NBA Finals: San Antonio Spurs one away from title glory

The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from NBA title glory after a 114-104 victory against the Miami Heat.

Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Tony Parker all impressed as the defending champions moved 3-2 up in the best-of-seven series.

Ginobili made the most of his surprise start with 24 points and 10 assists, while Green scored 24 points and Parker weighed in with 26.

Green’s tally included six three-pointers to see the 25-year-old break Ray Allen’s final series record of 22. Green now has 25 with at least one game to go.

LeBron James scored 25 points for the Heat and Dwyane Wade had 25 points and 10 assists. But the Heat missed 21 of their first 29 shots to fall behind by 17 points in the second quarter of another uninspired performance.

“I really didn’t expect a 24-point game” said Ginobli.

“It didn’t happen all season long but I needed to feel more important, more of a threat attacking the rim, and good to see it happen.”

Green has emerged as the unlikely leading scorer for the Spurs this series, averaging 18 points. That’s nearly eight more than his season average, and his 90 points in these five games are more than what Green scored in his first two NBA seasons combined.

Not bad for a player coach Gregg Popovich cut twice before Green finally won him over last season.

“When you do it for 82 games, the only thing left is to see if you can do it when the real lights come on in playoff time,” said Popovich.

“He’s pretty much answered that question.”

The Heat have yet to find an answer for Green. Miami guard Dwyane Wade, who has guarded Green this series, said he couldn’t remember many players who shot the ball this well in the Finals.

He said Miami must do a better job back home of defending Green.

James said Green is making the most of his opportunities.

“He’s trying to seize the moment,” said James, “And he’s doing great for his team so far.”