Steve Mitchell – USA Today Sports Images
The 2013 NBA Finals are already off to an incredible start after just one game. Game 1 between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs was action-packed and came down to the fourth quarter. Ultimately, the Spurs were able to take advantage in the final period and take a 1-0 series lead despite the Heat having home-court advantage.
Both teams weren’t at their best in the first game, though, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. The Spurs finished the series opener shooting just 41.7 percent from the floor and 30.4 percent from long distance. Miami didn’t perform much better shooting-wise, knocking down just 43.6 percent of their attempts and converting just 32 percent of their three-point attempts.
One of the big surprises from Game 1 was how well the Heat performed on the boards. Despite being at a distinct disadvantage in their frontcourt in terms of size, the Heat out-rebounded the Spurs 46-37 in the first game. More importantly given the inefficiency of both teams, the Heat were able to grab nine offensive boards and limited the Spurs to just six offensive rebounds.
However, one of the major concerns for the Heat from Game 1 is the fact that, despite their nine offensive rebounds, they finished with only eight second-chance points. With points being at such a premium in the first game, the Heat needed to be able to convert on those opportunities.
Looking to Game 2 and beyond in the Finals, the Heat have to maintain their aggressiveness on the glass, but they also have to make sure they get better looks when they are able to grab offensive rebounds, especially if both teams play defense at as high of a level going forward. Considering that Game 1 was decided by just four points, if the Heat are able to be more proficient with their second chance opportunities, it could make a huge difference in the series.
Cody Williams is an NBA Blogger with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
