Two systems, one goal for Finals foes

ByJ.A. ADANDE
June 9, 2014, 3:03 AM

— -- SAN ANTONIO -- Erik Spoelstra provided the understatement of the NBA Finals when he said the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are "built a little bit different." Contrast also happens to be the undercurrent of this series, a tone that was set when that "Built vs. Bought" billboard went up in San Antonio. That brings to mind another Spoelstra quote: "It's the theater of the absurd."

The notion that the Spurs' approach to constructing a team is any better or worse than the Heat's is ridiculous. Both teams utilize the means they have available, and both teams are worthy adversaries to the degree that in nine NBA Finals games over the past two years the Heat now hold a 5-4 edge by virtue of a 98-96 victory Tuesday night.

Tied 1-1, this year's series is a long way from being decided. We also have yet to determine which way of NBA life is better. But for the record, a transcendent individual prevailed over the ultimate team squad in Game 2.

LeBron James scored 35 points, including 14 points in the third quarter when he hit his first six shots. He short-circuited the Spurs' defensive scheme -- which included excellent rotation and rim protection -- by pulling up for jumpers early, well before the Spurs could send a secondary defender his way. Then he made the pass to Chris Bosh for the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final 90 seconds of the game, after spending most of the fourth quarter guarding Tony Parker at the other end.

"I just try to impose my will in some kind of way, either scoring or rebounding or assisting or defending," James said nonchalantly.