Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler delivers in the clutch again in Game 5

Jimmy Butler comes up big for the Miami Heat again in Game 5

Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals was playoff basketball at it’s finest as the Los Angeles Lakers expected a championship celebration and plans to raise the Larry O’Brien trophy were put on hold as the Miami Heat had other plans forcing a pivotal Game 6.

Jimmy Butler put on another amazing performance for the Heat scoring 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists with five steals. Butler connected on two free throws after he was fouled by Anthony Davis with 16.8 seconds left to play to give the Heat a one-point lead. Butler’s ability to get to the free-throw line, especially in clutch situations, has been key to the Heat’s success as he averages 10 free throw attempts per game in the Finals.

Butler also became the second player in NBA history with two 30-point triple-double in the Finals. LeBron James put forth a valiant effort to deliver a victory for the Lakers but unfortunately came up short. James put up 40 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists and put on a show and had it going early especially from downtown with his red-hot shooting connecting on six 3-pointers.

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Both Butler and James made big-time plays throughout the course of the game putting their respective teams in a position to win, but Butler was the one to make an assertive play when it mattered most. On their last possession, James drove to the basket and as he was surrounded by Heat defenders, James kicked the ball out to a wide-open Danny Green instead of taking the final shot.

James has a tendency to be too unselfish at times, but he has to realize the urgency of the situation and take that shot win or lose. He can’t worry about the criticism from the media because they are going to do it regardless if he shoots it or not. Davis put up 28 points to go along with 12 boards and was once again a monster on the defensive end totaling three blocks and three steals.

There is concern about the heel contusion Davis reinjured in the first half, but the injury didn’t seem to bother him or slow him down. The Lakers need him to be at full strength especially due to him being only one of three Lakers who scored in double-digits. Davis, James, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 84 of the Lakers’ total 108 points.

If either Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, or Adam Caruso score in double figures, the Lakers would be celebrating instead of preparing for Game 6. It’s important that the Lakers role players knock down open shots and score whenever the opportunity presents itself as one possession could be the difference between winning or losing this series.

Duncan Robinson came through for the Heat with his prolific shooting making seven 3-pointers in Game 5. Duncan is averaging just 8.6 points in the Heat’s losses but is scoring 19.5 in the wins. Robinson must continue to shoot the ball and avoid being passive while getting involved early and finding his rhythm as his ability to knock down shots takes the pressure off of Butler as defenders must account for him.

He has been a spark plug for the Heat as he barely missed going 8-15 from the field at 53.3 percent. Bam Adebayo scored 13 with only four rebounds after he admitted playing “timid” in Game 4. He has struggled with the Lakers’ size, specifically with Davis and Dwight Howard as he seemed to get overwhelmed and outmuscled at times.

Even though the Heat often finds themselves on the negative end of the rebounding margin, they have been able to keep games close while limiting second-chance points from the Lakers. Once again this Miami Heat squad has shown their competitive spirit and their will to win with the odds stacked against them.

Butler has been the undisputed leader of this team and has never wavered or looked like he has been defeated and keeps a positive attitude even when the Heat lose. Butler understands that he has to be the one to carry his team and accepts his role with honor and humility.

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Jimmy Butler leads this scrappy team who fights for everything they get and the Lakers should be cautious about how they approach Game 6. If these NBA Finals reach a Game 7, the Lakers just might regret closing this team out when they had the chance.