Game 3 - Spurs Win With Record Shooting

The San Antonio Spurs bounced back from a Game 2 loss at home with one of the most impressive first offensive performances in NBA Finals history. No team has shot as well from the field during a half of championship basketball in the history of the league. It has been over 45 years since a team scored as many as 41 points in the first quarter.

Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green exploded from the floor in Game 3. Leonard scored 16 of his 29 points in the first quarter. He had 18 total points throughout the first two games of the series. He shot 10 for 13 from the field and 6 for 7 from the line in Game 3 in Miami. Leonard also played expert defense against LeBron James, forcing him into tough shots. Leonard added two blocks and two steals. Green added 15 points on 7 for 8 shooting and was credited with 5 steals.

The Spurs led by 16 points after the first and by 25 points midway during the second quarter. The Spurs managed to get uncontested shots int he paint throughout the first half. They made some tough shots too, but the majority of San Antonio's record-setting shooting came from inside the paint. The Spurs led 71-50 at the half.

Miami came back int he third quarter. LeBron James scored 22 points, and added 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Wade scored 22 points. James shot 9 for 14 and Wade shot 8 for 12. But the two stars combined for 12 costly turnovers. Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen put in double figures, but the Heat received little else. Starting point guard Mario Chalmers has struggled during the three games so far.

The Heat cut the lead to single digits towards the end of the third, but ran out of gas. Miami's fans gave up on the team in the fourth and the place had emptied out with three minutes to go. Coach Erik Spoelstra waved the white flag with a minute and a half to go and put in former number one pick Greg Oden.

For the Spurs, Duncan, Parker, Ginobili all scored double figures. Boris Diaw started and contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He once again led the team in +/-. The Spurs outscored the Heat by 20 when Diaw was on the floor.

The Spurs finished the game up 111-92 and lead the series 2-1/