Cavs/Spurs Game 4 pick

Ok, so it’s no secret that I’ve been way off base with this NBA Finals matchup. Don’t get me wrong, I fully expected the Spurs to win the series. I just thought it would be somewhat competitive with closer scores that’s all. Well, with most MLB games during the day, I would bet on this game and focus on nothing but game 4 tonight. Maybe the Cavs extend the series, maybe they get knocked out, but tonight, I say they keep it close. They must have some level of pride right?

So my pick was as follows:
Cavs +3 vs. Spurs

The first half looked eerily similar to the previous games, low scoring with San Antonio slowly and methodically taking control. Parker was 6-for-7 from the floor for 15 points in the half and Ginobili had nine points on 4-of-9 shooting. Duncan had only two points, missing all five of his shot attempts, but grabbed eight rebounds. James had nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, but Cleveland went through one of its series-long customary dry spells during the second stanza, scoring just 14 points after holding a 20-19 lead after one quarter.

The two teams traded body blows in the 2nd quarter as San Antonio tightened up its defense. They outscored the Cavs 20-14 in building a 5 point halftime lead at 39-34. Parker was 6-for-7 from the floor for 15 points in the half and Ginobili had nine points on 4-of-9 shooting. Duncan had only two points, missing all five of his shot attempts, but grabbed eight rebounds. James had nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, but Cleveland went through one of its series-long customary dry spells.

San Antonio looked to be in complete control in the third, building a 52-42 advantage on a Robert Horry free throw in the third. Parker twice pushed the edge to 11 points, first at 56-45 and then again moments later at 58-47 on a driving layup. The Spurs led 60-52 at the end of three quarters.

A Cleveland run saw the Cavaliers take their first second-half lead of the series at 61-60 on a LeBron James jumper with 7:55 remaining. Daniel Gibson followed with a driving layup for a 63-60 edge, concluding an 11-0 stretch to start the fourth quarter. Duncan made a running half hook and Ginobili drained a layup before Duncan tipped in Ginobilis missed free throw for a 66-63 lead with 5:20 on the clock. After James made one free throw and Anderson Varejao tied the game at 66-66 with a slam, Ginobili lined up a three and the rain-making shot found the bottom of the net for a three-point lead the Spurs never relinquished.

The Spurs built a quick 7 point lead with a minute remaining and Cleveland inexplicably didn’t start fouling until there were 35 seconds remaining.

So there we were, Cavs down 4 with 3 seconds left. The game was obviously decided as was the series. The Spurs were already celebrating. And then the unthinkable happened. Damon Jones takes an uncontested pass and shoots a 3 from the top of the key. Would it actually go. It was almost as if it was in slow motion as it sweetly swished through the net. The Cavs lost by 1, got swept but I had a big win. Isn’t gambling funny sometimes?

Till next time, may all your bets be winners.