Fragen und Antworten » for ways, but it could [mean fewer at-bats] be

MIAMI -- The San Antonio Spurs still have that winning NBA Finals formula of good defence and a little luck on offence. Tim Duncan overcame a slow start to finish with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Tony Parker banked in a desperation jumper on a broken play with 5.2 seconds left and the Spurs withstood LeBron James triple-double to beat the Miami Heat 92-88 on Thursday night in a thrilling Game 1. Parker ended up with 21 points after referees reviewed his shot to make sure it just beat the shot clock, giving San Antonio a four-point edge in the game that was close the whole way. "We got a little bit lucky in Game 1," Parker said. "Sometimes thats what it takes to win games." Playing for the championship for the first time since sweeping James Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 for their fourth title, the Spurs improved to 5-for-5 in Game 1s, hanging around for three quarters and then blowing by the defending champions midway through the fourth. Manu Ginobili, the third member of San Antonios Big Three that has combined for 99 post-season victories together, finished with 13 points, and Danny Green had 12. "It doesnt matter how were categorized -- old, veterans, whatever you call us, were in the mix," the 37-year-old Duncan said. San Antonio turned up its defence in the fourth quarter, limiting Miami to seven points in the first 8 1/2 minutes in returning to the finals just the way it left -- with a victory over James. James had 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his second straight NBA Finals triple-double, but he shot only 7 of 16 against some good defence by Kawhi Leonard, and Miamis offence stalled in the fourth quarter. "The Spurs are the Spurs," James said. "Theyre going to put you in positions where you feel uncomfortable offensively and defensively, and every time you make a mistake, theyre going to capitalize on it." Game 2 is Sunday night. James became a champion on this floor last year in Game 5 against Oklahoma City, but he hasnt forgotten his first taste of the finals. The Spurs overwhelmed his Cavaliers and James spoke Wednesday like someone who had payback in mind. He was 22 then, a fourth-year player headed for greatness but with holes in his game that San Antonio exploited. Revenge wont come easily -- if it comes at all. Dwyane Wade scored 17 points for the Heat but was shut out in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh had only two of his 13 in the final period. James shot an airball on a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt, then was soon back to the step-in-front- of-him-at-your-own-risk force that has made him the games best player. But San Antonio handled that and everything else Miami did, even while only shooting 42 per cent from the field. "This is a hell of a game to play because both teams are so good offensively and defensively," Bosh said. "You cant have any letdowns." Forced to seven grueling games by the rugged Indiana Pacers in the East finals, the Heat clearly enjoyed the more wide-open flow of this game, making 18 of their first 30 shots. But the Spurs defence simply got better as the game went along, forcing Miami into five turnovers in the final quarter. "I thought we were a little fatigued honestly in the fourth quarter," Wade said. "Looking around, we looked like a team that came off a seven-game series." Miami outshot and outrebounded San Antonio in the first half, yet led only 52-49. The Heat stayed ahead until Parkers free throws gave San Antonio a 77-76 edge with 7:47 remaining. James set up Bosh for a jumper on the next possession for his 10th assist, but Leonard made a follow shot and Parker turned James turnover into a spinning layup and an 81-78 lead exactly halfway through the fourth. "We were just trying to hang," Parker said. "In the third quarter, the same thing. In the fourth quarter we finally made some stops and made a couple of big shots." The lead grew to seven, but Miami was back within two and appearing ready to get the ball back when Parker lost control of the ball and his balance as the clock was set to expire. He gathered the ball and his footing, turning and tossing it in as the light above the basket turned red. "Tonys shot is one of those things that happens sometimes," Ginobili said. "We got lucky today." It was an entertaining start to a matchup that seemed years in the making between perennial contenders, the Spurs making their fifth appearance and the Heat their fourth. Commissioner David Stern called it "probably the most anticipated finals in who knows, 30 years," likely more a bit of hyperbole in his final state of the league address than a comment meant to slight fans of the Celtics, Lakers, or Michael Jordans Bulls. It came with the promise of beautiful basketball between two fluid offences who were built differently but share common beliefs and a healthy respect. The Spurs value system over stardom, never asking for attention -- and too often not getting it. The Heat have been never been out of the spotlight from the moment James and Bosh showed up to join Wade, James vowing multiple titles as lights flashed and music boomed, showing they were going to be loud and impossible to ignore. The Heat have a assembled a deep supporting cast loaded with 3-point shooters that turned them into a 66-win powerhouse this season, sending the Spurs to the finals in the unfamiliar role of underdog. They handled it just fine. The Spurs hadnt played since May 27, when they finished off a sweep of Memphis in the Western Conference finals, and even coach Gregg Popovich said he didnt know what to expect. San Antonio turned it over on its first possession, leading to Wades fast-break dunk. Then the Spurs ran off nine straight points, showing the rest helped more than any rust hurt. Only Duncan, who has remained among the NBAs best, looked out of sync. He missed all five shots in the first quarter before going to the bench late in the period with his second foul. The Heat had a 38-29 lead by the time he returned, and he quickly got on the board with an inside basket en route to a 12-point second quarter. Back in the arena where James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in last years closeout game, fans arrived to white shirts reading "Witness Miami" draped over their seats. The Miami fans didnt like what they witnessed, many leaving as referees reviewed Parkers shot. Notes: Duncan joined Elgin Baylor, A.C. Green and John Salley as the only players in NBA history to make a Finals appearance in three decades. Salley is the only one to win titles in three decades. ... The teams combined for 12 turnovers, tying the record for the fewest in a playoff game. San Antonio had just four. ... Eleven of the Spurs 15 players were making their finals debuts. Only Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Matt Bonner were on the 2007 team. ... The Spanish national soccer team was at the game, along with former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, whose No. 13 jersey is retired in the arena. Adidas Yeezy Cz . