Game 1 - LeBron Can't Take the Heat

In the midst of a broken air conditioner, the conditions played a key role in the outcome of Game 1 on the 2014 NBA Finals, a rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat. Miami grabbed their largest lead, 86-79, with 9:38 left in the fourth. Chris Bosh had just nailed a free throw capping a four-point play.

Miami had raced to an early lead in the first quarter, but the Spurs raced back. Once Manu Ginobili entered the contest, the Heat became the team forced to catch up. Ginobili, who was a scorer in the first quarter and a distributor in the second half, finished with 16 points and 11 assists.

The Spurs held a 26-20 lead after one and a five point lead at halftime despite committing a ton of turnovers. The sweltering building hurt the road Heat. On the bench Miami's players were complaining about the temperature for much of the game.

The Spurs took a nine point lead early in the third quarter. Dwyane Wade helped spark the comeback with 5 of his 19 points during an 8-0 Heat run. Tim Duncan, who scored 21 points on 9 of 10 shooting, and Ginobili helped keep the Spurs even with Miami until Ray Allen exploded. Allen scored 6 consecutive Heat points including a running facial over Danny Green.

The Heat held a three point lead heading into the fourth and expanded it early with Bosh's four point play. Bosh finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds, but couldn't stop Duncan. With 7:31 left, LeBron James begged out due to cramps. He made one brief appearance when his body locked up. It was a huge blow to the Heat in what had quickly become a competitive game.James had scored 25 points on 9 of 17 shooting.

Danny Green woke up in the fourth and finished with 13 points including a ferocious dunk to make up for Allen's over him in the third. Tony Parker finished with 19 points and 8 assists. The Spurs outscored the Heat by 30 when Boris Diaw (2 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists) was on the floor.

The Spurs ended the game on a 13-3 run and finished the game by outscoring the Heat 31-9 from Bosh's fourth-point play. San Antonio took Game 1 at home 110-95 despite 22 turnovers.