On the first day of training camp, Gregg Popovich screened the entirety of San Antonio’s Game 6 overtime loss to Miami in the 2013 Finals. He wanted the team to “park it” and forget about any lingering doubts: Kawhi Leonard’s missed free throw, the offensive rebounds or a play that would have made a difference had it unfolded otherwise. If the process behind the 2012-13 season was solid than they would live with the outcome. From that moment onwards, there was no hangover that could jeopardize the season. Now, as the rematch approaches, the hard fought loss has galvanized Spurs’ …
Clouds Forming in the N.B.A. Finals
Game 1 showed that Oklahoma City had the talent to pressure Miami on defense and score explosively at the other end as the Thunder overwhelmed the Heat in the second half. Game 2 showed that OKC had yet to overcome some of their mental errors as they were not ready to compete and gave up a 16-2 run to start the game. The postseason has shown that they have the talent to win, but Game 3 showed that championship basketball is played in a very narrow zone, between too much or too little intensity. Oklahoma City played like a dysfunctional …