NBA Finals: Red-hot Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat force Game Six with narrow victory over LA Lakers
Butler’s 35-point triple double inspired his side to a crucial win against LeBron James and co.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jimmy Butler scored a 35-point triple double as the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-108 on Friday to stave off elimination and force a NBA Finals Game Six on Sunday.
With their backs against the wall, the Heat refused to back down, surviving a 40-point onslaught from the Lakers’ LeBron James, thanks to outstanding three-point shooting, clutch free-throws and the all-round brilliance of Butler.
The Lakers, who trailed for most of the contest, had a chance to win it in the final seconds, but Danny Green’s three- point shot came up short. The Lakers’ Markieff Morris got the rebound but threw the ball out of bounds.
Rookie Tyler Herro was fouled on the ensuing inbound pass and coolly sank two free throws to extend the lead to three points, and the Lakers were unable to get off a good shot as time expired to cap the thrilling game.
The favored Lakers, whose lead is now 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, saw forward Anthony Davis re-aggravate a right heel injury late in the first quarter.
Davis returned after sitting out for several minutes but struggled to find a rhythm and could be seen hobbling up the floor in the fourth quarter.
A healthy Davis will be key to realising the Lakers’ hopes of capturing a record-tying 17th title at Disney World in Orlando, where the NBA resumed its season in a biosecure bubble in July after a four-month hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments