The Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat are the last two teams remaining in the NBA playoffs. The Lakers have dropped the Trail Blazers, Rockets, and Nuggets all in five games. While the Heat have swept the Pacers, defeated the Bucks in five, and eliminated the Celtics in six. Both teams have gone 12-3 in these playoffs thus far and they are primed to win an NBA championship. Let’s look at the keys to winning the NBA Finals for each team.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron/Anthony Davis play up to par
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the best players out of both teams in this series. LeBron is one of the best passers the game has ever seen and with his vision, he opens up the court for his teammates. On top of that, LeBron is a great finisher, especially in transition, when he’s got a full head of steam to the basket.
Anthony Davis is a tough assignment for Miami because of his ability to finish around the rim as well as his shot-making ability from the perimeter. Davis is also a great rim protector and can alter his opponents’ shots when they drive to the hoop.
If LeBron and Davis play up to par, then they can put the Heat away sooner than later. James is averaging 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and shooting a healthy 54.7% from the field in the playoffs. Davis is averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in the postseason. When these two are playing at a high level, Los Angeles is a tough team to beat.
Win the rebound battle
The Lakers are the longer team with Davis, Dwight Howard, and Javale McGee in the frontcourt. Winning the rebound battle can extend possessions and boost second-chance opportunities. On the other side, it will limit the Heat from second-chance points. Los Angeles has the leverage when it comes to size. The only traditional big that suits up for the Heat is Bam Adebayo. When he sits, the Lakers could expose their lack of size and interior defense.
Los Angeles can play either Howard or McGee at center and Davis at power forward. The Lakers can also play small by shifting LeBron to the four and Davis to the five. Matchups should favor the Lakers and it should lead to more possessions.
Finding a third scorer
Los Angeles will need a third scorer besides Davis and LeBron. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, and Kyle Kuzma have been streaky contributors on the offensive end during the NBA restart. If one of these players can step up each game, it will help the Lakers be consistent on offense. While LeBron or Davis are sitting on the bench, the Heat could take advantage of that and go on runs.
Miami Heat
Defense
The Heat have done a great job defensively in the playoffs with their 2-3 zone. In the semifinals, they’ve halted the Greek Freak from scoring in the 4th Quarter by clogging up the paint and forcing him into taking bad shots. This adjustment worked against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals as well. Jayson Tatum would look to drive to the hoop but would get stripped. Also, Boston looked to shoot corner threes but couldn’t make Miami pay.
If the Heat could implement their zone to this series, LeBron won’t be able to score under the rim with ease. He will have to rely on his teammates to hit outside shots as well as himself. It’s better to have the Lakers beat you from the outside than giving them easy shots from the interior.
Three-point shooting
The Heat finished second in three-point percentage for the regular season converting on 37.9% of their attempts. The confidence of Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson is improving each series and their three-point shooting could be the difference maker in this series. Miami could build up a commanding lead if they get hot from three. The Heat also have Goran Dragic and Kelly Olynyk in their arsenal of shooters. The Lakers don’t have the players to match the Heat in three-point shooting.
Jimmy Butler must step up in the biggest moments
Jimmy Butler was probably the third or fourth-best player on the Heat during the Heat-Celtics series. Part of the reason was because of favorable matchups toward Bam Adebayo. Butler had a couple of games games where he didn’t look aggressive in finding his shot.
The only players on Miami’s roster who have championship experience are Andre Iguodala who isn’t the player he used to be, and Udonis Haslem who is there to mentor the players. Jimmy Butler is the alpha of this Miami Heat squad and they will need him to step up on the biggest stage. If the game is down to the wire, will Butler hit the shots and come up with defensive plays down the stretch to help his team win?
The NBA Finals begin Sept. 30 at 9:00 p.m on ABC.