Spurs looking to bounce back after heavy defeat last time out.
Although the San Antonio Spurs split the opening two games of the NBA Finals 2013 in Miami, the manner in which they lost Game 2 will have handed the momentum back to the defending champions.
LeBron James’ all-round performance coupled with the supporting cast delivering ensured that the Heat clinched a blow-out 19-point victory.
However, while they will be lauded for a more aggressive and energetic performance which shifted the pressure back on the Spurs, Coach Gregg Popovich will know exactly what needs to change in order to prevent Miami running away with the series.
The Spurs are still only shooting 41 percent and are averaging 88 points in the series, while Tim Duncan has only made 11-of-32 after the opening two games.
Miami showed on Sunday night that they have an extra gear, but while the Spurs are not perhaps as athletic and speedy as their rivals, their shooting still has plenty to be desired.
While the Heat may have run away with the game in the second-half, it is easy to forget that their opponents have remained competitive on the road over the course of six-and-a-half quarters.
Backed by a noisy AT&T Center on Tuesday, it will require a similar effort from the Spurs, but while the likes of Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard have produced back-to-back solid performances, it will be up to the much heralded “Big Three” to deliver.
Duncan must improve his shooting, admitting after Game 2 that he is getting the looks that he wants, but it is now a case of getting his stroke back and knocking those shots down.
Meanwhile, Parker will benefit from adjustments in Game 3 which will allow him to be more effective on the pick-and-roll while Manu Ginobili will attempt to keep the ball under his control and dribble effectively while contributing more off the bench.
The Spurs committed 17 turnovers on Sunday night, compared to just four in the opening game of the series. While that can be attributed to Miami’s increased effort on the defensive end, the Spurs made some bad plays and will want to reduce that number considerably.
Similarly, a great deal was made of Miami’s efficiency off the bench, but 19 points came off the Spurs turnovers. If they can take better care of the ball on the night, then they have a realistic chance of taking back the series lead.
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