2013 NBA Finals: Heat’s ‘Big 3’ Explode in Game 4 as Miami Even Finals Series With San Antonio at 2-2
Wade, James combine 65 points on over 50 percent from the field; Ginobili still struggling
LeBron James scored 33 points, Dwyane Wade exploded for 32 and Chris Bosh added 20 as the Miami Heat evened the NBA Finals series at 2-2 with a 109-93 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 on Thursday at AT&T Center.
The Heat bounced back from a miserable shooting performance in Game 3 as their 'Big 3' finally picked their spots on the floor to give their team a much-needed firepower on the offensive end.
James, who had been criticized for not being his usual efficient self in the first three games against San Antonio, shot a staggering 15-for-25 (60 pct.) from the field and racked up 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 41 minutes of playing time.
But the flashback play of Wade took the spotlight in the night as the former Finals MVP shot 14-for-25 percent (56 pct.) from the floor with 6 assists and 6 steals.
After settling to a 49-49 deadlock at the break, the Heat slowly ripped the game apart with a 32-point output in the third quarter. Miami finally secured the win after the tandem of Wade and Bosh scored 14 straight points to give them 100-85 advantage with still 5:16 minutes remaining. James put the icing on the cake by scoring the Heat's last nine points.
The Heat shot 53 percent on the floor overall and smothered the Spurs to just 44 percent from the field and forced them to commit 18 turnovers.
Tim Duncan scored a team-high 20 points and Tony Parker added 15 despite dealing with slight hamstring strain. However, the Spurs still didn't get solid contributions from Manu Ginobili, who finished with 5 points on 1-for-5 on the floor.
With the series all tied at 2-2, both teams are expected to come out with a better gameplan on Sunday for the pivotal Game 5 clash at the AT&T Center.