NBA Finals headlines heading into a huge Game 6
Game 5 of the NBA Finals was intense, to say the least – the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to clinch the championship while the Miami Heat held on to extend the series another game. Here are some headline topics going into Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Lakers’ supporting cast fumbles
To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question…or rather, it’s the big topic of conversation after the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 5 loss. LeBron James drove down the lane, got quadruple teamed, passed to a wide-open Danny Green…and unfortunately Green could not connect for 3.
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Decision making was an issue for the Lakers’ role players during Game 5. Markieff Morris threw the ball out of bounds while attempting a lob pass to Anthony Davis in the post. I understand Morris’ thought process – it would have been an easy basket with Davis being on the inside of his man close to the hoop – unfortunately, it didn’t come to fruition.
Issues like these have plagued LeBron-led teams for years – is his supporting cast reliable?
It’s all here say now – if Danny Green hits the 3 and the Lakers win, he’s a clutch player. The same goes for Morris. LeBron recently spoke saying that he has no regrets about making the pass to Green on the perimeter. James seems to still have confidence in Danny going forward.
The Lakers’ role players are too good for mistakes and missed shots to happen again. LeBron will continue galvanizing the collective and show trust in them. Green and Morris, along with the rest of the crew, will be extra sharp for Game 6.
Butler for Finals MVP?
The Heat is still in a hole being down 3-2, but there’s hope. Jimmy Butler continues to show composure and grit as he dazzles us with big plays and stat lines. Whispers of Butler as Finals MVP have even surfaced.
The man is playing out of his mind. Butler’s composure and will to get into the heart of the Lakers’ defense is incredible. He powers himself to the basket, as well as into his opponents. This was especially evident at the end of Game 6 when he drove into Anthony Davis, got to the line, hit the free throws, and put the Heat in the lead.
Jimmy has been checking off all the bubbles on offense (scoring, rebounding, assists). He’s especially been in a rhythm at the free-throw line during these finals – as of Friday’s game, he’s 46-for-50 and even went 12-for-12 in that game.
Butler is playing out of his mind on offense, while also upholding his stellar defense. He continues to be tight and proactive while playing on and off the ball. He always makes accurate split decision reads and never gives up on a play.
Butler was slumped over grasping for air late in the fourth quarter on Friday – a testament to how much energy he has put into these playoffs and Finals. I’m sure we are all in agreeance that no one else but Jimmy deserves Finals MVP if the Heat somehow wins the series.
Game 6 Predictions
If the Heat can stifle LeBron and Davis as best they can, hold off the Lakers’ shooters, and continue to hit their own shots, they can win Game 6. Easy right? Well, we are definitely in for another great battle between these two hungry teams.
Just as I went on a whim in a previous article and predicted that Game 6 would happen – we’ll continue the same trend. The Heat will maintain their momentum from Game 6 with Jimmy Butler leading the charge and once again showcasing his MVP play.
Game. Seven. Will. Happen. Because, why not?