Are the Miami Heat on the verge of a 3-peat? Only the San Antonio Spurs stand in their way.
At last, the 2014 NBA Finals have finally arrived, featuring (without a question) the two top teams in the entire league. This marks the first team since 1998 where finalist play in consecutive finals, but the Spurs are trying to avoid the same fate the Utah Jazz suffered both times against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Last year, San Antonio came within seconds of capturing the title, but a failed layup attempt, missed free throws from Kawhi Leonard and the obvious corner three pointer from Ray Allen sent them home with the Game 7 loss. No team in the NBA wanted to play the Miami Heat more than San Antonio after having the last 11 months to dwell on the what if’s and get their re-match against LeBron James and company.
Following their game 6 road victory in Oklahoma City, Tim Duncan immediately began the hype for the NBA Finals saying “We’ll get it done this time.” While many feel the Heat won a fluke title last year, they’re coming into the series with the mindset as the underdogs. Although the Spurs know that’s not the case and aren’t coming into the series feeling themselves, the know what they’re going up against in the two time defending champs. Under the Duncan and Popovich, they were undefeated in the Finals together, but have now gone 4-1.
With game 1 nearing tonight, the Spurs will be looking to cement themselves as a dynasty that has lasted almost exactly 15 years. Before the festivities pilot tonight, however, we’ve decided to give you a preview detailing the steps San Antonio must do to dethrone Miami and stop their chances at 3-peat.
If the Spurs want to win, here’s what they need to do.