The San Antonio Spurs took Game 1 of the NBA Finals with a road 92-88 win led by Tony Parker over the defending champion Miami Heat.
Parker led the way with 21 points to help the Spurs withstand a triple-double performance by Miami's LeBron James. Probably the highlight of the game for Parker was when he banked in a desperation jumper on a broken play with 5.2 seconds left, giving the Spurs a four-point edge.
Tim Duncan finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while the third member of the Spurs' big three, Manu Ginobili finished with 13 points.
"We got a little bit lucky in Game 1," Parker said. "Sometimes that's what it takes to win games."
James had 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his second straight NBA Finals appearance, but only shot 7-of-16 against the defense of Kawhi Leonard.
Dwyane Wade scored 17 points for the Heat but was shut out in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh had only two of his 13 points in the final period.
San Antonio turned up the defensive pressure in the fourth, limiting Miami to just seven points in the first 8 ½ minutes.
"The Spurs are the Spurs," James said. "They're going to put you in positions where you feel uncomfortable offensively and defensively, and every time you make a mistake, they're going to capitalize on it."
However, despite the loss James believes he and his teammates will be better prepared for Game 2 and is hopeful that they'll begin to make shots that they typically do.
"They did a good job of putting two guys on the ball ... and dared me to pass," James said. "I know my guys will be there to knock those shots down in the next game."
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