Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Heat vs the Spurs.
Where: Game 1 – NBA Finals 2014 – AT&T Center, San Antonio.
When: Friday June 6, 02:00 BST
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The NBA Finals 2014 tips off on Thursday night as the San Antonio Spurs host the Miami Heat looking to avenge their heartbreaking loss from last season.
Tim Duncan doesn’t need any reminder over how the Spurs let slip a potential fifth title in Game 6 last year, with Ray Allen’s three-point shot becoming part of NBA history before the Heat wrapped up a second straight championship in the decider.
The veteran forward conceded that no matter how good the Spurs have been this year in the regular season and in the playoffs, little can make him forget his own mistakes and misses at key points last year.
However, this time round, San Antonio are arguably deeper, healthier and have the added bonus of home-court advantage if it comes to it, and as a result they are regarded as the slight favourites to prevail.
Nevertheless, based on how close the Finals were last year, NBA fans are in for a real treat again as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are ready for the challenge that awaits them.
Miami are aiming for a three-peat and a place in the history books that goes with it, but ultimately they respect their opponents and know that they will need to be at their best if they are to successfully defend their crown.
Meanwhile, it’s the sixth finals for the Spurs since 1999 and Miami’s fifth in nine years, but with the futures of James, Wade and Chris Bosh uncertain this summer along with the question of how long Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili can continue under Gregg Popovich, this could be a defining series for both teams.
As a result, it is one not to be missed as the best in the West go up against the beast from the East in order to decide who will be crowned the NBA champions of 2014.
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