RiverCityAttractions
Mr. Lou Ferrigno (AKA The Hulk)
Lou Ferrigno San Antonio Wizard World 2014
Lou Ferrigno San Antonio Wizard World 2014
With a gentle yet firm hand shake Mr. Lou Ferrigno (AKA The Hulk) greeted me at the San Antonio Wizard World comic con.
I had a wonderful chat with him that I want to share with our readers.
I Asked,I saw you doing a part on one of those Star Trek fanfare movies, Do you think you’ll be doing anything more for them in the future.
Lou: well, I did do a second episode for Star Trek continues. I may do it again in the future. I did the episode because I loved the character of Gorhand.
Is that’s why you did it, you’re really into it?
Lou: I wanted to show another side of myself as an actor.
Yeah that’s great! I really loved It; I liked the effects, Heck I liked how you did it all
Lou,..Just a little back background. You probably been asked this a million times but, how long did it take you to put the Hulk outfit on?
Lou: about three or four hours
I assume you hated it.
Lou: oh yeah 16 hours a day sometimes
ah that’s just terrible.
I saw you doing a comedy, Misery Brothers do you think you’ll be doing anything else like that or do you tend to shy away from that.
Lou: no I’d like to do more comedies. But, I do have a movie coming out called Scorpion King 4 I’d love to do comedy. I wouldn’t mind doing more because I’d like to do another TV series or another sitcom again
Oh yeah on the Scorpion King 4 isn’t in post-production, when do you think it’s coming out
Lou Scorpion King 4, it should be out next month.
Lou, I like to touch on your family, As far as your kids are they into the acting bug.
Lou: Yeah my son is Lou Ferrigno Jr. he’s got a reoccurring role on Teen Wolf
And what about the bodybuilding aspect did they get the bug from you?
Lou: yes’ all they are all personal trainers
Oh cool… I know that your diet is much attuned to your bodybuilding condition but, have you tried any of the local Mexican cuisine here in San Antonio?
Lou: I have Mexican food maybe once a month. I like Mexican food.
Oh yeah it’s great; any messages you want me to give to your fans
Lou: yes be good to yourself and be nice
That’s a Wonderful sentiment Mr. Ferrigno. And thank you for letting me hangout with you.
With that; Lou took a classic pose for the camera.
Joseph Martinez: River City Attractions
Wizard World Comic Con Experience 2014
The Wizard World Comic Con Experience 2014
Story by: David A. De La Rosa
Photographs by: Joseph Martinez
The Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con 2014 was a fun filled event to attend for anyone who’s into comics or pop culture in general. It’s the kind of event to let ones inner geek out to put on the old superhero costume and for one day or possibly three to pretend they are their favorite crime fighter.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Wizard World Comic Cons they are a series of comic con events scheduled throughout the country some of these cities include Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans to name a few (www.wizardworld.com ).
This was the first Wizard World Comic Con in San Antonio, held at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center; for a few years now the closest scheduled event was in Austin. I must say I was wowed by the kind of special guest celebrities that Austin’s con has attained in the past so I was looking forward to this event. As with all comic cons there are many things that attract convention goers which include special guest celebrities, comic book artists, comic/pop culture merchandise, and family fun.
I love the fact that at events like this you can meet some of your favorite television and film stars, and attain autographs or photo ops with them. I enjoyed the celebrity panels I attend, and found them to be very entertaining. This comic con also had some great artists in attendance that sold and signed prints of their work. The merchandise was great which not only catered to the geek, but also the average person. As far as the family fun it was everywhere people dressed up and were taking pictures with their favorite superhero or villain all for the asking. Everyone in costume was so happy to pose for pictures
. The special guest celebrity line up was pretty impressive it included William Shatner, Michael Rooker, Lou Ferrigno, Cassandra Peterson, and James Marsters, just to name a few . The comic con had all its bases covered regarding attracting fans to this event simply by having these science fiction and horror film/television icons in attendance. Every one of these celebs had a booth where a fan could attain an autograph or photo op. Some of these celebs had special VIP passes and a special section in the convention hall was set aside for photo ops. Scheduled throughout the three days of this con there were Q&A panels with these celebs of which I attended three.
