BY JASON MENKVELD – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
It’s been clear in the 2013 NBA Finals that home court has been a fortress for both the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. The Spurs used this advantage to help defeat the Heat in their 114-104 victory on Sunday night to take a 3-2 series lead.
Perhaps the biggest factor of all was that Manu Ginobili finally woke up. In my opinion this guy has been average at best so far in this series until last night. It felt as if he was a whole different player. He was attacking the rim, drawing key fouls, frustrating opponents, and scoring from the three point position.
These are the things that seemed to be non-existent for the Miami Heat. I’m not saying they played a horrible game. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led the team in points yet again. But Wade didn’t seem to have that aggressiveness that he’s had in previous games. King James was scoring, but every time the Heat rallied, Danny Green would sink a three pointer, and kill the momentum. Bosh had some impressive blocks, and played a fantastic defensive game, but sometimes it’s just not enough.
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I believe the first quarter hurt the Miami Heat the most as the players were missing shots and fouling the Spurs far too often. Also, I didn’t understand the matchup of Norris Cole vs. Tony Parker. I’ve said that Cole is the real deal, and has the potential to become one of the greats. But to put him up against Parker in a game five NBA Finals situation was a little too much for him to handle. Parker proved this by beating Cole to the inside, and scoring points numerous times in the first quarter alone. Head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t realize this error until later in the game. However, I was pleased that he wasn’t afraid to change his lineups throughout the game. At one point, he had the big three out with Ray Allen.
In the end, the Spurs big three prevailed in this game. Although Parker led the way with 26 points, I believe the fans were more thankful for Ginobili’s 24 point performance. Tim Duncan had an impressive 17-point game as well. It’s also fitting that Danny Green was able to break the record for most three pointers in an NBA Finals in front of the home crowd.
I give full marks go to the Spurs for their impressive victory, as they really outplayed the Heat in game five. As I said though, home court has been a fortress for both these teams. Game six is in Miami, and you can bet that Spoelstra and his team will be ready for when the Spurs come to town.
I believe this series will go to seven games. However, after last night’s Spurs victory, I can’t pick a winner.