Key Heat-Lakers matchups force fans to think beyond King James Game 1 tonight
Alook at the key elements of Miami Heat-Los Angeles Lakers series, with the best-ofseven NBAFinals opening at 9 tonight at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.
Center: The Lakers moved back to opening with a bigger lineup in the Western Conference finals, so, if it stays that way, this matchup, on paper, would be the Lakers’ Dwight Howard against the Heat’s BamAdebayo. So just as in the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, Adebayo would have to dominate, possibly as a swing vote in the series. Granted, it probably won’t be to the degree that Nikola Jokic needed to for the Denver Nuggets in the previous round. The reality is expect most of Adebayo’s defensive focus to be on Anthony Davis. Edge: Heat.
Power forward: While an argument could be madethat the Heat at least have a variety of defensive options against LeBron James (let’s call them “slowers” and not “stoppers”), the same can’t be said about the defensive matchup against Anthony Davis. If the Heat go with Adebayo in the matchup, then expect Davis to take him away from the paint. And if Jae Crowder remains the Heat’s de facto power forward, then Davis likely will set up shop in the post. This could lead to a re-introduction of Kelly Olynyk or Derrick Jones Jr. into the Heat power rotation. Edge: Lakers.
Small forward: Did you see James at closing time Saturday night against the Nuggets? Nobody is stopping that. Nobody. And nowthere is
three-day break to recharge. Yes, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knows LeBron well. And, yes, the Heat have had LeBron’s number during regular-season games in recent years. But this is not the regular season. And this is the team whose president, Pat Riley, publicly challenged LeBron to manupand remain with the Heat in the wake of losing the 2014 NBA Finals. Jimmy Butler has had plenty of moments this postseason, but this is the ultimate challenge, one he has handled surprisingly well in the past. Edge: Lakers.
Shooting guard: The Heat have to compete at the ancillary positions and likely have to win them. This would be one, where a Duncan Robinson 3-for-all might be the best avenue to a level of success in this series. But don’t underestimate Danny Green, who
certainly has had his playoff moments against the Heat while with the San Antonio Spurs. The Heat need Robinson to be near the top of his game, as he was Sunday against the Celtics. The expectations are not as significant with Green, whohas more than enough ability to match Robinson 3-pointer for 3-pointer. Expect Green to also take defensive turns on Butler, with James then able to be rested defensively against Robinson or Crowder. Edge: Even.
Point guard: Goran Dragic has been nothing short of a revelation this postseason, and will have to be again for the Heat to maximize their chances against the Lakers. While James is the Lakers’ de facto point guard, rest assured that Dragic will not be dealing with that defensive assignment. For the Lakers, Kentavi
NBA Finals: Miami vs. L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., WVEC
ous Caldwell-Pope is somewhat of a place holder here. He might not be as complete as Avery Bradley, whoopted out of the bubble restart, but he is capable of solid contributions. The Heat need far more than mere solid contributions from Dragic. As with Green, Caldwell-Pope could also take defensive turns against Butler. Edge: Heat.
Coach: Have you seen what Spoelstra has done to Frank Vogel previously, during those Heat-Pacers series at the start of last decade? Over. And over. And over. Of course, that also was when Spoelstra had LeBron on his side. Spoelstra has dialed up gameplans that have produced series wins as the underdog in three consecutive matchups. Heseemingly stands at the top of his game at the moment. Edge: Heat.
Prediction: The Heat arguably have defined team play during this postseason run at Disney, on both ends of the court. But by now, it has become clear that Victor Oladipo (or TJ Warren), Giannis Antetokounmpo and any of the Celtics’ leading menare not LeBron James. And with all due respect to Spoelstra’s team, it’s not as if the Heat are entering with what those Golden State Warriors did in those series against LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Lakers in six.