Read on for two NBA previews as the action continues after an unpredictable start to 2020-21. The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) next face a weakened Memphis Grizzlies (2-3) side, while the Detroit Pistons (1-4) look to prove their first win of the campaign Friday night helped turn a corner – not a fluke – when hosting the Boston Celtics (3-3) once again tonight.
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley praised the Lakers’ title win but equally used the word “asterisk” when describing their six-game Finals victory – wondering what would have happened, had they been fortunate enough to utilise an injury-free roster during the series. Bam Adebayo (shoulder, neck) and Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia) were sidelined, missing key minutes. Continue reading
Finals MVP LeBron James recorded yet another decisive triple-double en route to earning his fourth NBA title as the Los Angeles Lakers were dominant during their 13-point Game 6 win vs. the Miami Heat overnight – a side packed with plenty of promise but ultimately falling short. Continue reading
After spoiling the Lakers’ championship coronation party in Game 5, Miami Heat hope to level the series at 3-3 during another elimination game here. LA are 48 minutes from their first NBA title since 2010 and a frenetic end to Friday’s loss will have posed questions – can they conclude the year here against a determined side hamstrung by injuries? Can LeBron James elevate his teammates again en route to a historic victory? Will Jimmy Butler and co take this to a Game 7? Continue reading
The trophy was ready, confetti and all. Yet the Los Angeles Lakers’ wait for another NBA championship continues into this weekend with Game 6 next on Sunday evening. Their two-game series lead was halved once more after another inspired Finals showing by Jimmy Butler and the short-handed Miami Heat – staring elimination in the face and rolling with the punches. Continue reading
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Jimmy Butler recorded a historic 40-point triple-double, becoming only the third player in NBA Finals history to do so – as the Miami Heat delivered a defiant display, taking Game 3 with a nine-point margin against the Lakers. It’s made all the more impressive knowing that two of their stars – Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo – watched helplessly from the sidelines nursing injuries. Can they level the series, or will the Lakers restore their two-game advantage? Continue reading
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Anthony Davis had 34 points and LeBron James added 25 as the Los Angeles Lakers were rampant en route to an impressive Game 1 win vs. the Miami Heat in this year’s NBA Finals. Erik Spoelstra’s side have multiple niggling injuries – Goran Dragic (foot), Bam Adebayo (shoulder) and Jimmy Butler (ankle), but want to make necessary adjustments and shoot more efficiently than they did for Game 2. Will they tie up the series or can the Lakers take a 2-0 lead? Continue reading
The Lakers were given a run for their money in the fourth quarter, but ultimately restored their two-game series advantage vs. the Denver Nuggets. Now, the season’s comeback kings must respond as they have done regularly in Orlando – it’s win or go home time again for Michael Malone’s men. Will Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and co step up in another elimination game here? Or will the Lakers secure their first NBA Finals trip since 2010? Continue reading
Anthony Davis’ buzzer-beating three broke Denver hearts dramatically at the end of Game 2. Now, the postseason’s comeback kings are down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Lakers and there’s increasing belief this matchup is one step too far for Nikola Jokic and co. After narrowly falling short on Sunday, how will they respond in Game 3 of this year’s Western Conference Finals? Continue reading
Following a ten-point victory on Thursday evening, the Lakers have edged ever closer to their first Western Conference Finals appearance in a decade. They can clinch that in Game 5, against a Houston side who appear genuinely defeated. Will they finish the job once and for all, or can the Rockets extend their stay in Orlando like Denver did against the Clippers overnight? Continue reading
Despite trailing in the first three quarters, the Lakers responded as expected to take a 2-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets in their Western Conference semi-final matchup. It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments Houston make ahead of Game 4, after showing promise despite lacking decisiveness during clutch moments down the stretch. Who will prevail here? Continue reading
Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 62 points, 21 rebounds and 13 assists as the Lakers returned to winning ways in Game 2 with a eight-point victory against the Houston Rockets. After making adjustments to the Rockets’ fast-paced style, will the purple and gold replicate their impressive resurgence from the Portland series and cruise to victory here? Continue reading
