The LA Lakers won their 17th NBA title, after last night’s win over the Miami Heat. LeBron James and the boys performed excellently, defeating the Eastern Conference champions, 106-93.
King James was named the NBA Finals MVP, and now has four trophies in both categories. He posted a triple-double to close the series, recording 28 points, 14 boards, and 10 assists.
The Lakers began pulling away at the end of the first period, which they won 28-20, but the real deal came in the second quarter. Purple and gold outscored the rivals, 36-16 in those 12 minutes, reaching a 30-point lead with 49.6 seconds until the break, 64-34.
They wouldn’t allow the Heat to feel comfortable in the third either before slowing down in the final sequence when it already became obvious that the title is coming their way.
Anthony Davis scored 19 points, but had 15 boards in 35 minutes, while Rajon Rondo and a superb sequence, with 19 buckets and four boards and assists each. The veteran point guard was 8-for-11 from the field. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 17 buckets, while Danny Green added 11.
Among the Heat, Bam Adebayo was the best with 25 points, 10 boards, and five assists, shooting 10-for-15 from the floor. Jimmy Butler had just 12 points, with 8 assists and seven rebounds, but without a usual contribution in the offense. Jimmy B took only 10 shots in 45 minutes played.
Tyler Herro was 3-for-10 for seven points, while Duncan Robinson had 10. Jae Crowder added 12 points, Kelly Olynyk 9.
The Heat showed incredible potential, and was the most interesting team in the league since the start of the campaign. With several equal players, without some notable superstars like Davis and James, they managed to reach the finals. Still, Miami had bad luck with their two starting lineup members, Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo, picking up injures right at the start of the series. Even though their fans seem unhappy, the future is bright for the team from Florida, as they have numerous youngsters ready to play at the highest possible level.
On the other side, this is the 17th title for the LAL, with the note that LBJ mentioned following the ceremony that he still has enough gas in the tank to chase at least one more. The Lakers now have a super duo with him and Anthony Davis, and that is pretty much an excellent foundation for bringing another Larry O’Brien trophy.
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