We’re now two games into the Finals, and if the first two games are anything to go by we’re in for a treat that will be just as good as advertised. Having a couple of days rest between each game is not only beneficial to the players, but it also means that we have ample time to digest what’s been going on – and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. With that in mind, here are a few quick thoughts after game 2...

Where’s Kawhi?

If you read my preview of the Finals (which I know you did, of course) then you may remember that I predicted Kawhi Leonard v LeBron James to be an unstoppable force v an immoveable object. Well, LeBron is definitely living up to the unstoppable force moniker, but it seems that for large stretches of the game the only place Kawhi has been immoveable from is the bench. This is mainly due to foul trouble (pretty tricky to stop LeBron when he’s in an attacking mindset) but he’s been a total shadow of the guy who gave LBJ the absolute shit fits last year. This foul trouble meant that Boris Diaw was guarding the King for big parts of the game, and whilst he does do an admirable job, in the Finals an admiral job isn’t really going to cut the mustard – look at the 3rd quarter if you need any proof. Simply, Kawhi needs to step it up and lock down his man.

Duncan vs Father Time

I consider myself a die-hard NBA fan, but if before game 2 you had asked me how old Tim Duncan is, I would have guessed 36 at the oldest. This is a combination of thinking he’s around Kobe’s age (hint: he’s actually not) and also going from how outrageously well he’s played in these first couple of games. So imagine my surprise when I found out he’s actually 38. Seriously, how is a 38 year old the 2nd best player out on the court? It defies all sense, and after watching the decrepit husks of old geezers like Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Shaq attempting to cart it up and down the court it’s silly that he can still put up 20-10 on a nightly basis when those other guys could barely even make it onto the court at his age. What’s your secret Timmy? Your boy Laker Eight could use a little of your secret stuff...

Lebron + Co.

I’ve long maintained that the big 3 of Miami is more of a big 2 (i.e. Lebron = 1, and Wade and Bosh are 0.5 each), and this series is certainly reinforcing that opinion. When LeBron is off the court, the Heat look fairly terrible – Wade is out there trying to re-enact his 2006 self and Bosh is starved of his usual diet of wide open jumpers. The offence is built around getting open looks for people from his drives, because guys like Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole sure as shit aren’t going to be orchestrating an offence. It’s a stark contrast to the slick passing of the Spurs where any of the 5 on the floor could get an assist or a shot, and for this Heat-hater’s eyes it’s a hell of a lot less enjoyable to watch as well – I can only see so many barrelling runs to the rim before it loses its lustre somewhat. If Kawhi picks up his D, the Miami offence could quickly fall apart.

Ginobili/Wade

Before the series I thought these two would be the X Factors (well, maybe LeBron and Duncan/Parker are the X Factors, but these guys aren’t far behind) and they are living up to their hot/cold reputations. Ginobili will be making an amazing pass one minute and then air-balling an open three the next, and Wade’s knees don’t seem to be able to make their minds up about how much lift they want to give him. I still have some PTSD from Ginobili’s game 7 shocker last year, so if I have to sit through much more of his antics then I may well throw a brick through my TV. Do I think they’re capable of consistently high-level play? Ehh, I’m not actually convinced at this point – it will be something I’ll be closely monitoring over the next couple of games. If they continue their current forms, expect a rant in my next installment.

So there we have it, four quick thoughts after two games of the 2014 Finals. Hopefully I’ve pointed out one or two things for you to watch out for next game - my suggestion: Kawhi’s D or possible lack thereof. My own personal hope is that the refs sort themselves out and stop their woefully inconsistent calls when it comes to fouls on 3 pointers, flagrant fouls and flopping, because there have been a few absolute shockers.