Parker and Duncan lead the charge for the visitors.
In a pulsating Game 1 of the NBA Finals 2013, the San Antonio Spurs came away with a 92-88 win over the Miami Heat at the AA Arena on Thursday night.
Things got off to a quick start with the lead switching hands across the first quarter, however Miami began to settle into a rhythm and led for the majority of the game thereafter.
LeBron James ended the game with a triple-double, posting up 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists, while Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen all finished in double figures.
However, the Spurs were determined to stay within distance throughout the game, and made big plays in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Amongst the stars of the night for coach Gregg Popovich were point guard Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, who finished the game with 21 and 20 points respectively.
However, coupled with Kawhi Leonard’s all round play and contributions off the bench from the likes of Manu Ginobili and Gary Neal, San Antonio will be delighted with their effort as they snatch a road win at the first time of asking.
Parker delivered a clutch performance, as he dropped in a floater with the shot-clock expiring and with just seconds left in the game.
There was an anxious wait for the referee’s to review the play, but it was deemed good as the Miami faithful accepted their fate.
“Just tried to get a shot up. I was going down and I was trying to stay composed and get a shot up,” Parker told ESPN reporter Doris Burke after the game.
“Obviously LeBron is unbelievable and Dwyane Wade played great, but we just tried to pack the paint and make sure they take jump shots,” he concluded.
The series remains in Miami for Game 2 on Sunday, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has plenty to think about as he looks to tie the series up.
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