One was with Captain Kirk himself William Shatner. It was very informative he spoke about his life and some aspects of his early television career regarding the Twilight Zone episodes he did. Mr. Shatner was a very delightful gentleman. I attended the panel for James Marsters for those of you who don’t know he played Spike the evil vampire on the TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Now I didn’t know this, he is an American actor everything I’ve seen him in he always has a British accent, so I thought he was British. His panel was very informative about his past, present, and future projects. One panel attendee asked him a question regarding his onscreen kiss with John Barrowman who was also in attendance at this con. It was interesting to know that his wife directed the kissing scene on that episode of Torchwood.
I went kind of early to get good seating for a panel and caught the tail end of Dean Cain’s Q&A session. For people who don’t know Dean played Superman on the television series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. He was very open and the crowd liked his down to earth manner. One attendee asked him what his most embarrassing moment on television was. Dean replied that he felt he was in good physical shape being an ex professional football player so when he had break through a wall that had been weakened and prepared for a scene, he felt confident he could do it. Sometimes he couldn’t break through the wall to the laughter and amusement of the production crew.
The most memorable panel I went to was of Cassandra Peterson who hosted Horror films late at night in the early 80’s as the sexy wise cracking Elvira. She spoke about her friendships she formed years ago as a member of the Groundlings comedy group that included the late great Phil Hartman, and Paul Rubens (Pee Wee Herman). She talked about her experiences in Las Vegas as a young showgirl meeting the king himself Elvis. She spoke about how Elvis told her to leave Vegas in order reach her full potential as an entertainer. She was lovely and charming if anyone has the opportunity to meet her at a con go see her you won’t be disappointed. The comic book artists were well represented at the con, the legendary Neal Adams (Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow) was there at a booth selling his prints at very affordable prices. I saw Greg Horn there and I bought a few prints from him because I’m big fan of his comic book cover artwork ( FYI if you have any of his comic books he will sign them for free as long as they are not special edition comics).
While looking at the different artist booths I ran into Adam Simon who spoke about his independent sci fi film Synapse. Adam wrote the screenplay and is also acting in the film; the premise is very interesting for more info on this film go to www.synapsethefilm.com. The merchandise at the con encompassed many interests to the geek and non geek alike. There was everything from comics to light sabers at the con. When I attend a con I look forward to finding comics for my collection, and action figures that won’t break my bank, that was all there. Sometimes when I go to a con something completely new to me fascinates me; this time it was the LED sound activated t-shirts I thought they were really cool and affordable.
The family could all come down and have fun at an event like this meeting other convention goers dressed up as superheroes who are happy to pose for photos. I saw whole families coming to this event dressed up each one a member of a superhero team like The Guardians of the Galaxy. I get a kick out of seeing peoples ingenuity when it comes making their own costumes. Oh by the way the most prevalent costume in attendance was Deadpool. The costume role-play was awesome but there was also videogame role-playing with huge simulator pods so you can pilot your own giant robot mecha (provided by Mechcorps) which was cool. To me it’s these things that make going to an event like this great fun.
Overview ,I enjoyed this event and I thought it was a moderate success. First off the staff running this event are all top notch and very professional. I think the way they handled the crowd of attendees was very organized as far as lining up for admission and to pick up VIP passes. The layout in the convention area was great there wasn’t any overcrowding at any one part of the space so the foot traffic kept on moving. The autograph booths were very good with respect to how they were dispersed throughout the convention area, and the lines they had at each booth was pretty clever. I liked the way the photo op area was set up; it was very organized and could handle hundreds of people at a time very easily. There was an area at the snack bar set up which I’m sure the mommies appreciated so they can sit down to rest to have a soda or a hot dog. I very much approved of the way they set up and utilized the media rooms for the Q&A panels there was plenty of seating.
