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| Leonard and James went to war tonight |
Mario Hezonja was a bright spot for San Antonio, though, as was the Spurs team defense overall. Jeremy Lamb would also provide a nice spark, as the Spurs regrouped for a 55-63 score at halftime. Notably, Pau Gasol secured a nasty block on Dwyane Wade at the rim, sending the former Heat star crashing to the floor. At the half, San Antonio shot 61% to Cleveland's 43% with the Spurs winning the glass.
A second 13-2 run by the Cavaliers would kick off the 3rd quarter, despite a nice reverse layup by Tony Parker past Dwyane Wade. "Flash" would respond with a crowd-wowing dunk, and LeBron would make an impressive 3PTer for a 69-68 advantage.
The Spurs would respond with solid ball movement and sturdy defense to carve out another lead, courtesy of an enviable two-man game between Patty Mills and Pau Gasol. Kawhi Leonard would splash in 3PTers, Iman Shumpert would chip in on defense with blocks as would Bismack Biyombo. Isaiah Thomas would begin to turn the ball over like Parker, too, as Biyombo claimed second chances on the offensive glass. Kawhi would make a strong jam after stealing the ball, as Mario Hezonja would make some shots from deep.
The lead would grow to 98-87 for the Spurs as Kawhi Leonard whipped a behind-the-back pass to Patty in the corner, who made the Cavaliers pay with his dead-eye. The Cavaliers would rally with their fans to cut the lead to 98-106. Tony Parker would make a 3PTer, but Wade would make some free throws, chasing the Spurs lead at 10 points. LeBron would make another 3PTer, but Kawhi made a floater over him, only for Wade to keep the Cavs in the running with a jumper. Kawhi would smack the ball away from James, but the King would recover the ball and throw down his fury at the rim, snarling famously for the highlight reel play.
Iman Shumpert would race up the court for a coast-to-coast layup past Cleveland's soft defense. Tristan Thompson would make both free throws to bring the Cavs within 8 points, and soon Cleveland would sneak within 6 points for an exciting close to this competitive second entry in the series. At 42 seconds left in the game, Kawhi Leonard would make a dagger 3PTer, receiving the MVP chant as he made two free throws once the Cavaliers resorted to intentional fouling. The Spurs won, 117-126, as the Cavaliers were never able to retake that lead it had in the first quarter.
Leonard shot 60% for 32 points, with two memorable blocks on LeBron (26pts/7rebs/8asts). Tristan Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds; Wade had a solid 19 points and 6 assists. Isaiah Thomas struggled, but managed 11 points with 6 assists as well. Kyle Korver had just ten points. Kevin Love and J.R. Smith had a frustrating night, combining for a 6-20 shooting display. At the horn, the Cavaliers shot only 44% and the Spurs 56% overall, including 45% from long range for the takers of a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Mario Hezonja had 24 points in the victory, including 6 threes as he continues to be the surprise of the post-season for the Spurs; Patty Mills had 21 points on 5 three-pointers, Pau Gasol had 13 points with 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Bismack Biyombo had 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.