2020 NBA Finals: Jimmy Butler and The Heat steal Game 3 from the Lakers

By Fredo Cervantes

   The Lakers had one of their slowest starts here in Game 3 of the 2020 NBA Finals with the Miami Heat coming out punching the Lakers after the embarrassing loss they had in Game 2. Heat F Jimmy Butler mentioned in the pregame interview that he is ready to go as they are taking it one game at a time.

The Lakers turned the ball over 10 times in the first 10 minutes of the game which is not a good sign early in Game 3. Jimmy Butler has responded in this game early with 8 points on 4-4 shooting from the field. The Heat led as much as 13 points in the first quarter but not for long until the Lakers made a run of there own as they head into the 2nd quarter only down 3 points.

Kuz’s three cuts into Miami’s lead 🚨#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/4F4PCeGaxp

— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 5, 2020

Over the last two games Jimmy Butler has been more of a team leader on the floor as he is constantly looking to get his teammates involved early like every great player does. I have never really bought in on Jimmy Butler but I guess now I can just a little as he did help his team advanced to the NBA Finals.

The Lakers have been off in the first half as Anthony Davis is in foul trouble with 3 fouls and only 5 points in this game. LeBron James has been doing everything he can to keep his team in the game as he has 16 points 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half. Lakers F Markieff Morris has been great off the bench with 10 points off a few three point shots and has played good defense in this game.

Jimmy Butler had 19 points in the first half as they led 58-54 over the Lakers here in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

During the 3rd quarter both teams played well but the Heat played better on both sides of the ball as Jimmy Butler has really evolved into a good team player as he is getting everyone involved and rebounding the ball and on the verge of getting a triple double here in the NBA Finals.

Lakers F Kyle Kuzma has been a good spark for his team here in Game 3 with 15 points in 19 minutes of the bench for Mr. Inconsistent.

The Lakers go on an 8-0 run early in the 4th quarter to give the Lakers the lead 91-89 for the first time since the 2nd quarter. Anthony Davis has 4 personal fouls and it’s been hard for him to be himself in this Game 3 as the Lakers have struggled in this game with LeBron carrying the load.

We can clearly see the Miami Heat come out and play strong in Game 3 from the beginning of the game as Jimmy Butler has been the focus of the Heat offense. He was on another level today as he plays the best game of his career here in Game 3 as he finishes with 40 points 11 rebounds and 13 assists and without attempting a three pointer in the game.

LeBron on AD: "I think the fouls slowed him down a lot tonight."

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 5, 2020

LeBron and Davis had 40 points combined in Game 3 as Davis struggled to get in rhythm and was in the foul trouble since the first quarter. Other Lakers players did not show up like Danny Green with only 2 points from the free throw line as he shot 0-6 from the field and Dwight Howard with only 4 points and 3 rebounds which this is not the way you want to play if your really want to win.

Jimmy Butler is the 3rd player in NBA History to record a 40+ point triple-double in the NBA Finals, joining LeBron James in 2015 and Jerry West in 1969. pic.twitter.com/73uEtIJ6OD

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 5, 2020

The Heat win Game 3 of the NBA Finals 115-104 behind a career night from Jimmy Butler as the Lakers lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 coming Tuesday night 9ET/6PT on ABC.

 

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