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. Yeezy Cz Fake . Collaros, 25, was solid last season, posting a 5-2 record as the starter while incumbent Ricky Ray was injured. Collaros also started Torontos 23-20 regular-season finale loss to Montreal — Ray didnt dress because the Argos had already clinched first in the East Division — but was one of three quarterbacks to play that day. http://www.botyyeezylevne.cz/ . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. Adidas Boty Dámské Výprodej . Sgt. Eric ONeal says most of the arrests at Monday nights game were for public drunkenness, though one person was taken into custody on suspicion of trying to steal a seat from the stadium. Yeezy Boty Fake . Louis Cardinals. Victorino is batting sixth and playing right field after missing two games because of back tightness. NEW YORK -- The 12-year association between the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez appears to be reaching its end game.In separate interviews Tuesday at CitiField, A-Rod delivered what at times sounded like a farewell address, and manager Joe Girardi acknowledged what has been obvious for the past month, that the 41-year-old DHs playing time, already drastically cut, is about to be further reduced.In maybe the near future, do I see him getting a ton of at-bats? No, I probably dont because of some of the changes that were possibly going to make here, Girardi said. Were going to take a look at probably some younger players here a little bit, see if we can add to some of the struggles weve had offensively and see if they can be some big bats in the lineup.No matter what happens Im at peace with myself, said Rodriguez, who was not in the starting lineup for Tuesday nights game against the Mets and has started only one game since July 22. I think I still can contribute. I think I can help out in the clubhouse. But If not I have two beautiful daughters waiting for me in Miami.Talk of an impending release of Rodriguez, who has one more year and $20 million left on his contract, heated up Monday when a New York tabloid, citing unnamed sources, said Rodriguez could be released before the end of the season.And owner Hal Steinbrenner, appearing on The Michael Kay Show on 98.7 ESPN FM, did not deny the report while saying that the Yankees had not yet discussed Rodriguezs fate.We have not discussed anything about what were going to be doing in the hours and days to come, Steinbrenner said. Weve just been focusing on trades. Ive seen the articles. I dont know where theyre coming from but none of that has been discussed with me.I hope not. I hope not, Rodriguez said in the visitors clubhouse Tuesday evening when asked if he believed the Yankees were about to release him. I spoke to [GM Brian] Cashman. He said they havent had a conversation, they havent thought about it. Again, thats out of my control.He then launched into what sounded like a retrospective of his Yankees career, which began when he was acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers for Alfonso Soriano on Feb. 16, 2004.Look, Ive had a long career, Rodriguez said. Ive been through a lot. Im happy to be a Yankee. I love New York. I think I have a lot to contribute still. But you have to be realistic.Rodriguez pinch-hit in the ninth inning Tuesday night and hit a game-ending flyout to shallow right, just his seventh at-bat since July 22. His lack of production following a surprising 33-home-run season in 2015 is one of the main reasons the Yankees have flirted with mediocrity all season. The decision to part with the two dominant relief pitchers and?Carlos Beltran, the clubs best hitter, signaled an unprecedented era in Yankees baseball, the trade deadline fire sale.Nobody in this organization has quit anything, look what they did last night, Steinbrenner said, citing the Yankees 6-5, 10-inning victory Monday night.But the owner made it clear that the deadline-day deals signaled a youth movement for the Yankees, who have been hampered in recent years byy an aging roster and few major-league ready prospects in their system to replace them.ddddddddddddI think its not a big secret that we have struggled in our player development system, Steinbrenner said. But now I think some of them are legitimately ready for a shot. I think the futures looking bright.That future is unlikely to include Rodriguez, a reality that A-Rod seemed to understand and accept.Look, I have to look in the mirror, we have to look in the mirror, he said. Of course, I would love to play more. But I havent been good, and thats on me. I know that the organization has a brighter future today than it did last week and hopefully Im part of that equation. But if not I can accept it very clearly.A-Rods role in the Yankees starting lineup, already diminished because of his anemic offensive numbers -- .205 batting average, nine home runs, 29 RBIs and .611 OPS -- will be further reduced when the Yankees receive an influx of young players this week.The Yankees traded four players --?Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, Ivan Nova?and Beltran -- before the trading deadline and added 12 prospects to their minor-league system. The open spots in their roster leave an opportunity for some of their long-time Triple-A prospects to join the team, and the intention seems to be to play them for the rest of the season to see what theyve got.Over the past four days, the Yankees have added outfielder Ben Gamel and pitcher Luis Severino from their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and catcher Gary Sanchez, the top-rated hitting prospect in their farm system, is expected to join the team Wednesday.The addition of Sanchez is expected to afford Girardi the flexibility of using him or Brian McCann in the DH spot, and the possible call-up of Tyler Austin in the near future could also create some DH at-bats for Mark Teixeira.Weve been looking for opportunities to get him into games, Girardi said. And thats something Ill continue to look for ways, but it could [mean fewer at-bats] because we talked about maybe calling some younger kids up and giving some at-bats to other people.Told it sounded like both he and Rodriguez were resigned to a parting of the ways sooner rather than later, Girardi said, Not necessarily. We havent sat down as an organization and said this is what were going to do. But this has been difficult for him. Difficult for this organization. And difficult for me.Rodriguez, who is four home runs short of 700, shrugged off suggestions that the Yankees were putting him in an untenable situation by requiring him to produce at the plate to get more at-bats, while at the same time reducing his chances to play.Look, Im one of the luckiest human beings on the planet, he said. I respect everything Cashman is doing. I trust Hal Steinbrenners plan. I will forever be a Yankee fan. I hope I can contribute. I hope I can stay here for the remainder of my contract. Its been a tough year for me, but I have a history of coming back. And whatever the results are, Im happy with. ' ' '