When Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic went down in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat's only hope to stay in the series became clear: ride Jimmy Butler.
Oct 4, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James covers his nose and mouth with his shirt as he talks with guard Rajon Rondo before game three of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Butler completed his first career playoff triple-double with six of his team’s final 12 points, appearing to tell the Lakers they were “in trouble” as Miami pulled away late to avoid a 3-0 deficit in the best-of-seven series. “How else do you say it other than Jimmy effing Butler,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said in summing up his star’s performance. “This was a very urgent game, and he was doing it on both ends of the court. Just put his imprint on every important part of the game.”James had 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Anthony Davis was saddled by early foul trouble in scoring just 15 for the Lakers.
The Heat took advantage of a sloppy Lakers start to lead by as much as 13 at 22-9 in the first. Los Angeles turned the ball over 10 times in the quarter, one more than it had in Game 2 total. Still, the Lakers ended the period within 26-23.
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