I think the Frankly Chat app was a cool innovation being used in the panels. The Frankly Chat app is something that can be downloaded to your smartphone that enables you to pose questions to your favorite celebrities without having to be there. The reason I thought this event was a moderate success is that I had an expectation there would be more people in attendance. I spoke to a vendor who said that he attended the San Japan convention a few weeks earlier at the same venue, and the crowds there were comparable to this event. For those of you who do not know San Japan is a convention that celebrates all things Japanese and Japanese animation. It is a smaller niche subculture compared to the traditional comic con culture, and they achieved comparable attendance for that event. The same vendor stated that Wizard World needed to find a way to attract local vendors to this event.
I thought that maybe price point for the tickets might be a factor for the lack of attendance. Realistically I think that this town could support a convention like this even with the price of the tickets being what they are. I believe these points are valid, but I think the people at Wizard World shouldn’t have scheduled their convention roughly a little over a month before its convention competitor Alamo City Comic Con. I think that when they schedule their next convention they should have it 4 to 6 months apart from the Alamo City Comic Con. Scheduling with this in mind I think would insure a better turn out as well as bring in more local vendors to this event. I would love to see this event succeed in our city. I have one suggestion to Wizard World why not try to have this event during Fiesta, combining this event with an already established week long party sounds pretty good to me.
Thank you Wizard World for coming to San Antonio.
River City Attractions.
Last We Fall
Last We Fall
Story and pictures by Joseph Martinez
Alive and well, Heavy metal is the fuel and they got the match to light it up, a young band, with its members under twenty year of age. The band is doing it right. Playing many gigs, they are getting there name and talent out there to be known and heard.
The core group has been playing music together for the past seven years. Original members Danny Davila, Steven Rodriguez, and Ben Foster were in middle and elementary school started off as “The next day” then the band morphed in the current incarnation as; “Last we fall”.
The core group has been playing music together for the past seven years. Developing and getting better.
Slayer, Metallica, Iron Maiden Tool, and Rush is a partial list that has influenced them.
Currently they are working hard toward getting a cd realist around September.
Although they do a fair amount of cover songs, more originals are being written.
All I can say is that the band are willing to go the extra mile to make it career.
Rock on… and good luck to Last We Fall,
Joseph,
River City Attractions.
Steven Rodriguez on Drums
Danny Davila on Electric Guitar
Ben Foster doing Vocals
Guess Bass player for the evening is Raymond Estrada
http://www.youtube.com/user/LastWeFall https://www.facebook.com/LastWeFallofficial
https://twitter.com/lastwefall http://www.lastwefall.com/
Drowning Mona
Drowning Mona
Story and pictures by Joseph Martinez
It’s rock and roll and more rock roll. That’s makes Driving Mona.
With a wide range of songs from Eddie Money, Van-Halen, and many other rock star hits and playing all of south Texas and I saw them at the “The Fitzgerald” here in San Antonio.
Lisa Chapman took center stage rocking it with flair. Strong loud and clear is the way it was done all night long. Drowning Mona is a force to be reckoned with. It’s well worth to spend an evening with Drowning Mona.
Looking at the guys in the band they got the talent, the looks and with the strength Lisa singing. It looks like a winning combination.
Band Members:
Vocals: is Lisa Chapman
Drums: DX
Bass: Danny Dena
Guitar: Chuck Fulcher
I spoke to “DX”, long distant. He was doing the vacation thing with his family in Florida.
I felt bad interrupting his personal time but, “Dx” was Warm and polite.
Q: Dx how many years has the band been together and what do you like about being a band
A: Together, about 8 Years I enjoy writing songs together calibrating with friends creating magic.
Q: The band Are you guys more a spur of the moment or plan it out kind of group?
A: Little bit of each. The songs can change quickly and we even done up to FIVE SHOW in one day.
Q: The Band’s name? Drowning Mona Where did that come from?
A: It’s a bit of mystery to me. Lisa came up with the name. It has something to do with the Mona Lisa. Really, it’s best to ask Lisa. She is the one who can answer that question best.
Q: What about plans for the future?
A: For now our cd of original songs is should be coming out next month. It’s straight up Rock And Roll.
