EA Sports: NBA Live 07 Predicts Spurs Will Win 2007 NBA Finals

Electronic Arts is never content to just sit back and watch the world go by, and when it comes to the NBA, EA Sports wants to be in on the action as much as possible. Delving into the realm of psychic prediction just like famous mules and chickens before them, EA is now predicting that LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will loose to the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Finals. Not ones to use old fashioned methods like a crystal ball, Miss Cleo, tea leaves, tarot cards or barn yard critters, EA used the most technologically advanced equipment to date when making this prediction – the NBA Live 07 video game. Right. The simulation of the match-up between the two teams was played with the Cavaliers giving the Spurs all they could handle, but Tim Duncan and his boys prevailed over Bryant’s team in five of six games to win their 4th NBA championship in nine years. Here’s the EA rundown:

GAME ONE – Spurs over Cavaliers 94-87

Point Leaders

Tim Duncan – 26 Points, 13 Rebounds, 2 Blocks

LeBron James – 22 Points, 10 Rebounds, 7 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 44%
SA – 45%

RECAP- The Cavs came ready to play in their first ever NBA Finals, but the Spurs held court at home in Game 1 with well-rounded consistent play across the board. Tim Duncan led by experience and example with 26 points and 13 rebounds.

GAME TWO – San Antonio Sweep at Home winning 99-98

Point Leaders

Tony Parker – 24 Points, 11 Assists, 3 Steals

Zydrunas Ilgauskas – 21 Points, 13 Rebounds

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 47%
SA – 44%

RECAP- Cleveland’s tremendous overall team defense shone in Game 2, but they struggled on offense with virtually every 4^th quarter shot coming from LeBron. The game went down to the wire with Tony Parker netting the clutch game winner, 2 of his 24 on the night.

GAME THREE – Cavs Rally Back and Take Game 3, 86-79

Point Leaders

Tim Duncan – 23 Points, 14 Rebounds, 2 Blocks

LeBron James – 36 Points, 8 Rebounds, 11 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 43%
SA – 39%

RECAP – The Cavs stepped it up in Game 3 led by LeBron’s triple double (36 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists) and a frenzied home crowd witnessing their first ever NBA Finals home game. Huge effort from the floor with 6 of LeBron’s 11 assists coming in the final 10 minutes, clutch shots from Sasha Pavlovic, and big dunks from Drew Gooden and Anderson Varejao.

GAME FOUR – Spurs Answer in 102-89 Victory over Cavs

Point Leaders

Manu Ginobili – 29 Points, 8 Rebounds, 7 Assists

Drew Gooden – 20 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Steals

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 45%
SA – 50%

RECAP – The Spurs responded in game 4 by bottling up LeBron (19 points on 6-22 shooting), and spreading out the floor to counteract Cleveland’s defense. The entire Spurs unit played well (50% FG%) and was paced by Manu Ginobili’s 29 points and 8 rebounds.

GAME FIVE – Cavs Stay Alive in Game 5, 93-91

Point Leaders

Tim Duncan – 25 Points, 13 Rebounds, 4 Blocks

LeBron James – 30 Points, 9 Rebounds, 11 Assists, 3 Steals

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 44%
SA – 44%

RECAP – The Cavs keep the dream alive, winning game 5 on home soil. LeBron continued his supremacy and was just a rebound shy of another triple double (30 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists). His supporting cast responded as well, with a double-double from Drew Gooden (11 points, 10 rebounds) and 19 points from Larry Hughes. Big Shot Bob Horry missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, sending the Spurs back home to San Antonio with serious concern of the series reaching a Game 7.

GAME SIX – Spurs Win NBA Finals with Win in Game 6, 96-89

Point Leaders

Tim Duncan – 26 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Blocks

LeBron James – 21 Points, 6 Rebounds, 7 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Cle – 45%
SA – 46%

RECAP – The Spurs asserted their dominance again in Game 6, demonstrating overall team play that held LeBron to 21 points and thwarted Cleveland’s one-man show. The ultra-consistent Tim Duncan closed with a 26-point, 11-rebound performance and was named the NBA Finals MVP for the 4th time in as many appearances.

The real NBA Finals tip off this Thursday at 9PM EST on ABC.