Jimmy Butler Again Heroic, Miami Heat Win Game 5 of the NBA Finals, 111-108

Jimmy Butler isn’t willing to letting his dream go away that easy. The Heat player had another superb game, leading his Miami to a 111-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of their matchup.

“Every young player coming into this league should study footage on Jimmy Butler, the definition of a two-way player competing on both ends, five steals, and then making those big plays down the stretch for us offensively,” the Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the match.

Butler played a staggering 47 minutes, during which he posted a triple-double. Miami’s forward had 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals, with 11-for-19 shooting from the field and all 12 free throws made. He was all over the place playing defense, organizing attacks, attacking the rim, shooting, getting into altercations, being physical, all that one player can give.

“I left it all out there on the floor,” Jimmy said.

Spoelstra had to ask for a timeout in the last minute only to rest his leader. After that, he went on the court, drew a foul, hitting both free throws.

LeBron James took responsibility in the closing moments, but the Heat defense didn’t allow him to drive the ball towards the basket, and the Lakers’ star had to pass rather than execute himself. Danny Green missed a three, after which Tyler Herro sunk both free throws.

James once again had the opportunity to tie the game, but his long-distance shot was inaccurate.

“We were very close,” coach Frank Vogel said. “I felt two bad calls at the end put Butler to the line, you know, and that’s unfortunate in a game of this magnitude.”

LeBron had a monstrous night with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists with three steals. He was pushing the Lakers forward constantly, but apart from Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, there wasn’t any help.

"We've just got to be better in Game 6 and close the series." @KingJames on the #Lakers fourth quarter and the back-and-forth battle against the Heat. pic.twitter.com/JPJ5uRycRP

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 10, 2020

AD had problems with a bruised heel but still scored 28 buckets and grabbed 12 boards with three assists, steals, and blocks apiece. After the game, he said that the fans shouldn’t worry about his condition.

“I’ll be fine on Sunday,” said Davis.

KCP contributed with 16 points in this event.

The game itself was very tight. Since the second period, the Heat took the lead, but couldn’t reach some notable difference until the start of the fourth period, once they got away to an 11-point gap, 93-82.

The Lakers then made a massive rally, which saw them taking over the lead briefly, 99-96, and from that point on, the game became super interesting. Both sides traded punches, but in the end, the Heat got out as winners.

Buttler’s magnificent performance was backed up with Duncan Robinson’s excellent night. The sharpshooting forward had 26 points, hitting 7 threes in 13 tries. Apart from that, he had five boards as well. Bam Adebayo added 13 points and four assists and boards, Tyler Herro 12, while Jae Crowder scored 11.

Kendrick Nunn played solid off the bench, dropping 14 points in 28 minutes.

Game 6 is on Sunday, and the stake is the biggest possible. If the Lakers win, they take the title. But if the Heat win, then we could see one of the biggest comebacks ever. The swing would definitely be on their side, and the LAL could find themselves in a pretty nasty situation.

That is why Game 6 is a must-see.