2014 Year in Review: June Edition
By DJ Smith
Spurs Shock Heat to capture NBA Championship
Jun 12, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots as Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) defends during the third quarter of game four of the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
In a rematch of the 2013 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat met once again this time the Spurs looked to avenge the 2013 finals loss to LeBron James and Co. In Game 1 the AT&T Center in San Antonio lost air conditioning in the second half, which saw temperatures, soar inside the arena, this caused LeBron James to suffer from dehydration and leg cramps. King James was forced to watch the majority of the 4th quarter on the bench and as a result the Spurs were able to grind out a 15-point victory as they took an early 1-0 lead. LeBron would come back in Game 2 and make up his lack of production in Game 1 by throwing down 37 points, leading all scorers, and guiding the Heat to a 98-96 win to tie up the series. After Game 2 Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard took off, he lead all scorers in Game 3 as he notched 29 points leading to a 111-92 victory for the Spurs, he then followed up with another 20 point game that earned the Spurs another victory, this time in Miami and earning San Antonio a 3-1 series lead. Game 4 came along in San Antonio and once again it was Kawhi Leonard that lead the Spurs scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds as his performance lifted the Spurs to a 104-87 victory for the Spurs and earning them their 5th NBA Finals trophy in team history. Kawhi Leonard was later named the NBA Finals MVP, as his performance was something truly special and will not be forgotten for a long time.