Best Storylines to Follow in the NBA Finals
Will the Spurs and Heat deliver another classic?
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NBA Finals Best Storylines - For the first time since 1998, when Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls bested Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz for the title for the second year straight, the NBA Finals is a rematch. LeBron James and the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat will look for the three-peat against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of last year's Finals, beginning with Game 1 on Thursday night. Last year’s NBA Finals went seven thrilling games. How many games will this year’s series go? Here, BET.com takes a look at the story lines to follow. This is it! (Photos from Left: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images, Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
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Tony Parker's Health - There’s no doubting that Tony Parker is the motor in the San Antonio Spurs’ well oiled engine. As the veteran point guard goes, the Spurs go. During the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Parker was slowed by a hamstring strain, as his average dipped to 13.2 points per game in the series down from the 16.7 he put up during the regular season. Parker also played an average of 27.8 minutes per game. Entering this NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, there are already reports that Parker is suffering from a sprained ankle. If the Spurs are going to avenge their loss to the Heat, chances are they’re going to need more minutes and overall production from Parker. His health is vital to their chances of being crowned kings once again. (Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Pop's Adjustments - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich won his third career NBA Coach of the Year trophy this past April, and if there are adjustments to be made during this series, Pop will make them. Not taking anything away from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and the success he’s had in Miami, but we’re going to give the sideline edge to Pop here. More experience, and if one coach is going to navigate the Spurs to victory, it’s him. (Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Tim Duncan's Will - The window of opportunity on Tim Duncan’s chance to haul in a fifth NBA championship is slowly closing. The Spurs will need their anchor to average every bit of the 15 points and nearly 10 boards he posted through this season and then some if they’re going to beat LeBron James in his prime. The Big Fundamental’s pride and fire will be tested. We expect him to do what he does, and his ability to will the Spurs to victory will be major this Finals.(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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King James Shouldering Load - The great ones love moments like this and LeBron James has shown to be no different. This is the time where King James puts the team on his back and drives the championship home. His hunger should be simple — pull off a three-peat like MJ and Kobe and Shaq. Simple, isn’t it? But getting it done against a thoroughbred of an NBA team like the Spurs, who are probably more well rounded, like the Heat, is another story. James will need maximum effort to pull this off, and we think he’s up for the challenge. (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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