NBA Finals: Heat-Spurs Game 7 Predictions
By Ben Mehic
Jun 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) makes a jump shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the last minute of the fourth quarter of game six in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
If tonight’s game is anything like game 6 of the NBA Finals, I think it’s safe to say we’re in for a treat. The NBA Finals are what basketball is all about; pride, passion and the desire to become world champions all exhibited into one setting. Can the San Antonio Spurs overcome their heartbreaking loss on Tuesday night and hold up the crown once again, or will King James and the Miami Heat keep control of their throne?
The rest of the Wiz of Awes staff has joined myself in predicting an unpredictable game. Enjoy.
Ben Mehic: I honestly still haven’t digested what occurred in game 6. San Antonio was merely seconds away from becoming NBA Champions once again, but the Miami Heat overcame the obstacles, making Tuesday’s game an instant classic. I picked the Heat to win the series in six games, but it looks like they’ll be pushed to the brink. If anyone can bounce back from devastation, it’s certainly the Spurs. With that said, I can’t bet against the best player in the world. Even though LeBron James didn’t necessarily shoot the ball particularly well last game, he was masterful defensively. He knows what’s at stake and with the help of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh along with the rest of their supporting cast, the Heat will retain supreme once again.
Winner: Miami Heat
James Straton: Anyone who tells you they know what’s about to happen tonight is lying. There have been two close games and four blowouts without a moment informing us of something new. Danny Green can shoot threes? Ray Allen is clutch? LeBron James doesn’t like driving with someone sitting in the paint? The Heat disappear for stretches? Surprises, the lot. We knew all of these things and we knew both of these teams were evenly matched. So who’s winning tonight? Hell if I know. But I’m picking the Heat because I’m expecting LeBron’s Legacy to come up big in the 315th (by my count) legacy game of his career. We’re fast approaching the day when every game he plays, regular season or playoffs, will be considered a legacy game, as unfair as that is. Anyway… since no one can definitively say one team or the other is better, I’m going with LeBron’s Legacy to triumph.
Winner: Miami Heat
Nithin Kuchibhotla: We’re attempting to make predictions on an NBA Finals that has thus far, defined unpredictability. Six games are in the books now, and the teams have alternated wins in each one. With the age of 24/7 media in full force, every fan has probably read 10 different pieces burying the Heat and championing the Spurs after Games 1, 3, and 5, and doing the exact opposite after Games 2, 4, and 6. Analysts, experts, and fans alike cannot say with any certainty what will happen tonight. Miami has history on their side, as no road team has won a Game 7 in the Finals since our beloved Washington Bullets in 1978. However, San Antonio is due for a win against a team that hasn’t won two consecutive playoff games in a series since Round 2 vs. Chicago. Both teams may experience a hangover from one of the all-time great games played on Tuesday, but will San Antonio struggle to step up after a gut-wrenching twist that could only be found in a Stephen King novel? And how much more of a burden can LeBron James carry, knowing that Dwyane Wade’s health/age/(insert excuse here) is actually a detriment to the team? Tim Duncan turned back the clock in Game 6, but will his expected regression be countered by positive performances from Ginobili and Parker? Storylines galore are available for dissection tonight. Numerous Hall of Famers will be on center stage for the greatest moment in sports – Game 7. A fitting culmination to another fantastic season in the NBA, the last 48 minutes will provide the next chapter in basketball history. Which victor will emerge? Does my guess even matter? Since I’ve roped you into reading this much – Miami 99 San Antonio 95. Enjoy it.
Winner: Miami Heat