The Los Angles Lakers got the first scratch after a dominant game one victory over the Miami Heat, winning 116-98. Wednesday marked the Lakers’ first NBA Finals victory in 10 years. The Lakers used an outstanding rebounding performance over the Heat with a margin of 54-36. The Lakers also shot a sensational 92.9 percent from the free-throw line. Much of the cushion built through three quarters was on the back of a 75-30 run.
Can The Role Players Give A Similar Shooting Effort?
Some of the Lakers role players were making their Finals debut and contributed mightily. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had two big three-pointers to spark the Lakers’ historic run before finishing with 13 points. Alex Caruso contributed 10 points of his own and was followed by Markieff Morris who added eight points. Danny Green, as he naturally does in the Finals, led the team hitting three long-range shots. The Lakers will have to continue to trust in them in game two to secure another win.
Anthony Davis Is Built Different
The big man had the third-best NBA Finals debut of all-time with 34 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. In the next game, he’s sure to see a difference in how he was defended based on some personnel changes on Miami’s side. Look for the Lakers to use Davis in the middle of the Heat’s zone. When man to man, Davis must keep up the energy and effort for easy buckets and second-chance opportunities when available.
Different Circumstances, Same Preparation
As mentioned, the Heat are going into game two short-handed due to injury. Starting center Bam Adebayo (neck strain) and point guard Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia) are listed as doubtful for Friday. These absences would ideally mean the Lakers adjust, but coach Frank Vogel spoke about their approach being steady going into Friday night:
Frank Vogel on Miami potentially without Bam and Dragic: “They have a deep team … they have an army of guys that play a great style of play that’s very difficult to guard and (always competes) defensively."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 1, 2020
LeBron James, who had a near triple-double of 25 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, shares the same sentiment. He spent a great deal of time preparing for the Heat to rebound:
LeBron on watching the Game 1 film: “Stayed up until about 4, 4:30 a.m. last night breaking down the film individually … (I saw) things we can do a lot better offensively and defensively.”
Biggest thing is having a better, more intense start.
(Vogel has mentioned similar hours)— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 1, 2020
The Lakers will be back at it on Friday night at 9PM EST/6PM PST.
