The 2014 NBA Finals ended in exciting fashion for the San Antonio Spurs. They were able to claim their fifth title by dethroning the two-time defending champs Miami Heat in Game 5.
The Miami Heat were unable to regain control after their Game 2 victory and the two straight blowouts that ensued in Games 3 and 4.
LeBron James managed to score 31 points. However, the main story was the Spurs and their superb team effort that led them to the title.
Tony Parker struggled early on in the game and did not score his first bucket until the second half. However, the bench provided a much needed spark from their bench.
Ginobili scored 19 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc while Patty Mills also shot lights out with 5-of-8 shooting from deep.
Additionally, Tim Duncan finished with 14 points and eight boards. The solid play from the bench and role players were more than enough for San Antonio to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Third-year forward Kawhi Leonard was awarded the Finals MVP after spectacular performances in Games 3, 4 and 5 where he scored 29, 20, and 22 points respectively. Leonard struggled the first two games of the series where he scored a combined 18 points and his turnaround in Game 3 attributed to him being the catalyst in winning the title.
With the championship, coach Gregg Popovich win his fifth title as head coach trailing only Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson with most championships won by a head coach.
This is the fourth title that the Spurs big three (Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker) have won collectively.
Photo Credit: ESPN.com, BleacherReport
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