Florida Hotter Than Texas on NBA Finals Front
The 2014 NBA Finals have started off just as we expected in the big picture – a back and forth series between the two most adaptable teams in the league with stars dotting every corner of the court. Tim Duncan and his team overcame a bit of a home court disadvantage to win a close Game 1 despite the 90+ degree temperatures inside AT&T Center that slowed down LeBron James via debilitating cramps. Having his fortitude questioned – and can anyone figure out how talking heads manage to call out a four-time league MVP and two-time champion?! – King James returned to the court with a vengeance in Game 2, raining in his 35 from every conceivable angle.
Game 3 brought the teams back to South Beach for their first playoff matchup since the Miami Heat’s Game 7 victory in 2013, and the Spurs decided to celebrate with a clinic of epic proportions. Despite a few surges by the defending champions, San Antonio surged ahead and had over a 20 point lead for much of the matchup. Kawhi Leonard, kept in check for the two games in Texas thanks to foul trouble, reminded the NBA universe why he’s been regarded as a key cog of the Spurs’ continuing dynasty and a keystone for life after Tim and Manu retire. Game 4 will be the Heat’s chance to continue their streak of 48 straight playoff games with back to back losses; a victory will send the action back to San Antonio to begin a best of three matchup for the NBA championship. If they fail, the Spurs will have a rare opportunity to deny the Heat’s bid for a third straight title on their home court in Game 5.
2014 NBA Finals Tickets
Ticket Demand for Miami Heat – San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals
Tickets for Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio went for an average of $474, close to the average price ($487) the first two games of the 2013 Finals at AT&T Center (Games 3-4 of the series). In Miami, however, the average price for Games 3 and 4 is $708, up 23% from the cost ($575) for the first two games at American Airlines Arena for the 2013 Finals (Games 1-2 of the series). This season’s first two games in Miami are the most expensive opening Finals home games for the Heat in their four trips since 2011 (last year set the previous record).
The cheapest ticket available for Game 4 in Miami is hovering around $250 for standing room, while the least expensive actual seat is listed at $310. On the other end of the spectrum, courtside seats are listed at $5,700 each. If the series goes to Game 7, tickets to this year’s finale will be much cheaper than they were in 2013. Game 7 in Miami last year drew an average ticket price of $1,014, while the average so far for a potential Game 7 in San Antonio this season is $727. The current get-in price for Game 7 is $507, with some courtside seats listed for as much as $13,000 per ticket.
