605greenmp4-3293701/" target="_blank">Danny Green 2</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/06/140605leonardmp4-3293700/" target="_blank">Kawhi Leonard</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/06/140605diawmp4-3293699/" target="_blank">BoBo</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-ginobili.nba//" target="_blank">Manu</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/06/140605millsmp4-3293698/" target="_blank">Patty Mills</a></p>
<p>Miami Postgame Interviews: <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/05/140605allenmov-3293693/" target="_blank">Ray Allen</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/05/140605boshmov-3293694/" target="_blank">Chris Bosh</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/06/05/140605battiermov-3293692/" target="_blank">Shane Battier</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-wade.nba//" target="_blank">Dwyane Wade</a>, <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-spoelstra.nba//" target="_blank">Coach Spo</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/06/06/0041300401-postgame-rod-thorn.nba//" target="_blank">Rod Thorne, President of Basketball Operations Postgame Interview</a></p>
<p>48 Minutes of Hell brings us <a href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/el-conclusion-spurs-heat-nba-finals-game-1" target="_blank">El Conclusion</a>, grading out each Spurs player by Trevor Zickgraf. He also put together <a href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/whats-the-story-spurs-win-ac-goes-out-sports-are-weird" target="_blank">What's the Story</a>, a collection of tweets concerning Game 1. Just imagine what the grades would look like if they didn't have 22 turnovers.</p>
<p>Also from 48MoH, a <a href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/spurs-heat-game-1-recap-lebron-air-conditioning" target="_blank">Game 1 recap</a> from Andrew McNeill, and <a href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/the-margin-san-antonio-spurs-110-miami-heat-95" target="_blank">The Margin</a> by Matthew Tynan, which includes this little ditty: "<span>The Duncan-Boris-Leonard-Manu-Parker lineup played eight minutes in Game 1, most of any of the Spurs’ five-man units. When those five were on the floor at once, San Antonio boasted a 190.4 offensive-efficiency rating and a 57.1 defensive rating. Which is good." Just incredible.</span></p>
<p>James Herbert from CBS Sports has input from an <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24581802/nbpa-exec-director-game-1-conditions-completely-unacceptable" target="_blank">NBPA exec</a> on the a/c conditions for the game, as well as a little <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24581755/spurs-heat-game-1-danny-green-goes-nuts-in-4th-quarter" target="_blank">recap of his own</a>.</p>
<p>CBS also has Zach Harper's <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24581733/court-vision-what-we-learned-from-game-1-of-the-nba-finals" target="_blank">Court Vision</a> and Matt Moore's <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24581800/spurs-110-heat-95-spurs-feel-fortunate-to-be-up-1-0-after-turnover-woes" target="_blank">always good write-up</a>.</p>
<p>Pre-Game, we are reminded to <a href="http://butthegameison.com/4927/remember-the-alamo/" target="_blank">Remember The Alamo!</a></p>
<p>NBA.com's Hangtime Blog brings us bits about <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/06/06/feeling-heat-ginobili-stands-up-to-it/" target="_blank">Manu</a>, <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/06/06/green-goes-from-cold-to-hot-in-a-flash/" target="_blank">Danny Green</a>, <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/06/06/the-finals-stat-game-1/" target="_blank">the most important Game 1 stat</a>, and <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/06/06/cramps-cut-down-the-king/" target="_blank">LeBron's cramps</a>.</p>
<p>Some <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087131-spurs-fans-prepare-for-the-nba-finals-with-extravagant-haircuts?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank">crazy haircuts</a> from Spurs fans</p>
<p>Bleacher Report looking to<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085980-who-will-be-the-next-manu-ginobili-for-the-san-antonio-spurs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank"> life after Manu</a>. I don't even want to think about that right now.</p>
<p>Don't forget to check out PtR's <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5785032/recap-spurs-heat-game-1-nba-finals" target="_blank">recap by J. Gomez</a>, and Traves Hale's <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5785130/NBA-playoffs-spurs-take-game-1-heat-so-whats-next" target="_blank">Spurs take Game 1 of the Finals" So, what's next?</a></p>
<p>Grantland's Zach Lowe <a href="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nba-finals-game-1-the-beauty-of-the-matchup/" target="_blank">recapped Game 1</a> in all it's brilliance</p>
<p>From SB Nation's Tom Ziller, with a possible conspiracy theory that Pop built the Spurs to play in last night's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/6/6/5785642/spurs-fourth-quarter-heat-nba-finals-tiago-splitter">warm conditions</a></p>
<p>Thanks to Cello The Great in the comments, take a look at <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/gatorade-s-twitter-account-takes-shot-at-lebron-james-after-he-leaves-nba-finals-opener-with-cramps-092952101.html">Gatorade's hilarious response to LeBron's cramps</a></p>
<p>Game 2 is Sunday at 7. Be there or be lame.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5785388/nba-finals-game-1-linksaustin.gilly2014-06-06T06:30:07-05:002014-06-06T06:30:07-05:00Spurs take Game 1 of the Finals: So, what's next?
