Air Conditioning Failure Brings Added Heat to NBA Finals

June 6, 2014— -- An electrical failure caused the air conditioning at San Antonio’s AT&T Center to shut off Thursday, bringing added heat to Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

But the aptly-named Miami Heat and star LeBron James wilted in the sweltering conditions, falling to the Spurs 110-95.

After the AC system shut off, the temperature inside the arena reached over 90 degrees.

Players dripped sweat and put bags of ice on their necks while sitting on the bench to stay cool. People in the crowd fanned themselves.

The conditions were especially problematic for James, who cramped up during the fourth quarter and had to be helped from the court by team personnel.

Following the game, Spurs center Tim Duncan acknowledged the role that the conditions played on the outcome.

“It was significant,” Duncan said. “It was definitely a factor.”

People discussed the situation across social media – and criticized James for having to leave the game.

Even Gatorade got in on the action.