NBA Finals 2013: Game 7 Review and Grades

A game to savor; a series for the ages. The 2013 NBA Finals are in the books. In one of the most memorable series in recent memory, the Miami Heat captured back-to-back titles — edging out San Antonio 95-88 in what was another thriller in South Beach.

As predicted, the game started out sluggish — with both teams committing turnover after turnover. However, Miami found its shooting stroke early. LeBron James scored 15 points in the first half, with Dwyane Wade also silencing many of the critics by having yet another impressive first half, scoring 14 points.

The second half is where the drama really began to pick up. Both sides traded buckets — Kawhi Leonard in particular looked like a man possessed, perhaps wanting to make up for his pivotal missed free-throw in Game 6. The second-year man out of San Diego State was especially active on the glass — grabbing a game-high 17 rebounds.

Despite Miami — led by LeBron James’ five 3-pointers — maintaining a lead of around five points throughout the third and fourth quarters, they just couldn’t put San Antonio away. Every time it looked like the Heat were going to go on one of their famed runs, the Spurs trotted to the other end and put the ball in the hole.

However, as the going got tough, LeBron got going. He dominated the game in every single way he could. Much like the four-time MVP shut down Derrick Rose in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, The King stopped Tony Parker from taking control. Parker just couldn’t get going — much like in Game 6. Danny Green was also a non-factor in this game. Perhaps the talk of Finals MVP just piled unnecessary pressure onto the young man’s shoulders.

The game — and the season — came down to the wire. After Tim Duncan missed a point-blank tip-in to tie the game, LeBron James hit one of the biggest shots of his career: A mid-range jumper to put the Heat up by four and take the game away from San Antonio. The American Airlines Arena erupted. They knew; Mike Breen knew with his shout of “BANG” — and Gregg Popovich knew. The King reigned supreme once again — Miami retained its title. Here are the grades for each team.

San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker – C-  Oh Tony. If the Spurs were to have a chance of stealing Game 7, Parker was going to have to play a huge role. However, he just couldn’t do it. Ten points and four assists sum up his game; he didn’t seem explosive and LeBron James more-or-less shut him down. A bad night for a former Finals MVP.

Danny Green – D- The talk of Finals MVP was premature. As soon as Miami actually started taking notice of the former Cleveland Cavalier, he buckled under the bright lights of a Game 7. I didn’t like his decision making in this game  — he put up too many floaters and didn’t move the ball. He was the worst Spur on the floor. A learning curve, for sure.

Manu Ginobili – B- Manu bounced back from his shambles of a Game 6 to produce a solid performance — shooting 50% from the field. His grade gets the minus on it because of his turnover late in the game that all but gave the game away for San Antonio.

A star is born. Hold your head up high, Kawhi Leonard.

Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

Kawhi Leonard – A Kawhi Leonard was the best Spurs player on the floor in Game 7. On a team that includes three future Hall of Famers, that’s pretty good going for Kawhi. He’s got a great future ahead of him. As for Game 7, he couldn’t do much more. 19 points and 17 rebounds — a remarkable performance by a man I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot about in the near future.

Tim Duncan – B+ Tim Duncan will remember his late missed tip-in for the rest of his life. Apart from that, he had a very solid game — contributing at both ends of the floor. He finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, only 48 hours after an overtime thriller. Not bad going for a 37-year-old.

Miami Heat

LeBron James – A+ Two championships — two Finals MVPs. The King played just like the MVP tonight — dropping 37 points and hitting the dagger in the fourth. He is a living legend — one of the best to ever do it.

Dwyane Wade is now a three-time NBA champion. (Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)

Dwyane Wade – A Lost in the greatness that is LeBron James is the performance of D-Wade. Flash was back. 23 points on 11-of-21 shooting, while grabbing 10 boards. That’s what I call a contribution.

Shane Battier – A The former Duke Blue Devil had been struggling with his shot all playoffs. Luckily for Miami, he saved his best until last. Battier hit 6-for-8 from downtown and consistently kept the Heat ahead and kicking. It takes great character to keep believing in your shot when you are in such bad form, but Battier did this. The ultimate professional — Shane Battier.

Chris Bosh – D What an awful, awful game from Chris Bosh. Sure, Miami won, but Bosh will have done little to keep himself from being traded. Zero points, 5 fouls show just how poor he was. Luckily for him, his teammates pulled him through.

Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Mario Chalmers rises to the big occasion.

Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

Mario Chalmers – C+ Mario Chalmers never backs down from the spotlight. It’s just sometimes the spotlight shouldn’t be shining on him. Chalmers hoisted up 15 shots, which is probably too many. Having said that, he contributed with 14 points — so a solid night’s work for Rio.

Conclusion

And there we have it. One of the most entertaining Finals in history is over. Miami continues the journey in which it aims to build a dynasty. The best player in the world once again wins the championship. However, the real winners today are NBA fans. We’ve been treated to seven games plucked from heaven. Try and live up to that, NBA season 2013-14.