The Closeout: Heat v. Spurs (2014)

In the 2010 Eastern Conference Semis, LeBron James quit on the Cleveland Cavaliers if you believe Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavs. That off-season, LeBron and his posse made one of the more notable PR faux pas in sports history with "The Decision".

It is now 2014 CE. The Miami Heat seemed to be on the cusp of another championship until they ran in to the offensive mastery of the San Antonio Spurs--a team determined to not suffer a repeat of the 2013 NBA Finals. With the Heat down 3-1 in the series and looking tired, the series looks like it is over. Common sense in the NBA, however, is that if you have the best player you always have a chance. Those games listed as "if necessary" in TV broadcast previews are always "necessary" if you the best player in the world is suiting up for you. However, if the best player decides that the mountain is too high to climb, well, then you're out of luck.

I am not suggesting that James has quit on the Heat like Gilbert claims he did the Cavs. Quite the contrary actually. In the game 4 annihilation, he scored 19 of the Heat's 21 points in the 3rd quarter as he tried gallantly to spur another comeback. However, with no help to be found from any of the other 10-11 guys that the Heat dressed that night, and with the Spurs operating at an insanely high level, it wasn't enough.

Four trips to the NBA Finals in four years. Two championships. That is a historic feat. Is this  accomplishment being enough the mindset of the Miami Heat team?

The Spurs play a type of ball that could will the Heat into submission. Look to see if the Heat stop closing out on 3 point shots for evidence of the knockout blow being delivered.

James will play hard. His teammates just cannot give him enough to defeat the Spurs. 

Are we on the precipice of another 2010-like off-season in which James chooses another location to ply his trade?

Ultimately, I think the answer to this question is no as well. However, depending on how this series ends could change that. With July just around the corner, it could change quickly.