Discussing Game 7 of Spurs Vs. Heat – 2013 NBA Finals

Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; The MVP trophy and the Larry O

We’re less than two hours away from tip-off and the anxiety is already kicking in. Here at Air Alamo, the work is just beginning for us as we continue to bring you the best coverage and insight possible. Remember that no matter what happens in Game 7, life goes on, and that as fans we’re all in this together. If mourning or celebrating tonight, be sure to use the buddy system.

Yada, yada, yada.

Let’s get to what matters. Air Alamo Lead Editor, Michael Rehome, joined me to discuss Game 7. Warning, you guys may not like what we have to say.

John Diaz, Senior Staff Writer: So real quick, let’s get it out of the way – Game 6. My answer is short and sweet, I grew to absolutely loathe Manu Ginobili after that game. But I’ve gotten over it and moved on. Out of that entire game, what angered you the most?

Michael Rehome, Lead Editor: Manu Ginobili. How he can come from looking like the old Manu from back in last year’s Conference Finals in game five to, well, nothing in game six. His play down the stretch really, really put me over the boiling point.

JD: Yeah, watching him do a full 180 from his Game 5 performance was horrible. And the fact that Pop kept sticking with him, which even though I understood why, made it even worse. But now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…do you think Tim has anything left in him after Tuesday? He was pretty mediocre in the second half, and played a total of 44 minutes. I don’t think he repeats his 30 & 17 performance, but I worry he won’t have enough gas to just give us 10 & 10.

Jun 19, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili shoots during practice before game seven of the 2013 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

MR: Duncan looked like the man of “old.” I feel that he can capitalize on his game six performance. The Miami Heat have no one that can defend him down on the block. Bosh? Please. Andersen will try to body him up and play physical, but who else is there? I think he will carry the load on his back yet again. He looked fatigued towards the end of the game but I think he has more stored away. I feel he will have another huge game for us. May not be the 30 and 17 but it will be something good. A Finals MVP caliber game.

JD: I think Udonis Haslem is the only one that can defend Duncan, but in Game 7 on the NBA Finals, you need your best lineups out there. So Spoelstra won’t be bold enough to put Haslem on the floor. Also on the Spurs side of things – Parker was bad, real bad, Michael Jackson. And it made me mad, real mad, Joe Jackson. Okay, I’ll stop quoting Kanye West lyrics now.

But honestly, TP9 looked horrible. The only shot he made out of the paint on Tuesday was that fadeaway prayer of a three to tie the game at 89. What are you expecting from him tonight?

MR: I didn’t know you were a lyricist.

Parker knows how bad he played, he knows that he has to be better. I expect to see the MVP Parker. The one that comes out and practically does everything he can and does it right. Nothing forced. Though James will likely be on Parker, that will just free up others and he will be able to find them.

He will have his best game of the finals, and maybe of his career. Okay maybe that’s going over the top, but he will be MVP-arker tonight.

JD: MVP-arker. I see what you did there. (sarcastic golf clap)

Alright, enough corniness from the both of us. I agree with James being on Parker, but I’m interested to see how Wade’s knee is fairing after bumping into Manu with it. Maybe Danny Green can free himself up a little bit and turn in more than 3 points, because the Spurs are definitely going to need it.

Now instead of giving a prediction on tonight’s game, I want a percentage on how you think tonight goes. From a completely objective standpoint, I think the Heat have a 55-45 advantage over the Spurs. But it’s Game 7, so anything is possible. What about you?

MR: Corny? Your stuff was, but mine was ingenious. There are many storylines in this game that many are taking note of. You talk about Wade’s knee and how that will hold up. Green, needs to be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball.

I am going to go a little lower than you, but not as much. I am going to say Heat have a 53-47 advantage over the Spurs. As you stated, it is game seven, anything can happen if game six proves that. Play till the final horn right?

JD: Ingenious, huh? I see that Word of the Day calendar I got you has helped. Ha. Thanks once again, Michael.