NBA Playoffs 2014 Bracket, Standings & Schedule: Heat, Spurs Tied in NBA Finals After 2 Games
It was a devastating loss for the San Antonio Spurs, as they lost game two, 98-96 to the Miami Heat.
The Spurs led for the majority of the game and were playing their second consecutive home game trying to take a 2-0 series lead. The most frustrating moment in the fourth quarter came after Tony Parker took an elbow to the stomach and was rewarded two free throw for the flagrant foul. He would miss both free throws and on the next possession, Tim Duncan missed both of his free throws.
In the closing moments of the game LeBron James drove to the basket, drew a double team, and passed to an open Chris Bosh at the perimeter who hit the go ahead shot. The Spurs never recovered after that dagger shot from bosh and lost their first home game since the first round.
The Heat's "big 3" scored a combined 67 points, and even Rashard Lewis scored 14 of his own. Parker was the leading scorer for the Spurs with 21 points, but three of the five starters for the Spurs didn't even score in double digits.
Recent history sets up extremely well for the Heat and terrible for the Spurs. The Heat are undefeated (8-0) at home in the postseason this year and will play the next two game at home. If the Heat continue their winning ways at home, they will take a commanding 3-1 series lead after the next two games.
The Spurs are 3-5 on the road this postseason.
Not only have the Spurs struggled this postseason on the road, but they also have had enormous problems playing at American Airlines Arena. The Spurs are just 1-8 in their last nine games at Miami and will be playing their next two games there.
If the Spurs are going to win this series, they're going to have to win at minimum one game in Miami to ensure a 2-2 series tie. Tiago Splitter is going to have to be more of an offensive threat as well as Kawhi Leonard. Coach Gregg Popovich may want to consider giving Splitter more playing time for a better interior defense.
It was a great sight for Miami to see Chris Anderson come off the bench and grand nine rebounds. Although Duncan had 18 points, he made just two baskets in the entire second half.
What was a best four out seven series with the Spurs having home court advantage is now a best three out of five series with the Heat having home court advantage. Heat haven't lost two playoff games in a row in three years and are 8-0 at home in the these playoffs. It doesn't look good for the Spurs, but it's not over till it's over.
Game three will tip off Tuesday, June 8, at Miami at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
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