By Gustavo Castilho
Lakers go in search of the 17th title of the franchise, while Heat tries to extend the series.
Bam Adebayo’s return in the last game showed that the Lakers’ task would be far from simple if the Florida team’s injuries did not cripple the team. Game 4 of the series was the most balanced so far, with Miami leading the score several times. For game 5, Slovenian Goran Dragic, with a foot injury, remains a question mark. In the last duel he even rehearsed movements during the warm-up but was not able to play. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, Miami is looking for game six of the series, which so far is 3-1 for the opponent. On the west side of the USA, the California team has the duo Lebron James and Anthony Davis, who have been a steamroller over their opponents.
For the Lakers, a victory means not only the 17th title, but also matching the rival Boston Celtics as the team with more NBA titles. In addition to this remarkable fact, the achievement would be a tribute for Kobe Bryant’s memory, one of the basketball legends and idol of the franchise who passed away this year. For Miami, the victory means an extension of the dream for the title. They still need to win game 6 to force a final duel in game 7. The team from Florida surprised when they reached the final, even more in the overwhelming way it was. The team, fifth in the Eastern playoffs, took down the favorites Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics until they ran into the Lakers. The tip-off is scheduled for 22h, Brasília time.
Finals calendar (Brasília time)
Game 1: Lakers 116 x 98 Heats
Game 2: Lakers 124x 114 Heats
Game 3: Heat 115 x 104 Lakers
Game 4: Heat 96 x 102 Lakers
Game 5: Lakers v Heat, today (09/10), 10pm
Match 6 (if necessary): Heats vs. Lakers, Sunday (11/10), 8:30 pm
Game 7 (if necessary): Lakers vs. Heat, Tuesday (10/13), 10 pm
STARTING STATISTICS 5:
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James – 28 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal
Anthony Davis – 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 4 blocks
K. Caldwell-Pope – 15 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
Danny Green – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Rajon Rondo – 2 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal
Miami heat
Jimmy Butler – 22 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 1 block
Tyler Herro – 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal
Bam Adebayo – 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Duncan Robinson – 17 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists and 1 steal and 1 block
