[www.inewsguyana.com] – Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs are a machine. In Miami on Thursday night, the Spurs dropped the hammer, 107-86, to take a 3-1 series lead back to Texas for Game 5.
San Antonio continued its habit of great play in the first half, punishing Miami with selfless ball movement, several three-pointers and a 55.6 percent shooting percentage. Kawhi Leonard was, again, spectacular as he put home a wild dunk off a Patty Mills three-pointer near the end of the second quarter.
The Heat again made a third quarter push, where LeBron James fought through apparent stomach issues. San Antonio stabilized, never letting the lead drop below double-digits as Mills provided a much-needed spark off the bench.
Miami’s Dwyane Wade had an abysmal night, looking tired and a shell of the well-rested player seen through the first three rounds of the playoffs. Combined with yet another beautiful, flowing offensive attack by the Spurs, it was all the Heat could do to remain within 20 points of San Antonio for a hefty chunk of the game.
Leonard led the way for San Antonio, scoring 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, adding 14 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and three steals. Tony Parker dropped 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting with two assists. Tim Duncan recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds to go with two assists, two steals and a block. Mills had 14 points off the bench.
For Miami, James did the bulk of the scoring with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, adding eight rebounds and two assists. Chris Bosh scored 12 points with four rebounds and two steals. Wade added 10 points on just 3-of-13 shooting. James Jones contributed 11 points in three minutes off the bench.
