MIAMI, FL (Sporting Alert) — Defending champions Miami Heat responded positively to the defeat in Game 1 with a crushing win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.
Watch LeBron James’ Block on Tiago Splitter
After losing the opener, the Heat raised the intensity to outplayed the Spurs in a 103-84 victory at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Mario Chalmers finished with 19 points, while LeBron James delivered another solid all-round performance of 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks, including one on Tiago Splitter to lead the Heat.
“LeBron couldn’t get into a rhythm early and other guys stepped up … Mario was able to make some plays,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
Ray Allen chipped in with 13 points and shot 3-of-5 from three point range, Chris Bosh added a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds and Dwyane Wade had 10 points and six assists.
“Ray and Mike both found open gaps for the shooting,” Spoelstra added. “Dwyane and [Chris Bosh] were able to make some plays in the first half and LeBron was fine with that.”
Danny Green, who went a remarkable 6-of-6 from the field, including 5-for-5 from behind the arc, paced the Spurs with 17 points.
Point guard Tony Parker added 13 points. Kawhi Leonard collected 14 rebounds and nine points and Tim Duncan supported with 11 boards and nine points in the defeat.
“You know what, credit to Miami, honestly,” Duncan said. “First start there. They outplayed us. They ended quarters better than us.
“We turned the ball over more than we should have. Credit to them. We didn’t play well. We didn’t shoot well. I know I played awfully.”
Game 3 will be on Tuesday night at AT&T Center in San Antonio.
