1) From the tip, Kawhi was impressively aggressive for a second year player in what could've been a title clinching game. Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but his game gave major clues he was going to be a problem in this league.
2) Props to Pat Riley and Co. for surrounding their 3 stars with the perfect role players. LeBron had an arsenal of shooters: Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Shane Battier. Take note Elton. (I know it's easier to get players who wanted to play with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh compared to Simmons and Embiid. But still something to admire).
3) We may never see a player like Tim Duncan again. He was such a unique big man. Even at 37 years old during this series, he was a defensive force and made LeBron's ability to score in the paint very difficult. On offense he was no longer at a HoF level, but he was still so cerebral at the end of his career that he was always there to terrorize the offensive glass always being at the right place at the right time.
4) Wade was kinda washed at this point. You could tell his body was limiting his ability. Lots of off the dribble, mid-range jumpers/fadeaways that stagnated Miami's halfcourt offense and rhythm.
5) Down 10 after 3, LeBron scores 16 fourth quarter points. LeBron haters tend to forget this when they say he can thank Ray Allen for winning the 2013 title.
Finished the game with a 32 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast triple double.6) While we are talking about Ray Allen's shot that forced overtime, it has to be one of the top 3, if not THE most clutch shot in NBA Finals history, no? I started watching basketball in 2001, so if any of you old heads want to nominate buckets in the Finals you think were more clutch, feel free to post below.
7) Erik Spoelstra's decision to have LeBron guard Tony Parker all game is also something to talk about. LBJ had to really put in work. Parker's speed and quickness was incredible.
8) Sad T-Mac on the bench makes me a little sad. So, so close to an NBA championship.
