The Los Angeles Lakers vs the Miami Heat is a heavyweight vs a welterweight fight. However, in recent a turn of events, the absence of Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic made the Heat appear more like a featherweight team. 

The Heat had a decent beginning in the first game, and ended up having a convincing run in the latter half of Game 2. But these fragments of playing good can’t stand against a bigger and more experienced side like the Lakers. The score of 124-114 was still competitive, given that Erik Spoelstra’s men were playing a fairly under-tested starting five. Still, what’s next?

The Miami Heat needs a lot of healing!

Goran Dragic’s torn plantar fascia did not look good. It is one such painful injury that has the potential to keep one out of the game or limit his time of play. There is no update as of now whether the 34-YO will play in Game 3. But the Heat fans can take a sigh of relief in the fact that Bam has given green signals.

In a recent interview, Bam expressed, “Yes, I believe I’ll be in the lineup… I’m feeling better. I believe I’ll play.” Game 3 is of paramount importance, and Bam’s presence in the squad is undeniably crucial.

“That’s what I see. We’ve got to be a desperate team and come out with a lot of energy from the jump. I’m confident we can turn things around.” The 23-YO added, “We just got to continue to fight.”

Jimmy Butler had agreed on various occasions that Bam is very important to his side. The center player has averaged 17.8 points, 19.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steal in the 16 Playoffs games. He was also named in the NBA All-defensive second team. His absence had lifted the Lakers’ offense, and that was there to be felt in Game 2.

The Lakers are using every weakness of their opponent against them!

Suddenly, the Lakers bench is shooting better from behind the arc. Alex Caruso (2/4), Rajon Rondo (3/4), and Markieff Morris (2/5) did an amazing job. On the other hand, the Heat struggled to put up with the pace as Jimmy got none threes while Duncan Robinson had just 28.6% accuracy. 

Kendrick Nunn, a first-team NBA All-rookie, was supposed to fill in for Goran Dragic, could only add 13 points. The crafty and nasty Kelly Olynyk was a blessing in disguise who showed the capability of guarding Bron and Anthony Davis. He dropped 24 points, 9 rebounds, and looked good in the lane.

However, Bam’s importance was felt when LeBron James was left either unguarded or poorly guarded on various occasions. Let’s see if they can win the next with a motivated Adebayo.