Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade, right, jokes with small forward LeBron James as he takes a shot during NBA basketball practice, Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. The Heat host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

A title, and legacies, on the line for Heat, Spurs

Game 7s do more than settle championships. They define legacies. Photo Gallery Available

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) reacts to play against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 6 in their NBA Finals basketball series, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Miami.

Spurs rely on togetherness to overcome collapse

Through heartbreaking losses and hair-raising victories, through Game 7s of the NBA Finals and Game 46s of the regular season, through contract extension after contract extension, what has defined these San Antonio Spurs more than anything else is the simple fact that they stick together. Photo Gallery Available

LeBron excited for title-deciding Game 7

LeBron James could not sleep after Game 6. Photo Gallery Available

Raptors' Casey to return next season

Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri announced Wednesday that Dwane Casey will remain the team's head coach for the upcoming 2013-14 season.

Sketchy draft may not provide much relief

The NBA Draft provides a sense of optimism, an opportunity for the feeble to rise and rebuild into legitimate title contenders.

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and an official look at a replay during overtime of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Miami. The Miami Heat won 103-100 in overtime.

LeBron James goes without headband _ and it works

It will be known as the LeBron James Headband Game. Photo Gallery Available

Stanford student gaining cult status for rethinking NBA philosophy

Muthu Alagappan arrived at Stanford University with his heart set on attending medical school, and he still hopes to become a doctor someday.

San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) of Argentina drives to the basket in overtime as Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) and Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) defend of Game 6 in the NBA Finals basketball game, Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Miami. The Heat defeated the Spurs 103-100.

AP PHOTOS: Heat's overtime escape to defend title

The Miami Heat were so close to elimination from the NBA championships that the team noticed officials bringing yellow tape out to block off the court for the Spurs' trophy presentation. But a couple of big 3-pointers later and powered by LeBron James' fourth-quarter surge, the defending champions stayed alive, edging San Antonio 103-100 in overtime. Game 7 is in Miami on Thursday, the NBA's first do-or-die game to determine its champion since the Lakers beat the Celtics in 2010. Here are some of the best images from Game 6: Photo Gallery Available

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra smiles during a post-game news conference following Game 6 in the NBA Finals basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Miami. The Heat defeated the Spurs 103-100.

Column: Spurs' collapse starts at top with Pop

The sly smile on Erik Spoelstra's lips said it all. If only this once, the Miami coach couldn't wait to field questions. Photo Gallery Available

Allen's three-pointer saves Heat, who win in overtime to force Game 7

MIAMI - Ray Allen saved the Miami Heat's season.

Heat defeats Spurs, forces a Game 7

Tim Duncan was five seconds away from his fifth NBA championship.

Dave George: Tim Duncan's 30-point game goes for naught

It was almost high-five time for San Antonio, with timeless Tim Duncan getting the Spurs to the verge of another championship at the age of 37.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) and guard Manu Ginobili (20) of Argentina defend during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Miami. The Heat defeated the Spurs 103-100 in overtime.

Heat force Game 7 with 103-100 OT win over Spurs

When LeBron James' greatness almost wasn't good enough, officials began preparing for a San Antonio celebration. Photo Gallery Available

Mike Bianchi: Is Celtics coach Doc Rivers, like Urban Meyer, bailing on sinking ship?

Don't do it, Doc.

Spurs have no one to blame but themselves

The San Antonio Spurs had one hand on the Larry O'Brien Trophy Tuesday night.

National Hockey League Playoff Game Capsules

Ray Allen resurrected the Heat with a clutch 3- pointer near the end of regulation, and Miami did just enough in overtime to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in the NBA Finals. The instant classic at American Airlines Arena ended with Chris Bosh blocking Danny Green's 3-point attempt to seal the Heat's 103-100 victory and deny the San Antonio Spurs a fifth championship. The Spurs wasted a 13-point second half lead and were ahead by five with 28.2 seconds left in regulation before LeBron James and Allen each connected from long range to send Game 6 to an extra session. James scored the go-ahead bucket in OT and finished with his second triple-double of the series with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Tim Duncan had a monster 25-point first half, but managed just five after the break and went the last 21:30 without scoring as he watched a fifth ring slip through his fingers. The Spurs have another chance Thursday but have history against them. The last five Game 7s in the Finals have been won by the hosts. 1371703149

Recap: Miami vs. San Antonio

Ray Allen resurrected the Heat with a clutch 3- pointer near the end of regulation, and Miami did just enough in overtime to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Clippers, Celtics end talks on Doc Rivers deal, at least for now

The drama between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics is over - at least for now.

Duncan carries Spurs to halftime lead

Tim Duncan can smell a fifth championship ring.

Timberwolves in need of shooting and size in backcourt

The Timberwolves enter next week's NBA draft needing to add both size and shooting in their backcourt.

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