Aloha,
Well in what has been a disturbing trend the Lakers did their best to help the Heat win. We sent the to the line 35 times and turned the ball 22 times. We took a 5 count with a time out in our pocket, and Russ decides to take a pull up 3 at the end of regulation. But when we weren’t fouling or turning the ball over our defense was pretty good. The Heat only shot 42% and 27% from 3.
The Heat lost Butler to an ankle. Boo ho we had 6 guys out!
From 3
Bradley 5 for 8
Ellington 4 for 5
Monk 4 for 7
How’s that Tom? A little better? They did what they haven’t been doing. Looking to create 3 point opportunities. I think we will be okay from 3.
Game ball to Malik. One makes the dude dangerous is he is a 3 level scorer with a great handle and the ability to make plays for others. He was able to act as the PG at different times. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, I believe he will play a big role this year.
Looking ahead I think once we are healthy we could have the best bench in the NBA.
It was a great game, Michael, and yes, I loved seeing our role players launching and hitting critical threes all game long. What jumps out though is Russ and AD and the other players learning how to win without LeBron James. I believe Lakers are keeping LeBron out partly for Russ and Anthony to get this opportunity to learn how to win without him. That’s a weapon the Lakers want to have in their repertoire when the playoffs come.