Game 7. That’s all that needs to be said. It feels like every elimination game for LeBron in a Heat uniform has been with his legacy on the line, but in a way, this time it rings true. If LeBron loses tonight, he will have an underwhelming NBA Finals record of 1-3. However, if LBJ puts the team on his back and hoists the Larry O’Brien trophy after the buzzer sounds, the self-proclaimed “2-Time Champion” arrogance will be perceived as greatness.
On the other side, there is another legacy that awaits. Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich look to further themselves as one of the greatest player/coach dynasties in NBA history through their quest for a fifth ring. While it may not be easy for the Spurs to overcome Miami’s homecourt advantage in Game 7, Pop has already stated that “it’s supposed to be hard” and you better believe that a Gregg Popovich squad will be prepared.
Here are five major keys to a San Antonio Spurs Game 7 victory.
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“Knock the stuffing out of them”
The Spurs must throw the first punch so that the Heat’s crowd does not become a factor early on. San Antonio has showcased their ability to withstand Miami’s runs throughout this series but in a Game 7 on Miami’s home floor, all bets are off. By feeding Duncan in the post right away and bludgeoning the Heat in the post early, Erik Spoelstra is forced to make a decision on how to guard Timmy D from the get-go. San Antonio needs to be the one initiating the physicality of this contest, especially against an undersized Miami frontline.
Force LeBron to be a facilitator
Was LeBron’s triple-double in Game 6 not the quietest triple-double you’ve ever seen? Even with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, James was a minus-1 in efficiency. It had deja-vu written all over it. LBJ looked as if he wanted no part of the basketball in the last two minutes of regulation, until he finally hit his second attempted three on the same possession to cut the lead to three. The Spurs want the passive, non-aggressive LeBron to show up — not the one who bullies his man on every possession. LeBron will get his buckets. But as Ray Allen stated recently, the Heat play off of his energy, and if for one second James doesn’t look like he’s up for the challenge, it will negatively affect Miami from the top down.
Stretch The Floor
You didn’t expect San Antonio’s surprising three-point duo to be perfect all series, did you? Gary Neal and Danny Green combined for seven points on 3-for-14 shooting in Game 6 after setting the nets on fire in Games 1 through 5. Neal and Green have forced Miami to think twice on double-teaming Parker and Duncan, creating easier scoring opportunities for the veteran point guard and the Big Fundamental. If San Antonio wants to add to their collection of banners, the Spurs will need their role players to step up tonight and stretch the floor, a la Robert Horry and Bruce Bowen.
Keep reading to hear what the Spurs should do with Ginobili tonight…
Keep Ginobili on a shorter leash
Pop hoped to catch lightning in a bottle as Manu turned back the hands of time in San Antonio’s Game 5 victory after being inserted into the starting lineup for the first time all season. However, Ginobili took two steps backwards in Game 6, coughing up a game-high eight turnovers. While Manu has been trick-or-treat during the postseason, if he’s not getting it done, Popovich should turn to a much safer option and increase the minutes of Green, Neal and Leonard. I’m sure Manu wishes he could get a few of those possessions back from Game 6.
The Real Big 3 (Referees)
I am not blaming the officials for San Antonio’s collapse down the stretch in Game 6, however, the Spurs literally had Miami on the ropes and did not capitalize. Kawhi Leonard had a chance to extend the lead to four at the line but left the door open for a Ray Allen game-tying three. Popovich substituted for Duncan to matchup with Miami’s perimeter game in a plan that backfired when Chris Bosh (who had been a sub-par rebounder all playoffs) came up with the biggest board of the postseason. As a result, San Antonio let the refs get in the way of their championship plans, exhibited by the no-calls of potential fouls committed by Ray Allen and Chris Bosh in overtime. In addition, a stopped clock to review a Ray Allen tying three robbed the Spurs of a perfect chance to score in transition as Miami scrambled for their defensive assignments.
Bottom Line: San Antonio can not let the score get too close for comfort, especially on the road because the advantage will swing back in Miami’s direction.
Will they win tonight?
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