Heat vs Lakers: Adebayo, Dragic and Butler's injuries cost Miami dear as LA register massive 116-98 Game 1 win
The evening just got worse for Miami Heat as they lost Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo to injuries during Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmy Butler with a twisted ankle was barely hanging in as the Lakers gained a massive lead. The Lakers won comfortably with the scoreline reading 116-98. Despite a solid start, the Heat went down as Dragic was the first to go with a foot injury as he hobbled off.
The situation just got worse as star player Adebayo was the next man down with an apparent shoulder injury in the third quarter. In the final minutes of the game, it was announced the duo would sit out for the remainder of the game as Miami stared at a defeat and the Lakers set for a win in Game 1. Butler was seen limping around but still played the fourth quarter as Miami rung in the changes. Tyler Herro and Kelly Olynyk got in some game time in their absence.
Despite the fact that the Heat is one of the deepest teams in the league, the absence of three players will no doubt leave them smarting. While Duncan Robinson, Andre Igoudala, and Jae Crowder managed to hold their own, the Heat will need the services of their star players to face-off a formidable Lakers side who took a few minutes in the first half to actually warm-up. If the injury concerns are serious than expected, this series will be over earlier than expected.
With the main players out and the Lakers gaining a massive lead, Frank Vogel, the Lakers coach emptied his bench as the reserves got some time on the floor. While the Heat will be keen on making amends, they will be sweating over the injuries of Adebayo and Dragic. Butler ended his evening with 23 points and five assists while Anthony Davis topped off with 34 points for the Lakers. Anthony Davis topped off with 34 points for the Lakers with LeBron James chipping in with 25 points. Danny Green and Caldwell-Pope added 13 and 11 points respectively.
Game 2 between the Lakers and the Heat will start at 9 pm ET on Friday and will be televised live on ABC.