After losing the first game in the sauna-like conditions of the AT&T Center, the Miami Heat are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in the second game of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.
The conditions inside the arena caused Miami's star LeBron James to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to heat-related problems. James struggled to get up from the floor and suffered cramps in his legs but still ended as the highest scorer for Miami with 25 points.
James received treatment on Saturday after the practice session because of the cramps and there are question marks over his fitness ahead of the crucial tie. The four-time MVP, though, is less concerned about his health and is looking to make an impact in the second game.
"You can't think about what may happen in the third or fourth quarter. Live in the moment," James stressed. "And for me, whatever I can give my teammates if it happens again, hopefully I can make an impact while I'm on the floor and that's all that matters to me."
San Antonio's Tony Parker looked fine in the first encounter and showed no signs of the left ankle injury, during his 37 minutes on the court. He finished with 19 points and eight assists in the opener.
"I was a little worried in the first quarter but in the second half it felt great," Parker said, after the game.
Parker said San Antonio cannot be complacent against the defending champions, after taking an early lead in the Finals, as their opponents are capable of making a comeback. The Spurs have won eight straight games at home but they are not taking the visitors lightly.
"That's why I think we can't be satisfied," Parker pointed out. "Because we was in the same situation and we know they can win here, and so we just have to go out there and play our game and try to win this one. I think it's a big game for the series."
The Heat, on the other hand, would not like to head home 2-0 down in the series and have to bounce back in the forthcoming encounter. Dwyane Wade said they are focused on putting the series on level terms.
"Our focus is on how we can win ballgames and understand in the series it's the first one to four; not the first one to one, not the first one to two, not the first one to three," Wade said. "You win a series by being the first one to four. We understand the journey we understand the path and what it takes to get there."
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for a 9:00 pm ET (6:30 am IST, 1:00 am GMT) start with live coverage on ABC in the US and Sony Six and Sony Six HD in India. The game can be watched via live streaming option in the US HERE or HERE. The game can be live streamed by international viewers, including India, HERE.
