Game Preview: NBA Finals Game 2

Jun 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is surrounded by media as he attempts half court shots at the end of practice for game two of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The analyzing, over-analyzing and kneejerk reactions are finally coming to an end. After two full days off, we’re hours away from tipping off Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

There’s only so much that can be said about Game 1. It was such a fantastic and competitive game from start to finish. Both teams played well and hit each other with blow after blow. Too much is being made of the Spurs poor shooting night, as Miami didn’t fair much better. The game came down to turnovers. And Kawhi Leonard intercepting a LeBron James pass with 6:05 left in the fourth quarter, would be the first nail in the Heat coffin for Game 1.

If the Spurs are going to pull this off a second time, and really force Miami into panic mode, they’re going to need a repeat of Thursday. San Antonio did an absolutely phenomenal job of only turning the ball over four times, but realistically, that won’t happen again. But also, the Spurs won’t blow as many wide open three pointers and layups as they did in Game 1.

As always, it’s just a matter of execution. If the Spurs can manage to share the ball as well as they did, without the turnovers, they’re going to be tough to beat. And if San Antonio’s defense continues to force the Heat into contested shots and keep Miami from getting out in transition, the Spurs could very much steal Game 2.

No one should be satisfied with just a split on the road, just because it gives San Antonio control of homecourt. Veteran teams know when to seize the moment. If the Spurs are going to be champions for a fifth time, then Game 2 is the perfect opportunity to put a dagger deeper into the Heat’s heart.

Let’s hope they go out and do it. 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: Sunday, June 9th, 2013. 7:00 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.