Instant Coffee: GINOBILI! Manu Key to Spurs Game 5 Win, Heat on the Brink

Miami Heat 104 San Antonio Spurs 114

Good thing Greg Popovich did not listen to my recommendations or anyone else’s observations. Instead of reducing Manu Ginobili’s minutes, he inserted him in the starting lineup and jump started the struggling star. Ginobili had a blast from the past as he dominated with 24 points and 10 assists. Danny Green also broke loose again with 24 points. He also hit 6 3 pointers in the game and has already broken the record for the NBA Finals. I thought the Heat had figured out how to contain Green after Game 4 but they are clearly having trouble with him. Most importantly, Tony Parker looked healthy in Game 5 after being limited by his hamstring in Game 4. In addition, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard had great games and the Spurs did not need much production from the bench as they shot 60% from the field for the game.

Dwayne Wade looked great again with 25 points and 10 assists, which is a positive for the Heat. Chris Bosh had a good game and Ray Allen had 21 big points off the bench. Lebron was contained to 8-22 shooting but still put up decent overall numbers. While he could have done more on the offensive end, the Heat lost the game on the defensive end. They generated 18 turnovers but you cannot allow the other team to shoot 60% from the field. The Heat made runs throughout the game to cut into the lead and make it close but the Spurs had a response on offense for each run.

The Spurs are on the brink of another championship with a 3-2 series lead heading into Miami. However, it is far from over. The Heat are heading home and the role players such as Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, and Chris Anderson should play better at home. Moreover, I expect a much better defensive effort as they have no choice. Regardless, I doubt any team can shoot 60% from the field again. The Heat have also not lost back to back games since January.

On the other hand, the Heat have not won back to back games since the Chicago Bulls series in the second round. As such, the Spurs definitely have a legit shot to win one of the next two games to win the title. Ginobili changes the dynamic completely. Credit Greg Popovich for making the move to insert him in the starting lineup as he probably deduced he needed the extra firepower now that Wade and Bosh have been jumpstarted for the Heat. In addition, I cannot believe that the Heat have not figured out how to neutralize Danny Green yet. As such, I do not think they will. Moreover, they cannot afford to put that much more focus on Green now that Ginobili has showed up in the Finals. Fatigue may also be a problem for the Heat. They played in a physical 7 game series against the Indiana Pacers. If they are winning this series, they will have to do it in another 7 game series and they have just not had the days to get any real rest in the last 2 series.

Regardless of the outcome, it is going to be one heck of a finish to the NBA season.

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