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The methodical march continues for the Spurs, largely undeterred and to the chagrin of many. But they only have two things left to focus their attention: One question and one number.</p> <p>It was an incredibly well written television series that ran for seven seasons from 1999-2006. The brainchild of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/">Aaron Sorkin</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/TheWestWing?from=Main.TheWestWing">The West Wing</a> was must see TV, particularly for political nerds like me. And while the dialogue often bordered on the absurd--who can have a conversation like that, for so long, with such precision, at all hours of the day, anyway?--it sustained its success over the course of its time in the spotlight.</p>
<p>There is danger in creating a show like The West Wing because the star of the show, and subsequently the show itself, has a defined shelf life. It would be silly to get attached to such a show because you know the end is always just around the bend. Right? I mean, that's just crazy. Who would hitch their wagon to something that they knew would someday end?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4573915/69f0eeac79f7e1563f2ae20f7b8d4359.gif" alt="69f0eeac79f7e1563f2ae20f7b8d4359" class="photo"> <br id="1402059679229"></p>
<p>But by the creative genius of Sorkin, and the talented writers and consultants he surrounded himself with, the show was a perennial hit and lived its entire life at the top of the television heap.</p>
<p>As one who would prefer order and who has never been particularly adept at dealing with myriad problems at once, I was always envious of the final scene on those Wednesday nights. <a target="_blank" href="http://th07.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/101/6/9/bartlet_v5_med_by_bluemoonpriestess-d61d0pn.jpg">President Bartlet </a>would sit with his staff as they marveled at his ability to steer the country safely through another crisis. But he had no time to celebrate, he was on to the next problem or challenge that lie ahead. Reaching for a file from one of his aides, the episode would often end with President Bartlet asking "What's next?"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iCXerGxRfRc" height="315"></iframe><br id="1402034552186"></p>
<p>I've been reminded of President Bartlet and those closing scenes over these last several days as the circus has come to town. Now you guys know I'm not a grizzled veteran at any of this. I haven't been through thousands of hours of press conferences or media days that left me jaded. I still look at these events with naive eyes, but if nothing else I try to soak in as much as I can.</p>
<p>So believe me when I tell you that the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> are the only calming influence in this madness that is blowing through San Antonio right now.</p>
<p>On Wednesday at Media Day there was a clamor of activity and the air was electric. <a target="_blank" href="http://seriouslyomg.com/?p=31716">Guillermo from the Jimmy Kimmel Show</a> was walking around with a Slim Jim and Mardi Gras beads. There were reporters and cameramen and hangers on from all over the world snapping pictures of players and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Finals</a> logos and each other. It was like an adult Easter Egg hunt as media scrambled from corner to corner of the AT&T Center trying to get the perfect quote or perfect shot.</p>
<p>But while that was going on the Spurs were there, quietly doing Spurs things. One in each corner, and one in the big media tent- each saying basically the same thing in unison. Those of us that have been here all year--or for several years-- are used to it, but the national guys get flustered. They want to see an acknowledgement of the circus and the big stage, and when they don't get it they lash out. Not in the moment, mind you, but in print or on the airwaves later. The Spurs are boring because they frustrate the national guys that want to come to town to watch the Spurs dance for them.</p>
<p>Entertain us, Spurs! Acknowledge our presence, Spurs!</p>
<p>And you're never going to see a more telling example of this attitude than in the hours following the Spurs' win over the Heat in Game 1. These national media guys came to San Antonio and were forced to endure a Finals game under such adverse conditions? For shame, San Antonio! We will pierce your greatness with our pens and biting sarcasm.</p>
<p>So you'll be subjected to story after story describing in excruciating detail how hot and sticky it was inside the AT&T Center and how unbearable the playing conditions were for the players. You'll read how this is an abject travesty thrust upon society and LeBron James. But at the end of the day remember it's just a bunch of media illuminati that are squealing the loudest.</p>
<p>Because the real story is that the Spurs overcame a dismal 22 turnovers and won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>. The real story is that the Spurs withstood extremely impressive performances from <span>Dwyane Wade</span> and <span>Ray Allen</span>, who seemed to pick them apart and find their way to the basket time and again.</p>
<p>The real story is <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> and <span>Danny Green</span>, held scoreless in the first half, but who shined down the stretch to the delight of a very enthusiastic crowd. A crowd that deserves credit for choosing to overcome less than ideal conditions to provide the home court advantage that the Spurs desperately needed as the minutes ticked away.</p>
<p>The real story is that these Finals have the makings to be legendary. Wade and Allen seem determined to be a driving force and we all know LeBron James will play like a man possessed in Game 2. The Miami Heat are champions and they are squaring off against the Spurs in what will likely be a brutal, exhausting battle. That's the real story.</p>
<p>And the real story is <span>Tim Duncan</span>, who once again put this team on his shoulders and willed them to a win. A win that seemed unlikely a few minutes into the fourth quarter as the Heat made a run to go up by seven and seemed to be pulling away. A win that Duncan and his teammates snatched from the proud champions. And now the only number that matters in their world is simply "3."</p>
<p>After the game Duncan pointed out that both teams had to play under the same conditions. Both teams were playing under less than ideal circumstances. He was then asked if this was the most uncomfortable game he'd ever played in.</p>
<p>"Yeah," he said. "I don't think I've ever played in anything like this since I left the islands. It was pretty bad out there."</p>
<p>So that's all there is to it. The circus is in town, grinding, searching, prodding for the next story to write. And on top of that now we have the GREAT HEAT GAME OF THE 2014 NBA FINALS. I'm sure theme music has already been created.</p>
<p>The Spurs are fine with that. The circus of uncertainty and manufactured crises can swirl all around, but just like President Bartlet, they know the road ahead is all that matters. They know there is only one question that has any merit left.</p>
<p>What's next?</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/6/5785130/NBA-playoffs-spurs-take-game-1-heat-so-whats-nextTravis Hale