Spurs announce AT&T Center's air conditioning system has been repaired
A power failure led to a lack of air conditioning at the AT&T Center during Game 1. (D. Clarke Evans/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO -- One day after a broken air conditioning system created a sweltering atmosphere for Game 1 of the Finals, the Spurs announced Friday that the AT&T Center's climate should be controlled for Game 2.
San Antonio defeated Miami 110-95 on Thursday thanks in part to the late-game absence of LeBron James, who dealt with severe cramping in his left leg caused by the hot conditions.
"The electrical failure that caused the AC system outage during Game 1 of the NBA Finals has been repaired," a Spurs statement read. "The AC system has been tested, is fully operational and will continue to be monitored. The upcoming events at the AT&T Center, including the Romeo Santos concert tonight, the Stars game on Saturday night and Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, will go on as scheduled."
The Spurs initially announced before the start of the fourth quarter that the AC system had failed, apologizing for the hot conditions. Players from both teams drank additional liquids and were treated with extra cold towels during the game.
"It was definitely hotter than normal," Tim Duncan said on Friday at the Spurs' practice facility. "We were all sweating more than normal. We made it through."
MAHONEY: Spurs overwhelm Heat in Game 1 with offense, not heat
James led all scorers with 25 points in Game 1 before he was forced from action. San Antonio went on two extended runs during the fourth quarter as the four-time MVP watched from the sideline.
"I want the AC to come back," Tony Parker said Friday. "I hope [James' cramping] is not bad. I hope he's 100 percent on Sunday. As a competitor, I want to play the best."
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich joked Thursday night that the Spurs would "pay our bills" to ensure that the AC was functioning for Game 2. Twenty-four hours later, he reversed course, wryly cracking that he planned to make the most out of the home-court advantage gained by James' absence.
"I saw all the air conditioning people in the hallway last night, and I sent them home," Popovich said Friday.
