It’s that time of the summer season again.
]The 2013 NBA Finals shoots into action tonight (June 6) at 8 p.m. on ABC so that means a few more weeks left of basketball before you get your significant other back. But more importantly, a team will be the victor of the Larry O’Brien trophy. The match-up between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat will be an event to keep your eyes glued to, even if you’re not a fan of the sport or can’t stand your partner flailing their arms at every referee whistle blow or want your evenings to not be spent in front of the television.
Read these facts to make the series that more interesting and drop some ball knowledge during game time to leave the boys speechless.
1) Tracy McGrady Could Win His First Ever Championship Title
T-Mac has remained a humble yet forceful spirit on the court since being drafted by the Toronto Raptors from high school in 1997. Like other classic NBA players, current and retired (Carl Malone, George Gervin, Dominique Wilkins), McGrady hasn’t tasted the sweet texture of victory after winning a Championship title, but this series could change it all given his consideration of retirement after this season. The two-time scoring victor will perform in his first Finals appearance in his 16-year playing career. Drop those facts for amazement.
Photo Credit: Bleacher Report
2) The Spurs Have A Veteran Big 3 Against The Heat
The Spurs’ Big Three reigns supreme in San Antonio with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili playing their positions. With 98 postseason wins, this trio will be the ultimate match-up against Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh as this will mark Duncan and James’ second Finals meet-up since his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007.
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3) East vs. West
For more stats, the Eastern Conference division has racked up 35 series wins to the Western Conference’s 27. Can the Spurs add another digit to the West’s wins in Playoff history or will the Heat make it 36?
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4) The Heat Have A History Of Leading The Series
In the 2012’s Finals game between Miami and Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami finished the series 4-1, seeing clearly into the reflection of the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Spurs have a polished record in the Finals as well having a 4-0 stat. An epic Game 7 might land on the game bracket.
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5) Spurs’ Coach Gregg Popovich and Heat’s Erik Spoelstra Statistics
Both coaches have a championship ring (or two) but with some of the most powerful and popular players in the league, it’ll be interesting to see who takes home the ‘ship. The two-time Coach of the Year, Popovich, hosts four rings to Spoelstra’s two jewel pieces, and with a dominate-offensive Spurs to a defense-mastered Heat grab a beer, a bowl of popcorn and take a seat next to your man for an eventful night.
Photo Credit: NBA