Everyone was ready to count out the Miami Heat. There were debates on national TV shows about who should win finals MVP between LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Radio shows were talking about Dwight Howard getting his first ring. There was very little talk about the Heat heading into Game 5. It was as if the Los Angeles Lakers were playing against themselves. But, Miami was not going down without a fight. With the game going down the wire, Miami got the defensive stop it needed to secure the 111-108 victory. With the victory, Miami is now trailing the series 3-2.
Here are my takeaways from Miami’s Game 5 victory over the Lakers.
Jimmy Butler willing the team to victory
As been the case throughout the NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler showed up once again for Miami. He had a huge first half putting up 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Miami needed a huge performance from Jimmy and he responded. Jimmy literally did everything on the floor while playing nearly the whole game. Just like game four, the Lakers had Davis guarding him. Instead of just going right at Davis, Butler went to his midrange game and also hit a couple of three-pointers. Once again, Butler proved how much of a winner he is.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1314790144197750785
Butler finished the night with 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals.
Robinson comes through
Butler certainly had help from Duncan Robinson, who was the team’s second-leading scorer on Friday night. Robinson made seven three-pointers, tying a Heat single playoff game record. This is the second time he’s hit seven three-pointers in a game. After struggling from downtown, Miami needed this game from Robinson and he came through. Most importantly, he took a charge on LeBron in a critical moment of the game.
Laying it all on the line 😤 pic.twitter.com/ncJ1RaLXs4
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 10, 2020
Robinson finished with 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting from downtown.
Bam struggles
This wasn’t the same Bam Adebayo who played like an all-star this season. Adebayo couldn’t get anything going on the offensive end. He missed a couple of easy attempts at the rim and fumbled the ball a couple of times. When Anthony Davis was guarding him, Bam was reluctant to attack the rim. He lacked the intensity on both ends that we’re accustomed to seeing. Adebayo did play with more energy in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, he can carry it into the next game. Adebayo ended the night with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Nunn aggressive
It’s been a rough experience in the bubble for Kendrick Nunn. He went from being a starter to not playing in the rotation at all. But on Friday night, he provided a big boost off the bench for the Heat. Nunn scored nine points in his first eight minutes of the game. Additionally, the playmaking ability was on full display Friday night as well. He did a great job of reading the defense and making plays for the team. Nunn finished the night with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Next up: Game 6 on Sunday. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Main Credit Image:https://www.slamonline.com/nba/jimmy-butler-weve-got-way-more-guys-who-can-do-what-i-just-did/
