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The San Antonio Spurs closed like champs on Thursday night to beat the Miami Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
It looked like the long, physical series with the Indiana Pacers took an early toll on the Heat as they ran out of gas down the stretch. In the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter, Miami bounced four three-pointers while relinquishing the lead. The final one from Chris Bosh appeared to be perfect execution by the Spurs defense, holding a four-point lead the Spurs simply left the big man open to let it fly, then hauled in the rebound.
Of course, the Spurs still needed a near-miracle bank shot from Tony Parker to put away the game, so this series appears to have a long way to go before being decided. I have to admit, for much of the game I was "kinda" rooting for the Heat since they just beat the Pacers. But with that Miami crowd and the Heat players' reactions, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending.
Also, Denver fired the NBA Coach of the Year, George Karl which puts Karl in play for other openings, but also adds a team to the list of suitors for Brian Shaw. Finally saw some news on Detroit's open spot, with Mo Cheeks emerging as a leading candidate. With Phil Jackson helping the Pistons, that figured to be Shaw's fall-back plan. If they are moving in another direction, then Shaw must be closing in on a better job, which at this point appears to be Brooklyn or the L.A. Clippers.
Check out the links:
Spurs at Heat - NBA Finals - Game 1 - box score and highlights
Pacers are Paul George's team now - thanks, LeBron James | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Shaw’s exit, Granger’s return factor in Pacers’ plans - 1070 The Fan
George Karl out as Denver Nuggets coach; Shaw, Hollins may be targets - The Denver Post
Nets want Brian Shaw so badly, they won’t pursue George Karl | ProBasketballTalk
Clippers eyeing coaches Lionel Hollins, Brian Shaw, George Karl - latimes.com
Parker Sticks With ‘Crazy’ Clutch Play As Spurs Claim Game 1 Victory " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog
NBA Finals, Game 1: Tony Parker's miracle shot saves the Spurs vs. Heat - SBNation.com
Spurs draw first blood, beat Heat 92-88 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals - Pounding The Rock
Spurs control 4th quarter to edge Heat 92-88 and take Game 1 in Miami - Hot Hot Hoops
2013 NBA playoffs -- Spurs success by daring a team of noted shooters to launch - ESPN
2012-13 Indiana Pacers Review | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
Danny Granger expects to start next season for the Pacers | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports
Michelle Beadle is not up to the #RoyHibbertChallenge | For The Win