NBA Finals: 3 Things We Learned From Game 4
By Shane Young
After a 36-point debacle for the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, fans were unsure of what to expect from the defending NBA champions in Thursday’s Game 4. Considering the disappointing slump that Miami’s Big 3 encountered to begin this series, terrific performances from all three All-Stars may have seemed like a wish rather than reality. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all failed to record at least one 20-point game in the first three meetings. Ridiculed and questioned by many, Miami’s stars answered the call in an impressive fashion on Thursday night, combining for 85 points in a 109-93 victory in San Antonio.
James’ 33 points and increased intensity came as no surprise after his bold comments after Tuesday’s loss. Stating ,”I guarantee I’ll be better (For Game 4) for sure,” his performance definitely reflected his promise. The leading headline for this game, however, was given to one of the King’s sidekicks. Of the three essential conclusions we were able to draw, the return of the “Flash” stood above all.
1. Dwyane Wade is San Antonio’s biggest threat.
Dwyane Wade (left) and LeBron James (right). Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
The idea (or excuse) that Wade’s ailing knees are holding back his greatness became completely irrelevant after Miami’s Game 4 win. There was no question that the two-time champion’s mindset coming into the game would be to step up and prevent his team from falling into a 3-1 series hole.
By attacking the rim aggressively and making San Antonio regret giving him open jump shots, Wade recorded 32 points on 14-for-25 shooting for the night. In the 2012 Finals, he finished the entire series without reaching the 30-point mark. Knowing that his teammate James is in need of his help even more than last year’s title run, Wade decided to flip the switch and make the Spurs’ lives difficult with his versatile scoring.
He affected the defensive side of the ball as well, forcing six of the 18 turnovers that the Spurs committed throughout the game. The Heat made it crystal clear that they are going to be nearly impossible to dethrone if Wade and James stay hot at the right moments. The added confidence and offensive solutions that Wade captured will make him the greatest fear for San Antonio moving forward. Knowing that he showed us all glimpses of his 2006 Finals days, we can all expect him to take advantage of the looks Gregg Popovich’s defensive continues to give him.
2. Manu Ginobili has disappeared at the wrong time.
Simply put, the third component of San Antonio’s Big Three needs to contribute in more ways than just consuming fouls. The Spurs’ Game 1 victory in South Beach included Ginobili’s 13 points off the bench, which proved to be crucial for the four-point win. Since that night, the veteran sixth man has averaged just 5.6 points per game in the last three meetings, two of which have been losses.
Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs is a great player, but is nearing the end. (Photo: Flickr user Killbucky).
That type of production from a long-time Sixth Man of the Year candidate is not going to bring home the franchise’s fifth championship. Down the stretch of Game 4, Ginobili remained with only five points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field. When asked of possible adjustments that he could make to his performance in Game 5, he noted, “I got to move the ball if my shot is not falling. I have to find the bigs and shooters.”
In this sense, Ginobili is exactly correct. We all are aware that prolific 3- point shooting lifted San Antonio to the win in Game 3. Demonstrating the underrated passing skills that he has and creating more looks for Danny Green and Gary Neal should be Ginobili’s top priority. Eventually, he is going to find his touch and produce his own offense, as he’s too great of a player to continue these struggles for seven games. But until that moment arises, I’d be content with Ginobili’s play-making mentality for Sunday’s Game 5.
3. We’re headed for a seven-game series.
An interesting aspect of this series is the fact that it profoundly compares to last month’s Eastern Conference Finals. In that series, neither the Heat or Pacers were able to claim two consecutive victories. Games 1, 3, 5 and 7 were taken by Miami, while Indiana earned wins in Games 2, 4 and 6. Taking a deep look into the current Finals match-up we have with San Antonio and Miami, it is hard to conclude it will end any differently.
Both groups, which include excellent coaching and leadership, seem to perform with utmost energy and passion following a loss. Games 1 and 3 went to the Spurs, while Games 2 and 4 have been owned by the Heat. Unless Wade and James pick up right where they left off on Thursday, I expect Popovich to make the correct adjustments for the Spurs’ defensive on the two superstars. With Sunday’s upcoming game remaining in the AT&T Center, Tony Parker and company will need to get more interior production on offense and, of course, torment the Heat with their perimeter threats through four quarters.
With the series heading back to Miami standing at 3-2 (favoring either), fans across the league will be in store for a dramatic unraveling of the 2013 NBA Finals.
Prediction: Spurs answer Heat, win Game 5 by narrow margin.