It was a night in which the Los Angeles Lakers expected to finish top but Miami Heat would not allow the coronation after Game 5.
Heat beat Lakers 111-108 to win a thrilling Game 5 in the 2020 NBA Finals, sending the series to a sixth game.
The Lakers led by a point with 21.8 seconds left, before two foul shots by Jimmy Butler nudged the Heat in front.
NBA Finals: Miami Heat beat Los Angeles Lakers in game-five thriller – https://t.co/5nR1fg7iMg pic.twitter.com/tYXqhjxGvJ
— Megami𝕩er (@djokaymegamixer) October 10, 2020
Despite 40 points from LeBron James, the Lakers’ hopes for a 17th championship will be delayed.
Miami Heat’s star performer, Jimmy Butler scored 35 points, 22 in the first half, and notched his second triple-double of the Finals, with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals. He joined James as the only player with multiple triple-doubles in an NBA Finals. James finished shy of one for the fifth time this series with 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Davis scored 28 points with 12 rebounds.
"I wish he could have it again. I wish I could make a better pass. But you just live with it."
—LeBron James on the game-winning attempt by Danny Green pic.twitter.com/Ix4ejLcyPT
— ESPN (@espn) October 10, 2020
The longest season in the history of the NBA will last at least two more days.
Game 6 will be Sunday evening, with the Lakers’ lead now trimmed to 3-2.