Thanks’ DX for sharing a little bit of your insight and time.
Seeing a band enjoy being together, it made it the entire better for all that evening.
This is one of those of band.
Rock on dudes
Joseph,
River City Attractions
https://www.facebook.com/DrowningMona http://www.reverbnation.com/drowningmona
http://www.bandmix.com/drowningmona/
LeBron James to return to Cavaliers
Rebecca Cook
LeBron James, left, shown with the Cavaliers in 2009, is returning to play for Cleveland.
The 10-time All-Star reached a deal to join the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent, which marks a dramatic reunion with a team he jilted four years ago. James made the announcement in an essay for Sports Illustrated.
James is leaving behind a Miami Heat franchise he joined as a free agent in 2010 before winning two NBA titles and reaching four straight NBA Finals. His move now could have seismic repercussions across the NBA.In the essay, James, an Ohio native, said his bond with his home state was a big factor in the decision. “My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball,” he said. “I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.”
He added winning a championship for Cleveland is “what’s most important” for him now.
James opted out of his contract last month amid speculation that he and fellow free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade would reunite in Miami to continue their run.
But negotiations took a turn away from Miami and a return to Cleveland – which would have been considered improbable four years ago given the bitter reaction to James’ departure for Miami – gained steam this week. The Cavaliers moved players to create salary cap space (including a trade in which they sent a first-round pick to the Celtics) to sign James.
The Cavaliers likely will make more roster moves to add depth around James. They have been linked to free agents Ray Allen and Mike Miller, both former James teammates.
James joins a Cavaliers roster that has a strong nucleus, centered around former No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving.
For the Heat, James’ departure could be a significant blow. It could turn the Heat from a perennial contender and destination for free agents into an NBA wasteland.
staff reports
The Klocks
The Klocks
Story and Pictures by joseph Martinez
I was given a tip that a band was going to play at Mi-Casa restaurant in Boerne Texas. https://www.facebook.com/MiCasaTamales
My first thoughts OK… A house band, then happily I found out it was The Klocks, A Seasoned Texas rock band.
Walking to the stage, that was set toward the rear of the venue. I was greeted with the wonderful aroma of hill country BBQ. Pity, I did not have time to grab a bite.
In the distant, I heard the classic Spanish tune Suavemente followed by a Rick Springfield Jessie’s girl was playing.
The open air venue was large with plenty of seating was available. Close by there was a playground for the kids.
As I approached the stage, the light show got my attention. Animated led lights behind the band. It appeared to be a smaller version of the light show that you would see in the old part of the Las Vegas strip. The lighting engineer Billy Jack Tejerina should be commended for his excellent work.
The Klocks play many classic songs like a Bee-Gee medley that the drummer, Mack Gonzales sung in a falsetto voice. Some in the audience like myself, found it hard to believe that it came out from such burly guy. I got a heads up that he dose’s a killer Jackson- Five tunes as well.
The audio was clear and crisp. Up close or far away. Even next to the basketball court. (Set way far back) It was a joy to listen to. Setting up audio for an outdoor event is very different than indoors. Mathew Sledge, the sound engineer knows his craft well.
Talking to the bass player and front man Brent Fields I asked….
Q: How many years has the band been together?
We started back 1980, Broke up in 1986, then got back in touch in 1995 and started again. Two of us are from the original band. My self and Ed Doren
Q: Do you have a favorite personal song?
Suavemente, Speaking and singing Spanish is not my native tongue so I find it challenging singing a classic Spanish song that so many fans like.
Q: how did you come up with the name The Klocks?
It’s a play on words. Like Styx’s and others bands from the 80’s
Q: What in the future for the band.
More diversity, it’s the key to our success.
Q: Hey Brent, I see you a greatest hit’s cd?
It’s our first cd. Not a compilation album. It shows the full range of songs we play. The one exception is a covered by Pink Floyd “Time”.
Q: Do you see adding more members to the band?
We tried before but, the four of us in stage. It feels comfortable.
