The Los Angeles Lakers won game 1 of the NBA Finals, 116-98.
The Los Angeles Lakers made it look easy in game 1; after trailing by 13 in the first quarter, the Lakers put together a 75-30 run to ensure a 1-0 series lead over the Heat.
Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis were dominant in game 1.
The Miami Heat had no answer for them, but it is only game 1 and the Heat have shown a tremendous amount of resiliency throughout the NBA Bubble.
Here are 3 keys to a Los Angeles Lakers victory in game 2.
1. Anthony Davis Needs To Have Another Big Game
LeBron James always shows up in the NBA Finals.
Davis, had a great game 1, scoring 34 points with 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
His dominance inside was causing the Heat to double him in the post.
They even went into a zone to try and slow him down, but the Lakers were on fire from the 3 point line.
A team cannot rely on 3 point shooting (i.e. – Houston Rockets), but they can get more open looks by establishing Anthony Davis in the post.
Accoring to @EliasSports the Lakers are 18-1 this season when Anthony Davis and LeBron James combine for 60 points, including the playoffs.
That is the 2nd-best record by a duo in NBA history (min. 15 games). Only duo better? Kobe and Shaq in 2000 (.952 win pct). pic.twitter.com/A0mZzGgVYa
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 25, 2020
Both Anthony Davis and LeBron James seem too big for this Heat team.
They should continue too dominant, but it starts with AD.
2. Los Angeles Lakers Need To Control The Boards
The Los Angeles Lakers out rebounded the Miami Heat, 62-40 in the game 1 victory.
Dwight Howard started the game at the center position for the Lakers, but only played 15 minutes.
In the 15 minutes he played, he reeled in 8 rebounds and Lakers backup, JaVale McGee, did not see any playing time.
It was mainly James and Davis, who were dominant on the boards.
It was no secret that the Heat were the smaller team and it showed in game 1 as they could not contain the inside game by the Lakers.
Tonight, their struggles might worsen as they suffered some injuries in game 1.
Miami’s Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic are listed as doubtful for Game 2 of NBA Finals vs. Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 1, 2020
Bam was the Heat’s best chance of at least slowing down Anthony Davis.
It seems very unlikely that he will be playing in game 2, so the Lakers need to take advantage and continue to dominant on the boards.
3. Continue To Attack Tyler Herro In The Pick & Roll
In game 1, LeBron would find Heat G Tyler Herro, and have his man set him a screen, forcing a switch.
Herro is one of the best offensive players on the floor in this series, and that is saying a lot for a rookie.
Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson are shooting 41.3% on 9.4 catch-and-shoot three-point attempts per game this NBA Playoffs… their off-ball movement opens up the @MiamiHEAT offense! #NBABreakdown#NBAFinals Game 2 ⤵️
9:00 PM ET on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PNusKJlP4b— NBA (@NBA) October 2, 2020
But, his defense is weak and will be something he needs to work on throughout his career.
Tonight should be no different as the Lakers are the bigger, faster, stronger team and need to impose their will on this Heat team if they want to get out to a 2-0 lead.
If the Heat are smart, they will fight through the screens tonight.
Otherwise, expect the Lakers to bully Herro on the offensive end.
NEXT: Report: LeBron James Called Out Teammates About Game 1 Antics
