By Gustavo Castilho
Despite the series of injuries sustained over time, the Florida franchise seeks its first victory to balance the confrontation. The Lakers, on the other hand, expect to repeat the sound performance of the first three quarters.
With a show by the duo Lebron James and Anthony Davis, who together scored 59 points, the Lakers opened the series with a win against the Heat. Davis made his debut in the finals and recorded his third personal best score (34 points). The same mark as Elgin Baylor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, being surpassed only by Shaquille O’Neal (43 points) and George Mikan (42 points). The winger also had nine rebounds and five assists. LeBron had 25 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. It was the star’s 31st double-double in the NBA finals, surpassing the legendary Wilt Chamberlain (30). Just behind Bill Russel (56), Magic Johnson (43), and Elgin Baylor (36). The score by 116 x 98 could have been larger, but in the last quarter of Los Angeles used some bench players for most of the period.
Seeking the turnaround, the Heat comes full of doubts for the next duel. Jimmy Butler, despite a sprained ankle, assured he will play the next match. Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, the first with a stretch in the neck and the second with a rupture of the sole of the left foot, are still doubts. If Adebayo does not enter the court, Miami should bet on Kelly Olynyk, with the hard mission to hold the Lakers offense, which could be a facilitator for Dwight Howard and a James and Davis duo. The amateur Goran Dragic has a more critical condition injury, and may be left out of the finals. The tap off is at 22h, Brasília time.
The highlights of the first match
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis – 34 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks
LeBron James – 25 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 stolen
K. Caldwell-Pope – 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 stump
Danny Green – 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 stumps
Alex Caruso – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 stolen
Miami heat
Jimmy Butler – 23 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Tyler Herro – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Jae Crowder – 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 stumps
Bam Adebayo – 8 points, 4 rebounds
