We Meet Again

Normally, it is a bit hyperbolic to say that a team’s legacy is on the line, but in the case of the 2014 NBA Finals, that may just be the best way to describe this series.

The Miami Heat may not look the same after 2014. Both Chris Bosh and LeBron James’ contracts are up after this year and Dwayne Wade is not getting any younger. This may be the last year that the Big Three have a shot at a championship together.

Speaking of ‘threes,’ even if Bosh and James decide to stay in Miami, which according to coach Erik Spoelstra is the case, if the Heat lose this series, it will blow their shot at becoming the fourth franchise in NBA history to three-peat.

From a personal perspective, LeBron James’ personal race with Michael Jordan will be halfway from tying with a Heat victory.

Another Heat championship would also give Wade his fourth NBA title, ranking him among the most elite players to ever play.

The veteran San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most dominant teams of the past decade.

Tim Duncan is seeking his fifth NBA title, which will solidify the moniker as one of the best big men to ever play the game. For Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, they would pick up their fourth championship.

Gregg Popovich is already considered one of the best minds in the game, however becoming only the fifth coach in NBA history to win five championship would put him among the best coaches ever.

A loss for either of these teams means that none of the above is true.

While all the focus is on Dunkan, Ginobili, Parker, James, Wade and Bosh, it may the x-factors that make the most difference.

The Spurs Danny Green shot 27-for-49 from behind the arc and was clearly the Spurs MVP during the series.

The Heat have Chris “Birdman” Anderson and Ray Allen who all stepped up when the Big 3 were struggling against the Indiana Pacers.

Game of the series tips off tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.