I want to thank you for a great evening Brent and best wishes for The Klock’s
Joseph
Band members
Lead Vocals- Bass: Brent Fields
Guitar: Ben Gonzales
Keyboard: Ed Doren
Drums: Mack Gonzales
The Klocks, It’s more than music, it’s a show.
Rock/Country/Latin/ and more. Playing songs from 70’s 80’s 90’s and from today.
https://www.facebook.com/TheKlocks
http://www.reverbnation.com/theklocks
For bookings contact them @ 210 573-5738
The Mo-Dels
The Mo-Dels
At The COVE
Story & pictures by Joseph Martinez
Feel good music is what the Mo-Dels are about.
From the Monkey’s Last Train To Clarksville to Elvis Presley’s Jail House Rock, this band gets the blood pumping and people to the dance floor.
The Mo-Dels play a variety of music to match the mood. Always on the go the band travels all throughout South Texas to play gigs.
Private parties, weddings, night clubs the band has played together for quite a while.
Guitar player “Dave “ and the bass player Keith Owens are good friends and enjoy making music together since the seventies to present.
On keyboard is Bill Reed You will find pounding the drums is Mr Jose Carlos Lopez, both total professionals.
What makes a good band? Ask ten people you’ll get ten different answers. Judging by the audience I saw enjoying the music, the answer is yes;
The Mo-Dels have some magic and they bring it on every time there are on stage.
Thanks’ for Great evening….
http://www.mo-dels.com/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/groups/350446021627
Joseph Martinez River City Attractions
Spurs roll over Heat to claim NBA title
Bob Donavan/USA SPORTS
SAN ANTONIO — Those basketball purists who despised how the Miami Heat were assembled were able to watch in pleasure Sunday night as they were embarrassed by a team that has been built through the draft, with its players accepting pay reductions to remain in San Antonio.
After blowing Game 6 of the NBA Finals and a chance at a championship a year ago, the Spurs took full advantage of their second chance with a brilliant display of teamwork and perimeter shooting, reducing the Heat to a group of aging or unprepared cohorts that surrounded four-time MVP LeBron James.
James couldn’t carry the Heat in Game 5 as the Spurs used a 37-point swing over two quarters to seal their fifth NBA title in 15 years with a 104-87 win over Miami at AT&T Center.
San Antonio won the best-of-seven series, four games to one, cementing its dominance of the NBA over the past decade and a half and perhaps ending Miami’s Big Three Era. In four years together, the trio of Dwyane Wade, James, and Chris Bosh reached four NBA Finals, winning two.
Kawhi Leonard, a third-year forward who did not make the All-Star team, was named Finals MVP, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Manu Ginobili added 19 and Patty Mills scored 17.
James, who has an opt-out clause in his contract this summer, finished with 31 points but just 14 after Miami’s impressive first quarter. James was 10-for-21 shooting with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Bosh, Wade, and ex-Celtic Ray Allen were a combined 9-for-35 shooting, giving Miami no chance to overcome the streaking Spurs.
Miami’s momentum lasted only one quarter as it reverted to the same confused and lethargic team in the second period as it was in Games 3 and 4. The Spurs chipped away early in the quarter but then went on an impressive 14-0 run, catching the Heat after a Leonard 3-pointer for a 37-35 lead at the 4:47 mark.
The run ended with a resounding Ginobili dunk on Bosh that invigorated the crowd and gave the Spurs a 7-point lead. Following a James basket, Ginobili responded with another 3-pointer. He scored 14 points in the first half.
The Heat scored 11 points in the period on 4-for-15 shooting and James was limited to just a 3-pointer. Meanwhile, Leonard and Ginobili teamed for 29 of San Antonio’s 47 first-half points while Tony Parker and Danny Green went scoreless, a testament to the Spurs’ success despite a lack of balance.
The Heat players not named James were 7-for-21 shooting in the first half with 20 points, making their quest to win three consecutive games appear bleak.
As promised, the Heat started off with the passion and fire not seen since Game 2, jumping out to an 8-0 lead behind 6 points from James, who had that same look he carried in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals two years ago at TD Garden, when he scored 45 to beat the Celtics.
