Gästebuch » leaving the Olympics logo one ring short.

MIAMI -- The San Antonio Spurs still have that winning NBA Finals formula of good defence and a little luck on offence. Tim Duncan overcame a slow start to finish with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Tony Parker banked in a desperation jumper on a broken play with 5.2 seconds left and the Spurs withstood LeBron James triple-double to beat the Miami Heat 92-88 on Thursday night in a thrilling Game 1. Parker ended up with 21 points after referees reviewed his shot to make sure it just beat the shot clock, giving San Antonio a four-point edge in the game that was close the whole way. "We got a little bit lucky in Game 1," Parker said. "Sometimes thats what it takes to win games." Playing for the championship for the first time since sweeping James Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 for their fourth title, the Spurs improved to 5-for-5 in Game 1s, hanging around for three quarters and then blowing by the defending champions midway through the fourth. Manu Ginobili, the third member of San Antonios Big Three that has combined for 99 post-season victories together, finished with 13 points, and Danny Green had 12. "It doesnt matter how were categorized -- old, veterans, whatever you call us, were in the mix," the 37-year-old Duncan said. San Antonio turned up its defence in the fourth quarter, limiting Miami to seven points in the first 8 1/2 minutes in returning to the finals just the way it left -- with a victory over James. James had 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his second straight NBA Finals triple-double, but he shot only 7 of 16 against some good defence by Kawhi Leonard, and Miamis offence stalled in the fourth quarter. "The Spurs are the Spurs," James said. "Theyre going to put you in positions where you feel uncomfortable offensively and defensively, and every time you make a mistake, theyre going to capitalize on it." Game 2 is Sunday night. James became a champion on this floor last year in Game 5 against Oklahoma City, but he hasnt forgotten his first taste of the finals. The Spurs overwhelmed his Cavaliers and James spoke Wednesday like someone who had payback in mind. He was 22 then, a fourth-year player headed for greatness but with holes in his game that San Antonio exploited. Revenge wont come easily -- if it comes at all. Dwyane Wade scored 17 points for the Heat but was shut out in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh had only two of his 13 in the final period. James shot an airball on a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt, then was soon back to the step-in-front- of-him-at-your-own-risk force that has made him the games best player. But San Antonio handled that and everything else Miami did, even while only shooting 42 per cent from the field. "This is a hell of a game to play because both teams are so good offensively and defensively," Bosh said. "You cant have any letdowns." Forced to seven grueling games by the rugged Indiana Pacers in the East finals, the Heat clearly enjoyed the more wide-open flow of this game, making 18 of their first 30 shots. But the Spurs defence simply got better as the game went along, forcing Miami into five turnovers in the final quarter. "I thought we were a little fatigued honestly in the fourth quarter," Wade said. "Looking around, we looked like a team that came off a seven-game series." Miami outshot and outrebounded San Antonio in the first half, yet led only 52-49. The Heat stayed ahead until Parkers free throws gave San Antonio a 77-76 edge with 7:47 remaining. James set up Bosh for a jumper on the next possession for his 10th assist, but Leonard made a follow shot and Parker turned James turnover into a spinning layup and an 81-78 lead exactly halfway through the fourth. "We were just trying to hang," Parker said. "In the third quarter, the same thing. In the fourth quarter we finally made some stops and made a couple of big shots." The lead grew to seven, but Miami was back within two and appearing ready to get the ball back when Parker lost control of the ball and his balance as the clock was set to expire. He gathered the ball and his footing, turning and tossing it in as the light above the basket turned red. "Tonys shot is one of those things that happens sometimes," Ginobili said. "We got lucky today." It was an entertaining start to a matchup that seemed years in the making between perennial contenders, the Spurs making their fifth appearance and the Heat their fourth. Commissioner David Stern called it "probably the most anticipated finals in who knows, 30 years," likely more a bit of hyperbole in his final state of the league address than a comment meant to slight fans of the Celtics, Lakers, or Michael Jordans Bulls. It came with the promise of beautiful basketball between two fluid offences who were built differently but share common beliefs and a healthy respect. The Spurs value system over stardom, never asking for attention -- and too often not getting it. The Heat have been never been out of the spotlight from the moment James and Bosh showed up to join Wade, James vowing multiple titles as lights flashed and music boomed, showing they were going to be loud and impossible to ignore. The Heat have a assembled a deep supporting cast loaded with 3-point shooters that turned them into a 66-win powerhouse this season, sending the Spurs to the finals in the unfamiliar role of underdog. They handled it just fine. The Spurs hadnt played since May 27, when they finished off a sweep of Memphis in the Western Conference finals, and even coach Gregg Popovich said he didnt know what to expect. San Antonio turned it over on its first possession, leading to Wades fast-break dunk. Then the Spurs ran off nine straight points, showing the rest helped more than any rust hurt. Only Duncan, who has remained among the NBAs best, looked out of sync. He missed all five shots in the first quarter before going to the bench late in the period with his second foul. The Heat had a 38-29 lead by the time he returned, and he quickly got on the board with an inside basket en route to a 12-point second quarter. Back in the arena where James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in last years closeout game, fans arrived to white shirts reading "Witness Miami" draped over their seats. The Miami fans didnt like what they witnessed, many leaving as referees reviewed Parkers shot. Notes: Duncan joined Elgin Baylor, A.C. Green and John Salley as the only players in NBA history to make a Finals appearance in three decades. Salley is the only one to win titles in three decades. ... The teams combined for 12 turnovers, tying the record for the fewest in a playoff game. San Antonio had just four. ... Eleven of the Spurs 15 players were making their finals debuts. Only Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Matt Bonner were on the 2007 team. ... The Spanish national soccer team was at the game, along with former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, whose No. 13 jersey is retired in the arena. Air Force 1 Australia Cheap . The 27-year-old Scrivens will be joining his third NHL club since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2010. The move also reunites with him with head coach Dallas Eakins from their time together with the American Hockey Leagues Toronto Marlies. Vapormax 97 Australia . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. http://www.salenikeshoesaustralia.com/jordan-1-clearance.html . Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey last Sunday. The fine is the fourth this season for Goldson. He was fined $30,000 for a hit on the New York Jets Jeff Cumberland in Week 1. Vapormax 2019 Australia . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. Balenciaga Australia Store . One game after a miserable showing in Oklahoma City, Gay tied a career high with 41 points and the Sacramento Kings cruised to a 114-97 victory at the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers have changed their lineup for Game 5 of the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs.The series is tied 2-all heading into Thursday nights game at Dodger Stadium.Leading off for the Dodgers is second baseman Kike Hernandez instead of Chase Utley, who has been benched by manager Dave Roberts.Rookie Corey Seager was dropped to third and Justin Turner will hit second against Cubs starter Jon Lester.Carlos Ruiz is starting at catcher and batting cleanup for the first time since Game 1 of the NLCS, replacing Yasmani Grandal.Veteran Howie Kendrick iis starting in left field, also for the first time since the series opener.ddddddddddddFirst baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been dropped from fourth to sixth in the lineup. Yasiel Puig is starting in right field, his typical role when the Dodgers are facing a left-hander like Lester.The biggest change in the Cubs lineup is 39-year-old veteran David Ross starting at catcher instead of Willson Contreras.Rookie Kenta Maeda is the Dodgers starting pitcher. ' ' '