Heat even up NBA Finals

SAN ANTONIO — With his doubters, critics, and detractors waiting for his response to Crampgate, LeBron James once again displayed why he is premier player of this generation when the Miami Heat desperately needed his guidance.

James scored a game-high 35 points, and instead of challenging three defenders on a drive to the hoop, he shuffled a pass to a wide-open Chris Bosh for a corner 3-pointer with 1:18 left, and the Heat held on for a 98-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.   

After missing the final 3:59 of Miami’s Game1 loss with leg cramps in the searing heat of an un-air-conditioned arena, James played a team-high 37:36, including the final 9:22 when perhaps the Heat’s season was at stake.

James scored 33 of his points in the final three quarters on 13-for-18 shooting, but San Antonio had plenty of chances to eke out a victory. The key sequence occurred with 6:43 left and Tony Parker at the line for two free throws following a flagrant foul by Miami’s Mario Chalmers.“Just play the game, try to play the game the right way. However the flow of the game is going, I just try to impose my will in some kind of way,” he said afterward. “Just myself and my teammates in a position to succeed, and I was happy in the fact that I was able to make some plays to help us get the victory tonight.”

Parker, reeling from a blow to the ribs, missed both free throws. Tim Duncan was fouled on the next possession and he missed both attempts. Moments later, James coldly drained a 3-pointer from the left elbow for an 88-87 lead, completing the 7-point swing.