Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball game, Thursday, June 6, 2013 in Miami.MIAMI – The San Antonio Spurs returned to the NBA Finals just the way they left – with a victory over LeBron James.
Tim Duncan overcame a slow start to finish with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Tony Parker banked in a desperation jumper on a broken play with 5.2 seconds left and the Spurs withstood James’ triple-double to beat the Miami Heat 92-88 on Thursday night in a thrilling Game 1.
Parker ended up with 21 points after referees reviewed his shot to make sure it just beat the shot clock, giving San Antonio a four-point edge in a game that was close the whole way.
“Tony’s shot is one of those things that happens sometimes,” Manu Ginobili said. “We got lucky today.”
James had 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his second straight NBA Finals triple-double, but he shot only 7 of 16 against some good defense by Kawhi Leonard, and Miami’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter.