Game Preview: NBA Finals Game 1 – Spurs Vs Heat

Jun 5, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (left) talks with shooting guard Tracy McGrady during practice for game one of the 2013 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
After 82 regular season games and 14 playoffs games, the San Antonio Spurs are just four wins away from their fifth title in franchise history.
It’s crazy to think that it’s been nine days since the Spurs last played. No doubt that the rest did them well, but it’s definitely going to cost them to start Game 1. But let’s not worry about rest or rust. I don’t speak for all Spurs fans, but I’m just happy we’ve made it to this point.
After six straight seasons of doubting the Spurs would ever make it back to this stage; losing in the first round, losing in the second round, losing in the Western Conference Finals. The media and even some fans (myself included) killed off this Spurs dynasty era a long time ago. Just to make it back and have a shot at another championship is good enough for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I would sell my soul for a fifth championship banner to hang from the AT&T Center at the start of next season. But San Antonio has nothing to lose. They’ve already cemented their legacy. Another championship would just add to it.
LeBron James and the Miami Heat? They’re still answering questions about their longevity and dealing with idiotic things like, “Will LeBron go back to Cleveland?” Not one, not two, not…you get it. I don’t envy the spotlight and situation the Heat are in. Even if they win, there will still be doubters and haters alike.
And if the Spurs win?
I’ll worry about that if it actually happens. Until then, I’m just enjoying the ride. And I hope you are too.
Go Spurs Go.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
Point GuardsTony Parker – Mario ChalmersShooting GuardsDanny Green – Dwyane WadeSmall ForwardsKawhi Leonard – LeBron JamesPower ForwardsTim Duncan – Udonis HaslemCentersTiago Splitter – Chris Bosh
Key Bench PlayersManu Ginobili, Boris Diaw, Matt Bonner – Shane Battier, Ray Allen, Chris Andersen
Head CoachesGregg Popovich – Erik Spoelstra
GAME AND BROADCAST INFORMATION
When: Thursday, June 6th, 2013. 8:00 PM Central TimeWhere: American Airlines Arena – Miami, FloridaTelevision: ABC (National) Radio: 1200 AM WOAI (Local)
For perspective on the Miami Heat, head over time Fansided’s own All U Can Heat.