Playoffs Day 39 As The Heat Shock The Lakers! 10.4.20
It’s Day 39 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 3 of the NBA Finals, between the Miami Heat and the LA Lakers.
It’s Day 39 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 3 of the NBA Finals, between the Miami Heat and the LA Lakers.
LA Lakers
The Lakers lost Game 3 against the Heat. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After dominating the first two games of this series, the Lakers looked to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Many people, including myself, believed that this series would be over in 4 games. That would not be the case. The Lakers started off slow and trailed by double digits for much of the first half. Anthony Davis dealt with foul trouble and didn’t play much. The Lakers tried to get back in it in the 3rd, but the Heat wouldn’t back down. But in the 4th, the Lakers started to regain control. Markieff Morris hit some big 3’s and the Lakers took a 91-89 lead early in the 4th. That would be it for the Lakers. LA got outscored 26-13 in the final 9 minutes, and they lost 115-104. The Lakers lead 2-1 in the series.
Offensively the Lakers were ok as they shot 43% from the field and 33% from 3. The Lakers were also 22/29 from the free throw line. LA had 11 offensive rebounds. LA had 19 turnovers. The Lakers had just 34 points down low.
Defensively the Lakers were poor as Miami shot 51% from the field and 35% from 3. Miami was also 21/23 from the free throw line. The Lakers forced 12 turnovers. The Lakers also allowed 48 points in the paint.
Lebron James had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Markieff Morris had 19 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Kyle Kuzma had 19 points off the bench. Anthony Davis added 15 points and 5 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Lakers lost all of their focus, and the Heat took advantage. Anthony Davis dealt with foul trouble and he never really got going. Lebron James couldn’t carry this team like they needed him to, and the Lakers lost steam at the end of the game. This is a little concerning, but I expect Lebron James to re-focus and this Lakers team to get back at it. I still see this series as being over in 5 games tops.
Miami Heat
The Heat won Game 3 against the Lakers. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After getting bullied and beat up in the past two games of this series, the Heat desperately needed a win to stay in the series. They would still be without Dragic and Adebayo, so it wouldn’t be easy. That wouldn’t stop the Heat however. The Heat took advantage of Anthony Davis being in foul trouble and led for most of the first half. They led by as many as 14 in the 3rd quarter, but they couldn’t get rid of the Lakers. The Heat started the 4th off poorly and lost their lead with 9 minutes left. But Miami responded, outscoring the Lakers 26-13 in the final stretch of the 4th, and winning 115-104. The Heat trail 1-2 in the series.
Offensively the Heat were great as they shot 51% from the field and 35% from 3. Miami was also 21/23 from the free throw line. The Heat had 12 turnovers. Miami also had 48 points in the paint.
Defensively the Heat were superb as LA shot 43% from the field and 33% from 3. LA was also 22/29 from the free throw line. Miami allowed 11 offensive rebounds. Miami forced 19 turnovers. The Heat allowed just 34 points in the paint.
Jimmy Butler had 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, becoming the 3rd player in Finals history with a 40-point triple-double. Tyler Herro had 17 points. Kelly Olynyk had 17 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Duncan Robinson and Jae Crowder were also in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Heat took advantage of the Lakers falling asleep at the wheel. Jimmy Butler was what the Heat needed him to be, and the rest of Miami filled in the grey areas. Tyler Herro and Kelly Olynyk were again superb, and they got some more production from Robinson and Crowder. The Heat now have some life, and they got a win without Adebayo and Dragic. It’ll be interesting to see if the Heat can keep this up and tie this series.
What Are Your Thoughts From Day 39 of the NBA Playoffs? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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