He showed no emotion in scoring on the Spurs at will while his cohorts were giving him some assistance, unlike the two games in Miami. Rashard Lewis canned a 3-pointer, followed by a James conventional 3-point play and then a Ray Allen 3-ball at the 5:04 mark and the Heat raced to a 22-6 lead.
San Antonio, hearing for the past two days about its greatness and brilliance after two impressive wins in Miami, looked confused and disheveled. A Leonard 3-pointer was the Spurs’ lone field goal through the first 7:12 of the game.
Instead of relenting, the Spurs responded in the best way they know how: the 3-pointer. After a Ginobili 3-point play, he came back with a trey, followed by long balls from Leonard and Patty Mills for a 12-0 run to slice the deficit to 22-18. The crowd at AT&T Center, very comfortable in the fully air conditioned arena, went into a frenzy.
James couldn’t allow too much excitement. He hit a 28-foot 3-pointer followed by two free throws. The Heat looked like the two-time defending champions for most of the first quarter, yet led just 29-22 with the Spurs having hit just six of their 21 shot attempts.
While it appeared the Miami supporting cast would provide James some relief, they didn’t follow through. James finished the first period with 17 points on 5-for-7 shooting while the rest of the Heat were 4 for 12 with 12 points.
Four of San Antonio’s six field goals in the first quarter were 3-pointers and the starting trio of Boris Diaw, Green, and Parker did not score.
The third quarter was merely a culmination of the Spurs’ dominance in the series. Realizing they were outmanned, the Heat appeared to relent, looking frustrated as the Spurs returned to their ball-whipping ways, resulting in open shots.
After neither team scored for the first 3:08, the Spurs went on a game-defining, 18-4 run to extend the lead to 65-44. By then, desperate Miami coach Erik Spoelstra was inserting Michael Beasley, who did not play in previous four games, and Mario Chalmers, who was benched in the first half. They did little to help.
The third quarter was a showcase for Patty, who scored 14 points in the period on 5-for-5 shooting, four 3-pointers. The Spurs led by as many 22 in the period and the Miami Big Three were relegated to helpless onlookers.
In one sequence, Wade went for a streaking baseline dunk but was promptly snuffed by Tiago Splitter, which exemplified Wade’s struggles in the final two games of the series. The Spurs went on a 59-22 run over two-plus quarters and led, 77-58, after that third period, and the home faithful were beginning to smell champagne.
by: Gary Washburn
Spurs again rout Heat, take 3-1 lead in NBA Finals
Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard dunked while being defended by the Heat’s Chris Bosh Steve Mitchell/USA Sports Steve Mitchell/USA Sports
MIAMI — If there was any doubt about the mastery and brilliance of the San Antonio Spurs or whether they are improved from the team that was seconds from a championship a year ago, they erased any skepticism with their stellar performance Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Two days after overwhelming the Miami Heat to take the series lead, the Spurs did it again with much of the same defensive execution and offensive prowess, using the passing of Boris Diaw, playmaking of Tony Parker, and strength of Kawhi Leonard to race to a 107-86 victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
San Antonio has a commanding three games to one lead and can win its first championship in seven years Sunday evening at home. And it appears the once-mighty Heat, with the game’s most dominant player and potentially four Hall of Famers, have nothing left.
LeBron James was a one-man show for Miami, scoring 28 points on 1o-for-17 shooting while his fatigued fellow starters were 11 for 34, including 3 for 13 shooting from one-time cornerstone Dwyane Wade. Although the Heat have reached four consecutive NBA Finals and are the two-time defending championships, that run appears close to conclusion.
No NBA team has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.
“I mean, they smashed us, two straight home games, [we] got off to awful starts,” James said. “They came in and were much better than us in these two games. It’s just that simple. We’re still a confident bunch, even though our heads are lowered down right now.”
