More than a decade later, the 2014 NBA Finals still carries unfinished conversations. This time, the details did not come from fans or debate shows. They came directly from someone on the Miami Heat bench. Former assistant coach David Fizdale revisited the series during an appearance on Run It Back and pointed to moments he believes swung the championship toward San Antonio.

One of those moments centered on Kawhi Leonard and the whistle.

“By the way, you know somebody pointed something out to me, and I am not calling out the referees officially. But I did a podcast with a guy, and he said two of those refs went to San Diego State. I know a guy on that team that shot nineteen free throws that went to San Diego State. I am just saying! That’s not that crazy of a conspiracy, I am sorry.”

Leonard attended San Diego State, and Fizdale framed the comment as a conspiracy rather than a direct accusation. Still, the point reflected frustration from Miami’s side about how often Leonard reached the free-throw line during the series.

The Spurs won the Finals 4-1, and Leonard captured Finals MVP while averaging 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. He finished the championship with a 22-point, 10-rebound performance in Game 5.

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For Miami’s staff, however, the officiating discussion never separated from the outcome. The free throws disrupted rhythm and reinforced a belief the series momentum never felt balanced.

Fizdale reveals air-conditioner fiasco in 2014 Finals, which saw LeBron James exit early

Fizdale also pointed to an incident that has long been remembered for its heat rather than basketball. Game 1 in San Antonio saw the arena air conditioning fail, pushing temperatures close to 90 degrees inside the building. Players struggled physically, but Miami suffered the most visible consequence when LeBron James cramped late in the fourth quarter.

“Do you know how much bullsh*t I have dealt with in that building. All of a sudden the air conditioner cuts off in the middle of the finals and it turns into 100 degrees. We’re playing in Africa bro in the middle of the summer in the finals. They had cooler rags ready for them. They were prepared. Our guys were dehydrated, LeBron was cramping. I was like something’s up.”

James had scored 25 points before exiting and played only about five minutes in the fourth quarter. After he left, San Antonio closed on a 36-17 run to win 110-95. Miami later won Game 2, but the series never returned to neutral footing. The Spurs took the next three games and secured the title.

Fizdale did not present evidence of wrongdoing and repeatedly framed both stories as suspicion rather than accusation. Yet his perspective highlights how the series is remembered differently inside each locker room.

From San Antonio’s view, the Finals showcased disciplined team basketball and a breakout performance from Leonard. From Miami’s side, the memory includes interruptions to rhythm, unusual circumstances, and moments they believe tilted control.

That contrast explains why the 2014 championship still sparks debate years later. The box score recorded dominance, but the experience left questions. And as long as former participants continue speaking, that series will be discussed as more than just a result.