The San Antonio Spurs are in a dangerous position. They’re heading to the city of the two-time defending NBA champions having lost home-court advantage. Here’s what they’ll need to do to rebound in Game 3:

Keep Leonard in play
Kawhi Leonard needs to stay on the floor. In each of the first two games, the small forward has been in foul trouble for having the near-impossible task of slowing down LeBron James.

He hasn’t had a chance to establish rhythm on offence and has been more on the periphery, unlike last year’s Finals when he averaged 14.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Do the simple things right
San Antonio have to take advantage of opportunities to step on Miami’s throat. This was a major problem for the Spurs in Game 6 last year, when they failed to hit free throws.

In Game 2, San Antonio missed four consecutive free throws in a single possession at a pivotal moment in the fourth quarter. For all the talk of fundamentals, the Spurs have done a poor job capitalising with the easier aspects of the game.

Reduce Lewis’ influence
Rashard Lewis can’t be as much of a factor in Miami’s attack. The forward has averaged 12 points through two games and has thinned out San Antonio’s defence with his long-range shooting. While his presence on the floor forces the Spurs to choose between sending reinforcements to protect the paint and guarding the perimeter, San Antonio can’t lose him in rotations.

Stay awake in transition
While they had 11 offensive rebounds in Game 2, the Spurs’ efforts in crashing the glass also led to multiple run-outs by the Heat off misses. At home, where their defence can kick it up a notch, Miami are even more dangerous to take advantage in transition.