The Spurs were the model of teamwork and balance, with no player scoring more than 20 points (Leonard), but six scoring at least 8 points. On a night when the Spurs needed scoring from the backcourt, Parker delivered with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting and Patty Mills constantly burned Miami with open 3-pointers, adding 14 points and four 3-pointers.
After trailing by 19 at halftime, James opened the third quarter by scoring 10 of Miami’s first 12 points, cutting the deficit to 61-48. After a San Antonio timeout, the soldout crowd sensed a major rally and were ready for the vintage Heat to arrive.
They didn’t make the trip. The Spurs restored order with a 7-0 run, then picked apart the Miami defense behind skilled swingman Diaw, who either delivered pinpoint passes or scored on the post against an overwhelmed Wade.
“Yeah [the Spurs] just, they played great,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And I can honestly say I just don’t think any of us were expecting this type of performance. They were great, you have to give them credit for that. We just couldn’t get into a rhythm on either side of the ball and then it just went from there.
“I’ve got to do a better job for my team. San Antonio is playing great. They’re moving the basketball. They’re exploiting where we’re normally good, so we have to do a better job. Even when we’ve made adjustments, they’ve still been able to stay in a rhythm and go from there.”
Wade looked lethargic the entire evening, missing nine of his first 10 shots. The Spurs pulled away in the third quarter, extending the lead to 24 points behind the mastery of Parker and hustle of Leonard, who has scored 49 points in the past two games.
The Spurs have spent the past 72 hours giving the Heat a lesson in fundamentals, ball movement, and unselfish play. Of San Antonio’s 40 baskets Thursday, 25 were assisted and nine Spurs registered an assist.
The Heat relied strictly on James through the first three quarters, as he amassed 28 of his team’s 57 points. Through three quarters, James was 1o for 15 from the field; his teammates were 10 for 36. A team that has relied on talent and balance the past four years is sputtering.
“It’s not on my shoulder, it’s not,” James said. “I understand I get the limelight in the press and all that but it’s not all on my shoulder. I take a lot of it, but I do it for my teammates and I want them to put a lot of pressure on me in that sense.”
While Wade looked rejuvenated through the first three games (21-for-39 shooting, 18.3 points per game), he appeared to labor throughout Game 4, lacking his normal lift and missing shots near the basket.
“I just missed them; you know I’m a very accurate shooter, so I don’t like missing,” Wade said. “I’m not used to missing around the basket. But law of averages, man. The ball just didn’t go in. But I’ll take those same opportunities the next game, for sure.”
The Spurs are still smarting over losing Games 6 and 7 in Miami last season, and losing the series, so they were hardly giddy over the workmanlike victory. With the revived 2-2-1-1-1 Finals format, San Antonio returns home for Game 5 with a chance to end the series.
But they have a healthy respect for the Heat.
“We didn’t want to rest and say, hey, ‘We’ve got one and let’s just rest on that.’ We came in here tonight and had great focus, put a great game together, and came out with two,” center Tim Duncan said. “[But] they’re a very, very good ballclub. Obviously, they’re the champions, and they’re going to come out and show a lot of fire and come with a lot of energy. We’re going to use our home court and we’re going to come with the same focus that we did in these last two games, and hopefully close it out at home.”
by: Gary Washburn
Spurs beat Heat, take 2-1 Finals lead
Leonard’s 29 leads the way
MIAMI — Tuesday night was typical of the San Antonio Spurs, who have remained an NBA staple of consistency and dominance by ignoring outside elements and sticking to their philosophy the past 15 years.
It appeared the Miami Heat were entering Game 3 of the NBA Finals with all the momentum, a healthy LeBron James and a return to their comfortable home, but the Spurs erased that with 16 minutes of brilliant basketball that essentially was the key to their victory.
San Antonio converted on a stunning 19 of its first 21 shots, built a 25-point second-quarter lead, then spent the rest of the evening successfully fighting off Miami rallies in 111-92 win at AmericanAirlines Arena. It was the first home loss for the Heat (now 8-1) in the 2014 playoffs.
The Spurs lead the best-of-seven series, two games to one, with Game 4 Thursday night in Miami.
