The 2014 NBA Finals: That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles

(article.wn photo)

The 2014 NBA Finals:  That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles

            I am a Miami Heat fan, rooting for the Southeastern Florida based team to win their 3rd championship in a row. When Miami Heat evened the series at 1-1, Miami gained home court advantage, heading to game 3 at the American Airlines Arena.  I was delighted and expected the series to be just as exciting as last year's finals featuring the same teams.

            But San Antonio Coach Greg Popovich did something that was like a bolt from the blue that suddenly changed the complexion of the game and of the series. He and the Spurs made some key adjustments and came to Miami well prepared for Games 3 and 4. Aside from relying on the usual low post for Tim Duncan, or the screen and slide, or the quick ball movement with snipers shooting from beyond the arc, another dimension was added to its offensive thrust. Almost all players took turns driving towards the basket, in the process showcasing their individual talents.  Leonard, Green, Diaw, Mills, Ginobilli, to name a few. But, at the same time, there was a pattern in their execution. Most players were moving even without the ball, switching positions as the ball is quickly passed to the man that pops out near the basket.  They had many options and one of these options was to pass to the open man for 2 or 3 points. There was an avalance of points for the Spurs. It was not in spurts; theirs was a game-long brilliance. It was as if the Spurs were electronically programmed. 

            On their part, Miami Heat tried to plug the loopholes in their defense but to no avail. They were rattled. The Spurs were relentless in attacking the basket. There was no stopping the Spurs. The Heat were almost always one step behind. San Antonio was playing precision basketball. Even on defense, they were astounding.  They clogged the shaded lane, making it hard for Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.  There was no denying that the Heat were totally dominated, totally outclassed.  It was complete mastery.

             It is now 3-1, with the Spurs on the threshold of winning another championship, after losing to the very same team last year. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the finals. Game 5 is scheduled on Monday, June 16 at San Antonio.  I have been telling friends that I have decided not to watch that game.  For I am expecting the same results.  Miami Heat will again be humiliated.  And when Miami is subjected to humiliation, I feel humiliated too. I cannot bear seeing the defending champions being outclassed, outplayed and outgunned again and again.  I do not want to see shredded pieces of colored paper raining inside the AT&T arena in San Antonio. I cannot bear hearing the Tejanos say: "Viva San Antonio...Campeones del mundo. " 

- Konted

San Antonio cheering squad (examiner pic; caption is mine)

Tim Duncan and Coach Greg Popovich of San Antonio Spurs.  Duncan, from Virgin Islands, is a 4-time NBA champion. Popovich is regarded as one of  the greatest coaches of all time. (newyorkcbs.local pic; caption is mine)

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard makes it hard for Miami's Lebron James.  Leonard is only 22 yrs. old. (bleacherreport pic; caption is mine)

Miami Heat winning Game 2 of the championship series (hoopshabit; caption is mine)

Patty Mills of San Antonio drives all the way to the basket.  Mills is a revelation.(smh.com.cu photo; caption is mine)

Tony Parker attacking the basket.  He penetrates the shaded lane and creates situations for his teammates. (celticslife; caption is mine)

Heat's Dwayne Wade trying to penetrate as Chris Bosh sets the pick.(vavel; caption is mine)

Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw are key players of the Spurs. (hoopshabit pic; caption is mine)

Manu Ginobilli of San Antonio is still good for 3 more years.

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