New year. Same teams. Same goal. But will their be a different outcome?
Just last year, it looked as if the San Antonio Spurs would defeat the defending Champion Miami Heat in game six of the Finals. But then LeBron's headband got swatted off and Ray Allen hit an insane pressure packed 3-pointer to keep Miami's dream of a second consecutive Championship alive. The Spurs blew an opportunity that left the door wide open for Miami to pull off an improbable come from behind win, forcing a game seven. LeBron and company took control and never looked back, adding yet another ring to their now growing collection. But for the Spurs, they were left with a sour taste in their mouth, and wanted revenge. The oldies consisting of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobli, with the rest of their supporting cast had one goal this entire 2014 season. They were determined to return to the Finals and this time finish their business against the Miami Heat.
Now that the Spurs were granted their wish, will they really be able to beat King James, a healthy Dwayne Wade, and the brand new 3-point machine Chris Bosh and company?
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker seem as if they are on a mission, and who knows how much longer Duncan will be playing before he decides to retire. Could this be Duncan's final opportunity at the age of 38 and he will decide to empty the tank to win his fifth NBA Championship of his legendary career? It will definitely be a bonus since Manu Ginobili is having a solid playoffs following what many speculated to be the end after a horrific performance in last years playoffs.
Then their is also the addition of Marco Belinelli who provides a spark and another solid player for Miami to have to worry about defending. The Spurs two rising stars in Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are also having a productive playoff run, but lets not forget the record breaking 3-point performance Green had in last years Finals. It seemed as if he made a three pointer every time he touched the ball. He made an astonishing 25 of 38 three point opportunities breaking a record previously owned by Miami sharp shooter Ray Allen. Will Green be able to have a repeat performance or will the Spurs have to look elsewhere for production?
The problem for the Spurs is just as determined as they are, Miami has the same determined to win another Championship. LeBron is coming off a season that he was the runner up for MVP and he is out to prove himself. He may not have put up the same numbers as Durant, but he was there when his team needed him the most, separating him from other superstar players. While MVP winner Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder were overpowered by the Spurs, LeBron is looking for a repeat performance and prove last years win was no fluke. Because of this, I do not foresee the Spurs being able to stop the best basketball player in the world. When LeBron is determined on accomplishing something, he goes out on the court and executes. He may not be providing the same statistics that he had in Cleveland, but that is because he has no need to. He is an unselfish player who can take over a game at any time, something the Spurs do not have. Love him or hate him, LeBron is undoubtedly a one of a kind player and one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Do the Spurs have a chance of winning? Yes, but they will have to find a way to frustrate and prevent LeBron from doing whatever he wants on the court. Both teams deserve to be in the Finals, and as a basketball fan, this series is going to be full of nail bitting and back and fourth moments. Their is no telling which team is going to win, all we can do is sit back and watch the world's greatest basketball players do what they do best. This matchup is full of legendary players, and we must enjoy what we will be witnessing.
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