The Spurs led, 55-30, after a Kawhi Leonard jumper with 8:09 left in the second quarter, putting on a remarkable display of ball movement and shot making. Leonard, who totaled just 18 points in the first two games, scored that by the second quarter and finished with a career-high 29.
Leonard drew raves in last year’s NBA Finals, using his brute strength to defend LeBron James, then scoring by attacking the rim or with a soft jumper. His displayed that same aggression and passion Tuesday after being beset with foul trouble in the first two contests.
“Well, we just wanted him to be who he’s been the whole year, in the regular season and in the playoffs,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “I think the foul situations the first two games, really he overreacted to them and became very cautious, and he doesn’t play like that. He’s got to be real active at both ends, and so he figured it out.”
Miami cut the deficit to 9 at the end of the third quarter but seemingly had little left for a fourth-quarter run. LeBron James scored 14 points in the first quarter but finished with 22, and Dwyane Wade added 22, but Miami’s defense was the issue.
The Heat fell apart in the searing conditions of Game 1 and allowed the Spurs to convert 14 of 16 shots in the final period. On Tuesday night, they fell behind, 41-25, after the first quarter, allowing the Spurs to make 13 of 15 shot attempts.
“Oh, they jumped on us, and they were the aggressor tonight, and they had us on our heels from the beginning,” James said. “This is something that at this point in the season shouldn’t happen, but they were more aggressive than us. I don’t think we had a lack of urgency. Just they were very aggressive and we didn’t match that. They came in with a desperation that we just didn’t match.”
San Antonio finished shooting 59.4 percent, including 9-for-20 from the 3-point line. Five Spurs scored in double figures as they methodically broke down the Miami defense with crisp passing and sparkling perimeter shooting.
Although the series was tied at 1, there was a perception the Heat had dominated the first two games and could have been ahead, 2-0, if not for James leaving Game 1 with leg cramps. But the Spurs countered a rested James with a 41-point first period and good enough execution defensively to keep their lead.
The Spurs spent the entire third quarter staving off Miami runs. The Heat used a 10-0 surge late in the period that cut a one-time 25-point lead to 7 at 81-74. And James was on the bench during that run as Wade keyed the rally with a layup and two free throws.
With memories of their Game 6 collapse of last season perhaps piercing their minds, the Spurs held on, using a Marco Belinelli 3-pointer to stop the run, then matching Heat buckets in the fourth. The Spurs finally eased matters with a 5-0 run punctuated by a Manu Ginobili breakaway dunk and a 102-84 lead with 5:11 left.
The Heat did not have enough energy to mount another run.
“When we started to get to a different gear in the third quarter, it was just tough to change the energy of the game,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “So you have to give them credit for really coming out with an aggressive mind-set on both ends.”
San Antonio opened the game with a staggering haymaker to the Heat that they never fully recovered from. Leonard turned into the offensive juggernaut of the 2013 Finals, as he scored on an array of 3-pointers and powerful drives to the basket.
He was 10-for-13 shooting with 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots in 39 minutes.
“I just was in attack mode trying to be aggressive early. Just knocking down a couple shots got me going and my teammates found me. They did a good job. They just got me involved,” he said. “[Popovich] wanted us to come out just being aggressive on the road and we just wanted to win tonight and we all put a full effort in.”
Tony Parker, who scored just 2 of the team’s first 62 points, scored 6 in the final 2:24 during a 9-2 San Antonio run to end the half. San Antonio put together a stellar 24-minute stretch, shooting 75.8 percent to lead at the break, 71-50.
Leonard and Danny Green combined for 31 of those points, and nine Spurs scored in total. San Antonio ended the half on a 14-5 run, capped by a 3-pointer at the buzzer from Ginobili, who watched from 25 feet as the ball curled into the basket. It was that kind of quarter for the Spurs, who scored on a stunning 19 of 23 possessions.
The 41-point quarter for San Antonio was the first of 40 or more in the Finals since the Celtics tallied 42 in the clinching Game 6 of the 2008 Finals against the Lakers.
By : Gary Washburn