The Lakers were hoping to win an NBA Championship while wearing their Black Mamba jerseys, but in a close game, Miami inched ahead after missed opportunities in crunch time.
Jimmy Butler gave a SPECIAL performance in Game 5; 35 PTS, 12 REB, & 11AST in 47 MIN out of the total 48 minutes played to ensure a slim margin win 111-108 against the Lakers.
Erik Spoelstra: “Every young player coming into this league should study footage of Jimmy Butler.”
Duncan Robinson stepped out big time to support Butler in the absence of Goran Dragic. Duncan Robinson proved once again he’s a baller with 26 PTS and 7-13 3PT. Jimmy Butler is a warrior and gave it his all with the season on the line. Duncan Robinson ties a Heat single-game playoff record with his 7 3s.
It’s the 2nd time he’s hit 7 in a game this postseason. All other players in franchise history have combined for 2 such games in the playoffs.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis accounted for 87 of the Lakers 108 points (81%) tonight.
James and Davis went 24-of-36 from the floor while the rest of the Lakers went 14-of-46 from the floor.
The Lakers were outscored 15-9 in clutch-time of Game 5.Jimmy Butler accounted for more points (11) in clutch-time than the Lakers by himself. This was the 2nd time all season that LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 60+ points and the Lakers lost.
“I trusted him, we trusted him and it just didn’t go and you live with that”
LeBron on the Danny Green missed 3
What’s next for the Lakers and how can they bounce back in game 6?
◦ In a lot of ways, we saw a repeat of game 3 tonight. Lakers bounced back in game 4, but every game except game 1 has been way too close. Need a strong performance all-around in game 6, build a lead, and maintain it.
◦ LeBron was GREAT, Davis was great, but Lakers need one or two other guys to make big plays. Didn’t get that tonight, aside from a solid KCP outing.
What must Heat do to win Game 6.
◦ Butler will always give a stellar performance so who will compliment his efforts as Duncan Robinson did in Game 5.
◦ Kendrick Nunn shouldn’t take his leg from the heat pad as we saw him making 14PTS and 2 crucial 3PM.
◦ Will Erik Spolstera start Goran Dragic when available? Offensively, Dragic adds more bit to the Heat team.
◦ The young core of Heat will rely massively on Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder with their roles from the bench and even in pep talks.
Who wins Game 6?
Most bookmakers will go in for Lakers; per their plays in the playoffs, they’re yet to lose two games in a row. So Lakers are favorites to win and clinched their 17th championship.
On the other side, Jimmy Butler’s masterclass is still on fire to get a win and prepare the way for Game 7. It’s now or Never for Miami Heat.
By Barimah K. O. D
