The Miami Heat survived a seven-game brawl in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, getting knocked around on the glass and struggling to defend the Pacers big men. Through all the hardships, however, the Heat are back in the NBA Finals for the third straight season where they'll meet a San Antonio Spurs team looking to win a fifth championship in 15 years.
Defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 in the Western Conference Finals, San Antonio is playing as well as they have all season and it should come as no surpirse that the veteran Spurs have completely dominated the Western slate of the playoffs. Their toughest test will now come against the Miami Heat.
When and Where to Watch Game 1
The 2013 Championship series will open at the American Airlines Arena in Miami with Game 1 set to begin on Thursday, June 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m., EDT and television coverage will be provided by the ABC network.
RELATED: Dwyane Wade, LeBron James And The Miami Heat Heading To Second-Straight NBA Finals [VIDEO]
NBA Finals Preview
While the Spurs aim for a fifth title in 15 seasons, LeBron James and the Miami Heat are looking to win back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history. The Heat were in the Finals back in 2011, but fell to Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in six games and in addition to that tough Finals loss to Dallas, LeBron James is also familiar with the feeling of losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.
James and the 2007 Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by Finals MVP Tony Parker and the Spurs six seasons ago and looking for a different result this time around with the Miami Heat; LeBron hasn't forgotten the gut-wrenching feeling of defeat and notes that his only job in South Beach is to win championships.
"I have something in me that they took in '07," James said to NBA.com reporters. "Beat us on our home floor, celebrated on our home floor. I won't forget that. You shouldn't as a competitor. You should never forget that. That's what I'm here for. I'm here to win championships, and you're not always going to be on the successful side. I've seen it twice, not being on the successful side."
Entering a highly-anticipated Final series against a veteran San Antonio squad, Miami's "Big 3" of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will clash with the Spurs "Big 3" of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, setting the stage for what could become one of the best NBA Finals in recent memory.
NBA FINALS: San Antonio Spurs Returning To NBA Finals Led By Tony Parker, Tim Duncan And Manu Ginobili [VIDEO]
In addition to winning the championship at the end of the 2006-2007 season, San Antonio and veteran head coach Gregg Popovich took home titles during the 1998-1999, 2002-2003 and 2004-2005 seasons, a mark they're fully capable of adding to in the upcoming series against the defending league champions.
Entering the Finals with loads of experience, the Spurs know what to expect this time of year on the biggest stage in basketball. Tim Duncan entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 1997 and has -- to some degree -- exceeded expectations. Duncan has been a key cog to the Spurs dynasty over the past 15 seasons and along with Manu Ginobili -- drafted in 1999 -- and Tony Parker, who was taken by the Spurs in 2001, the "Big 3" are humbled and excited to be back in the Finals for a fifth time.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," Tony Parker said after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies to advance to the Finals. "It's really hard to go to the Finals and win a championship. For me, personally, I was 21 when I won my first title and you think it's easy and you're going to go back every year. In 2007, I won my third one in five years. Six years goes by and every year it gets tougher and tougher. That's why it's even more special to go back after all these years and be playing at a high level with the same coach and the same 'Big Three.'"
Game 1 Wrap-Up
The 2013 NBA Finals will certainly draw a large audience given the recent accomplishments both teams have achieved over the past few seasons. The Miami Heat aim for a second-straight title while the Spurs try to win another championship with the same core group that started this run in the late 90s.
Be sure to catch Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, June 6. Tip time is set for 9:00 p.m., EDT with coverage available through the ABC Television network.
RELATED: Liga MX Draft 2013: Luis Gabriel Rey acquired by America, Aldo De Nigris moves to Chivas and Joao Rojas to Cruz Azul [REPORT]
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
