The 2014 NBA Finals are often remembered as the series that marked the end of the Miami Heat's iconic Big Three era. The San Antonio Spurs showcased their dominance, claiming their fifth championship with a performance that left fans in awe. Yet, the Spurs had a little unexpected help, particularly in Game 1.
San Antonio had secured home-court advantage after a stellar regular season, giving them ample time to gear up for the Finals. But it wasn't the players who faltered under pressure; it was their home venue that became the unexpected star of the show.
The AT&T Center, a familiar stage for high-stakes games given the Spurs' perennial Finals appearances in the 2000s, faced an unusual challenge. An electrical glitch knocked out the air conditioning, turning the arena into a sweltering battleground. The conditions were especially tough on Miami's LeBron James, who struggled with severe cramps that hampered his performance.
Former Heat assistant coach David Fizdale recently shared his perspective on the ordeal. "You know how much BS I’ve dealt with in that building," Fizdale remarked on FanDuel’s Run it Back.
"All of a sudden, the air conditioner cuts off in the middle of the Finals. We didn’t sign up for that."
Fizdale’s comments highlight the unexpected nature of the malfunction. The Spurs, however, seemed oddly prepared, raising eyebrows among the Heat's ranks.
"They got cooling rags ready, they were prepared," Fizdale noted. "Our guys were dehydrated, and Bron was cramping.
Tim Duncan is just [running fine], something was up."
The Heat's Game 1 loss, 110-95, set a challenging tone for the remainder of the series, which concluded in just five games. This incident underscored the importance of venue preparedness, a lesson that teams have taken to heart since.
Despite the setback, LeBron James found redemption, capturing titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Meanwhile, the Heat continue their quest for another championship moment.