Man on a mission: Jimmy Butler carries Miami to Game 3 NBA Finals win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Jimmy Butler came to the Miami Heat for one reason.

And that’s to help the organization win an NBA championship.

With the odds seemingly insurmountable after losing star guard Goran Dragic and emerging big man Bam Adebayo to injuries, Butler more than made up for their absence with an all-time performance helping the Heat take down the heavy favorites, 115-104.

Much like in Game 1, Miamo started Game 3 with pace and a sense of urgency that has been their identity all playoffs-long. Miami’s zone defense was more effective this time around, limiting the Lakers to just two points in the first five minutes.

Miami’s tough defense caused Anthony Davis problems, forcing the star forward to commit offensive fouls placing him in foul trouble.

With Davis heading to the bench early, Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris answered the call that helped them close the distance heading into the third, 58-54.

The whole second half was an offensive clinic by Butler after putting the team on his shoulders. Butler relentlessly drove to the basket keeping the Lakers on their heels where he was awarded 14 free-throw attempts.

When things looked shaky for Miami after the Lakers’ took the lead off two corner treys by Morris and a Rajon Rondo lefty layup, Butler took control of the game.

With 8:50 remaining in the fourth, Butler sized up LeBron James, drove hard and flipped up a short floater to help Miami tie the game, 91-91. In the next possession, Butler drew two defenders then found the popping Kelly Olynyk for a three-pointer for them to retake the lead, 94-91.

It was all the momentum the Heat needed as they suffocated the Lakers down the stretch to clinch Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Butler filled up the stat sheet in the emphatic win after tallying 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Tyler Herro and Olynyk were also big for the banged-up Miami squad with both key players scoring 17-apiece.

Game 4 between the two heavyweight teams will be on Wednesday, October 7 (Philippine time).