BUTLER IN L.A. KING’S WAY
What’s that? There’s a big shot to be taken, you say? LeBron James will pass. Because he’s, you know, soft. Not a “killer.” Like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, minus the lastsecond-dagger gene.
Insert massive eye roll here. The same old yo-yos were out after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, criticizing James for passing the ball with his Lakers down a point in the closing moments of a 111-108 loss to the Heat.
Forget that James — who’d scored 40 points — had two defenders draped all over him. Forget that there wasn’t a Heat player in the same area code as Danny Green, an outstanding shooter. Forget that it’s James’ 10th Finals. Forget his career record of 38-11 in close-out games.
Those things don’t matter because your big-talking Uncle Earl would’ve drained the winning bucket even with an army guarding him.
Let’s just move on to Sunday’s Game 6, shall we?
The Lakers still have a 3-2 series lead, with James seeking his fourth ring and Anthony Davis his first. On the other side: sudden triple-double machine Jimmy Butler — remember him? — who went off with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 5.
If the Heat win again in Game 6, Butler might have to be Finals MVP no matter what happens in Game 7.
“I like our chances,” he said. What use would the Bulls have for a player — and an attitude — like that, anyway?
Here’s what’s happening:
French Open men’s final (8 a.m., Ch. 5)
Wouldn’t it be nice to be as good at anything as Rafael Nadal is at this? He goes for his 13th title at Roland Garros against top-seeded Novak Djokovic, who leads the overall head-to-head rivalry 29-26.
Raiders at Chiefs (noon, Ch. 2)
Come for the Patrick Mahomes Show, stay for the race between polaropposite coaches. Which happens first, Jon Gruden’s head exploding off his shoulders or Andy Reid making any facial expression whatsoever?
Lakers vs. Heat, Game 6 (6:30 p.m., Ch. 7)
Anthony Davis averaged 33 points and 20.5 shots in Games 1 and 2, both Lakers victories, but since then he has sagged to 21.7 and 13.3. Those superhero capes don’t wear themselves.
Astros vs. Rays, Game 1 (6:30 p.m., TBS)
The Astros qualified for the playoffs with a 29-31 record, yet they’ve already taken out division winners Minnesota and Oakland. You really have to tip your garbage-can lids to them for a job well done.
Vikings at Seahawks (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
Drop this one to the heavily favored hosts, and the Vikings will find themselves at a miserable 1-4. As opposed to a delighted 1-4, we suppose.