USA Today via Reuters
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler looks to shoot against Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green during the third quarter of game three of the 2020 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler looks to shoot against Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green during the third quarter of game three of the 2020 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat has been facing an uphill task in the NBA Finals 2020. They’re trailing early in the series, and this is certainly not a comfortable position. However, Game 3 looked slightly different as the Heat took both Q1 as well as Q2 away from LeBron James’ Lakers.
In NBA history, there have been only four occasions when a team has closed down a 0-2 deficit to earn the championship. This is the 35th time ever when a team began by trailing 0-2 in the NBA Finals. The most recent turnaround came from LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers against GSW in 2016. What’s also interesting is Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat pulled off one such stunt in 2006 against the then #4 seed Dallas Mavericks.
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots over Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard during the first quarter of game three of the 2020 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When LeBron James and Jimmy Butler lost their cool
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After the end of Q1, the box score was 23-26 with the Lakers trailing. This was the first time in the series that the Lakers were left behind in the initial quarter. It was natural for King James to be a little upset and for Jimmy Butler to be on the more aggressive side. What followed was an exchange of remarks between the two top players.
LeBron and Jimmy exchanged words at the end of the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/W0FUUwyAc2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2020
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A clapping JR Smith came from behind as the match referee escorted Jimmy away before it turned into anything nastier. The last thing any of these men would want is a flagrant foul that can put their chances of winning in jeopardy.
The Lakers finally felt the competition
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The Miami Heat took the first quarter as they were leading 58-54. The Heat also began the third quarter with a 10-0 lead, which was a shocker for the Lakers. Jimmy Butler dropped 19 points, 6 rebs, and 6 assists in the very successful first half. On the other hand, LeBron James’ figures compared pretty well with 16 points, 6 rebs, and as many assists on the board. Jae Crowder (Heat) and Markieff Morris (Lakers) added another 10 points.
Overall, the Heat looked extremely strong even without Bam Adebayo, who was doubtful for the game. The task ahead is herculean for the Heat, and they’re in no position to tone down their aggression. The NBA Finals are finally starting to get thrilling.
