The Spurs snatch game one
San Antonio, Texas – LeBron James was the talk of the sports world preceding the start of the NBA Finals. But it was the efficient play of Tim Duncan, the San Antonio Spurs three-time Finals MVP, who reign supreme in game one of the finals. Scoring 24 points on 58 percent shooting, Duncan grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked five shots as he led the Spurs to 85-76 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tony Parker, the Spurs guard, scored 27 points and dished out seven assist.
As efficient as the Spurs were on offense, it was their defense that may have been the difference in the game. James, coming off a phenomenal series against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, found the Spurs defense stifling. Their defensive rotation and pick-and-roll coverage was well executed.
“San Antonio was terrific, especially on defense,” explained Cleveland’s coach, Mike Brown. “They didn’t allow us to get into the paint and when we did, there were three bodies in there.”
Offensively the Spurs ball movement was excellent. They dished out 18 assists. Parker, a bit tentative in the first quarter, became aggressive in the second quarter and continued his assertive play throughout the came. Nine of Parkers’ 12 baskets were lay-ups. The Spurs also grabbed 11 more rebounds (43-32) than the upstart Cavs.
As tough as the game came for the Cavs on both ends of the court, it was their horrific third quarter, being outscored 24-14, that may have truly been their demise. The Cavs trailed by five points at the half (40-35), but outscored the Spurs by six points in the fourth quarter. The Spurs 10 point difference in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game.
James finished with 14 points, shooting 4 of 16. He missed is first eight field goals, converting his first shot in the third quarter with 7:15 minutes remaining. James also committed six turnovers.
“I have to play better in order for my team to win,” James explains in the post-game interview.
Daniel Gibson continued his phenomenal playoff play, leading the Cavs in scoring with 16 points on (7 of 9) shooting.
As efficient as the Spurs were on offense, it was their defense that may have been the difference in the game. James, coming off a phenomenal series against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, found the Spurs defense stifling. Their defensive rotation and pick-and-roll coverage was well executed.
“San Antonio was terrific, especially on defense,” explained Cleveland’s coach, Mike Brown. “They didn’t allow us to get into the paint and when we did, there were three bodies in there.”
Offensively the Spurs ball movement was excellent. They dished out 18 assists. Parker, a bit tentative in the first quarter, became aggressive in the second quarter and continued his assertive play throughout the came. Nine of Parkers’ 12 baskets were lay-ups. The Spurs also grabbed 11 more rebounds (43-32) than the upstart Cavs.
As tough as the game came for the Cavs on both ends of the court, it was their horrific third quarter, being outscored 24-14, that may have truly been their demise. The Cavs trailed by five points at the half (40-35), but outscored the Spurs by six points in the fourth quarter. The Spurs 10 point difference in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game.
James finished with 14 points, shooting 4 of 16. He missed is first eight field goals, converting his first shot in the third quarter with 7:15 minutes remaining. James also committed six turnovers.
“I have to play better in order for my team to win,” James explains in the post-game interview.
Daniel Gibson continued his phenomenal playoff play, leading the Cavs in scoring with 16 points on (7 of 9) shooting.
Game two takes place Sunday at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
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