It was a moment in time basketball fans weren’t sure they’d see, but tonight
was the start of the 2020 NBA Finals. Representing the West, the Los Angeles
Lakers defeated the East-coast contenders, the Miami Heat, 116-98 in Game 1.
The Heat started the game on fire. The Lakers faced a 13-point deficit in the
first quarter. Then, everything changed; being down fired the Lakers up.
Specifically, Anthony Davis (34 points, 9 rebounds) could not be stopped. He
was so aggressive off the boards that the world witnessed yet another
spectacular AD, 30+ game from the bubble. Tonight, Davis tied Lakers Legend
Elgin Baylor for third-most points in a Finals debut in Lakers history — right
behind George Mikan and Shaquille O’Neal It was pure: step, fire, hit, step,
fire, hit from the big fella. And this was the same pattern for every player
repping the Purple and Gold as the Lakers went 45% from the field.
The offensive success was possible because of LeBron James (25 points, 13
rebounds, 9 assists). His tremendous passing and expert vision generated shots
from the perimeter to the paint for his teammates... every teammate on the
floor.
The Lakers answered Miami’s 13-point lead mentioned above, with 30 commanding
points between the first and second quarter. The Lake Show’s bench was greatly
responsible for this comeback. In fact, 20 of the Lakers’ 65 halftime points
were from the second unit — and a majority orchestrated by LBJ.
Miami’s defense looked to pack the paint, the place on the floor they know the
Lakers own. But the Lakers responded with a lethalness from three.
Specifically, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (13 points). KCP changed the pace of
the game by getting hot from three early. AD commended him by stating in his
walk-off: “KCP saved us.” AD also stated, “If they’re gonna’ give us shots
like that we gotta’ be able to knock them down.” The Lakers were certainly
knocking with 15 triples from 9 guys. LeBron was one of those 9, moving to
second in most 3-pointers in NBA Finals history.
Caldwell-Pope said at half, “As far as us, we just want to play Laker
Basketball.” And it was Laker Basketball they played this Wednesday night.
Coach Frank Vogel loved the energy, effort and hard work from his squad. The
Lakers dominated Game 1, but tonight was one part of a big picture. The job is
not done. LeBron talked postgame about his excitement to watch film with his
teammates tomorrow, “We can be so much better,” he said.