With the NBA Finals tied at one game apiece, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs resumed play in Texas for a crucial Game 3 Tuesday night. Miami knew a win at the AT&T Center would swing home court advantage back in their favor after the Spurs took the opener in South Beach while San Antonio looked to win the first of 3 straight home games as they had thoughts of closing out their fifth championship on their home floor.
The Spurs were the aggressors right from the opening tip, converting key buckets in the early part of the game, setting up a historic night of basketball. Connecting on a Finals-record 16 three-point baskets, San Antonio separated themselves from Miami after the halftime break on their way to a 113-77 win to take a critical 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 becomes all the more important for Miami now because as far as history is concerned, no team has ever come from 1-3 down to win a championship. The Heat won't have to worry about that figure if they can bounce back from Game 3 to even the Finals.
When and Where to Watch Game 4
Game 4 will take place once again at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, June 13th. Tip time is set for 9:00pm, EDT with television coverage available through the ABC Network.
For those choosing to watch the game on-line, a live stream will be offered by ESPN3.com beginning at 9:00pm.
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Game 3 Recap
San Antonio used the perfect blend of consistent shooting and lock-down defense to take Game 3 in convincing fashion. Usual suspects Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili were contributors in the 113-77 thrashing of the defending champs but it was the efforts of two role players that catapulted the Spurs to a 2-1 Finals advantage.
Danny Green - twice cut by the San Antonio Spurs in his career - led all scorers with 27 points. The former University of North Carolina standout shot 9-of-15 from the floor in 31 minutes of action, including a whopping 7-of-9 from three point distance. Coupled with the play of guard Gary Neal and his 24 points on 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, San Antonio was certainly the superior team Tuesday night.
The veteran Duncan posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds while Parker (6 points, 8 assists) and Ginobili (7 points, 6 assists) added to the onslaught although extended game minutes weren't necessary since San Antonio had the game in hand heading into the fourth quarter. Closing out the final frame by a convincing 35-14 margin, San Antonio now has a golden opportunity to take a commanding lead tonight in front of the home crowd.
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While the four-time NBA Champion Spurs played lights out basketball Tuesday night, the Miami Heat struggled mightily on both ends of the floor. Allowing San Antonio to shoot over 48% from the floor and an even 50% from three, Miami couldn't match the intensity of the Spurs on the offensive end. Team leader and league MVP LeBron James did record a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds but his poor shooting numbers (7-of-21, 1-5 from 3) in 39 minutes of action put Miami in bigger and bigger holes as the game progressed. Heading into a critical Game 4, James knows he needs to perform better but is also aware that a performance like that is unlikely to happen again.
"As dark as it was last night, it can't get no darker than that, especially for me," James said to ESPN. "So I guarantee I'll be better for tomorrow for sure. I have to do whatever it takes. I mean, 7 for 21 isn't going to cut it. It's impossible for me to go 7 for 21, shoot 33 percent from the field and not have free throws. You have to figure out ways offensively that you can make an impact."
Coming off a game where he led the team with 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting, Mario Chalmers was nowhere to be found in Game 4. In only 20 minutes of game action, the former University of Kansas guard missed all 5 of his shot attempts while never attempting a free throw to finish the game with 0 points. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade did combine for 28 points and Mike Miller added 15 on 5-for-5 from behind the three point line but their efforts were simply not enough as San Antonio was too focused and in control in Game 3.
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Wrap-Up
The defending champion Miami Heat surely have the talent to bounce back Thursday night since LeBron James isn't expected to struggle the way he did in Game 3. An improved effort from every player that takes the floor is needed since the veteran Spurs will surely be going full throttle, hoping to take a 3-1 series advantage.
Be sure to catch all the action Thursday night from the AT&T Center in San Antonio as the Spurs host the Miami Heat. Tip time is set for 9:00pm, EDT with television coverage available on the ABC network. An on-line live stream will be offered through ESPN3.com as well.
WATCH Highlights From San Antonio's Record Performance in Game 3:
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