2013 NBA Finals Game 3 Spurs Versus Heat: Keys To Victory

Jun 11, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; General view of the Finals logo and basketballs prior to game three of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT

The NBA Finals have returned back to San Antonio after a six year hiatus. The San Antonio Spurs look to take a 2-1 series lead against the Miami Heat as game three of these NBA Finals kick off at 8:00 PM Central Standard Time.

San Antonio in game one did everything right, game two, different story.  Our keys to victory for game three as we see it that should propel the Spurs over the Heat.

Move The Ball.  In game one the Spurs did a great job by avoiding the Heat’s pressure by moving the ball and attacking them on the weak side.  Parker was really quick in moving the ball and getting it out of his hands.  In game two, as we all knew the Heat main point of adjustment was that of containing Parker.  They did just that.  In game two San Antonio went away from moving the ball to more of the conventional pick-and-rolls when the Heat were closing in on the trap.  This led to turnovers.  San Antonio had more turnovers in the first quarter of game two then they did all of game one.  Go back to what made them successful in game one and move the ball quickly around the perimeter before the Heat come with the trap.  I like to see more screens away from the ball on the baselines to get the shooters free.

Transition D.  San Antonio needs to do a much better job in transition defense.  What Miami wants to do the chance they get is push the ball up the floor.  What this showed from the Spurs in game one and two was San Antonio picking up the closest player to them which in turn causes mis-matches and possibly easy buckets for Miami.  Though Miami had just 8 fast break points, that doesn’t reflect the importance of them getting out and running and what problems it can and continues to cause for San Antonio.

Parker and Duncan.  I don’t see Parker and Duncan to having the same kind of output they had in game two.  Miami came out and made the adjustments they needed.  Miami played so far off Duncan to dare him to take his jumpers and though he took them, didn’t end the way San Antonio, and Duncan wanted.   I can see the Heat playing off daring for Duncan to take them jumpers.  Parker is going to see LeBron, we all know this.  Parker though playing at home and being the competitor that he is will surely come out with more energy. I can see these two having a huge night for San Antonio.