Ginobili delivers as his double-double helps Spurs take back series lead.
The San Antonio Spurs clinched a vital 114-104 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals 2013 as the series is now set to switch back to Miami for the final two games.
Having been desperately disappointing thus far, Manu Ginobili finally stepped up and delivered as he was handed a rare start by coach Gregg Popovich.
Ginobili ended the game with a double-double, registering 24 points and 10 assists as he sparked the Spurs at key points of the game as the Heat threatened to pull back into contention.
However, arguably the star of the show was Danny Green, as he set a new NBA Finals record for three-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen by taking his tally to 25.
Green ended the game with 24 points, while Tony Parker dismissed any issues with his hamstring by adding a further 26 points.
In contrast, the Heat were led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade who had 25 points apiece, while there were solid efforts from Chris Bosh and Allen off the bench.
However it wasn’t enough as the Heat continue to struggle to secure back-to-back victories, with the Spurs clinching what was almost a must-win game given the nature of the series and the fact that the remaining two games will come on the road.
Game 6 is on Tuesday night in Miami, and San Antonio are now just a solitary victory away from being crowned with another NBA championship.
Having played with greater intensity at both ends of the court while benefiting from a more aggressive performance from Ginobili, they will be confident of being able to at least split the next two games if necessary.
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