The effort given by the Los Angeles Lakers in game three was rewarded with a loss, 115-104. They were inattentive and sloppy. The execution left much to be desired. The Miami Heat are the last team to fall asleep against, especially with Jimmy Butler at the helm. Game four is here and the Lakers have a chance to make amends.
LeBron Must Take Care of the Ball
As mentioned, the turnovers throughout the game were backbreakers. LeBron James, surprisingly, contributed eight of the team’s 19 turnovers. Prior to game three, LeBron was up to 18 assists to two turnovers, a stark difference in their wins and losses. Here’s an example of one of his more crucial ones as the Lakers climbed back into the game, outlined by Hoops Habit’s Jason Timpf:
Next possession, LeBron gets the switch on Duncan, but loses his balance on the Wade-esque high dribble euro and travels.
Probably flukey, but not a good first possession after finally taking the lead. pic.twitter.com/SFFDC5tfdS
— Jason (@_JasonLT) October 5, 2020
LeBron serves as the primary ballhandler on most possessions. If he can value possessions, the game can stay in the Lakers’ control.
More From Anthony Davis
Shall we say more? Consecutive 30-point games to start the NBA Finals followed by a 15-point dud is a recipe for a loss. Davis could not find a groove as the Heat adjusted to his activity. To add to the struggles, he found himself picking up careless fouls and ruined any opportunity to get a groove going. The last time that Davis had a similar outing was an August 1st loss against the Toronto Raptors. Davis had 14 points and six rebounds. The next game against the Utah Jazz, he posted 42 points and 12 rebounds. This may not be the same good omen to come, but Davis has proven capable to improve after faltering.
Injury Update
Bam Adebayo is currently questionable for the game, while Goran Dragic is doubtful. The full injury update for game four can be found here, with an additional note at the end regarding Danny Green.
Tip-off is slated for 9PM EST / 6PM PST.
