The 2013 NBA Finals come down to 1 game.
Following an epic overtime win in Game 6 to force a decisive contest, the Miami Heat are now one victory away from earning their second-straight NBA championship. The road to a title wasn't as grueling in 2012 as it has been this postseason for the Heat, considering the champs knocked off the Oklahoma City Thunder in just 5 games to win the crown. Forced to win their second-consecutive game 7 in these playoffs, Miami will have to take down a veteran San Antonio Spurs team that's won 4 titles over the last 15 seasons.
When and Where to Watch Game 7
The 2013 finale between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs will take place on Thursday, June 20. Tip time from the American Airlines Arena in South Beach is set for 9:00 p.m., EDT with television coverage available through the ABC network.
Those choosing to watch the game on-line can do so by visiting WatchESPN. Pregame coverage on both outlets begins at 8:30 p.m., EDT.
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Game 6 Recap & Championship Contest Preview
San Antonio shot well over 40 percent from the field in game 6 and although they looked dominant in spurts, Miami fought back on multiple occasions to send the series to a final contest. Trailing by 2 at the end of the first quarter, the veteran Spurs rallied to take a six-point advantage into the halftime break and led by 10 heading into the final frame. Veteran big man Tim Duncan was magnificent through the first 3 quarters, leading the team with 30 points and 17 rebounds, but just when San Antonio seemed to have the game in control, Duncan was shut down by the Miami defense throughout final 12 minutes while Heat superstar LeBron James started to take over.
Connecting on only 3 of his first 12 shot attempts, the league MVP needed to step up with his team battling for their season. James led the charge as the 2012 champs fought back to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. A Ray Allen three-pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining sent the contest into overtime and for a moment, the Heat were able to breathe knowing they'd at least have additional time to extend the season. Finishing with another triple-double on the strength of 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, James was proud of his team for never backing down in what he considers to be the greatest game he's even been involved with.
"We seen the championship board already out there, the yellow tape," James said to ESPN reporters after the win. "And you know, that's why you play the game to the final buzzer. And that's what we did tonight. We gave it everything that we had and more. It's by far the best game I've ever played in."
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San Antonio used a 13-3 third quarter run to push their lead to 71-58 but their double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter was simply not enough to fend off the home team. Forward Kawhi Leonard had another solid game as he finished with 22 points while Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili combined for an additional 28. While their individual efforts were substantial, Danny Green -- a player who has dominated the Heat defense from three point distance this series -- was held to only 3 points in 41 minutes that included a 1-for-5 mark from beyond the arc.
San Antonio owns a total of 4 titles since 1999 and heading into Game 7 of the finals -- a contest the road team hasn't won since 1978 -- the veteran Spurs are keeping it simple when it comes to their preparation for the upcoming contest.
"Get them on a bus, it arrives at the ramp over here, we get off the bus, we get on the court and we play," head coach Gregg Popovich said. "That's how we get ready."
Moving forward, San Antonio may worry about the fatigue factor since the 37-year-old Duncan played 44 minutes while 31-year-old Tony Parker and 35-year-old Manu Ginobili each played over 35 minutes in the Game 6 loss as well. Tired or not, the key for the Spurs heading into game 7 in South Beach will be the ability for Danny Green to knock down looks from the outside while continuing to play physical defense against Miami scorers James, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers and Chris Bosh.
Miami may also look to incorporate the outside shooting game on Thursday night by utilizing Mike Miller on a more consistent basis. In 30 minutes during his game 6 start, Miller collected 8 points on 3-of-4 from the floor including 2-for-2 from behind the three point line. If Miller and reserve Chris Andersen can provide the Heat with offensive output like they have during certain points in this series, Miami may just wind up with another title. If not, it could be title No. 5 for San Antonio.
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Wrap-Up
While Game 6 was a definite classic, Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals may turn out to be even better.
Be sure to catch all the action on Thursday, June 20 at 9:00 p.m., EDT. Television coverage will be provided by the ABC network and an online livestream can be found by visiting WatchESPN. Pregame coverage begins at 8:30 p.m., EDT.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From Miami's Come-from-Behind Overtime Win in Game 6
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