The Miami Heat began the game of sending a double-team at Anthony Davis, but it didn’t take long for them to discover they couldn’t do much to slow down the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar big man.
In his NBA Finals debut, Animated Davis dominated, scoring 34 points, catching 9 rebounds and 3 shots to help the Rocky Lakers crush the Heat 116-98 on Wednesday and win Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Lake Buena Vista in Florida.
Asked about Davis’ first final game, Lakers power forward Markiff Morris said, “It’s easy for Eddie.” “As I say, ever since I joined this team, honestly, if you ask me … we’ve got LeBron. [James], But I think he’s the best player in the world.
“That [does] On both sides of it, he does it every day, he gives you what you want every night. “
Davis’ final debut performance can only be surpassed by a few all-time greats. Since the NBA-ABA merger (1976-77), only Ellen Everson (48 points), Kevin Durant (36 points) and Michael Jordan (36 points) have scored more points in their first final match than Davis.
And when it comes to the Lakers ‘oror-floor franchise history, Davis’ 34-point game 1 performance is just 43 points behind Schwickl O’Neill and 42 points behind George Ridge Mikan when he entered the Lakers finals.
“It’s a great honor to be in that class with those guys,” said Davis, who threw 10 free throws, a little less than the entire hit team made in Game 1. “I mean, they’ve done a lot for the game, for Hall Hall of Famers, and for me to come out and do it that way and mention it to those people … Obviously it’s a great honor, but I’m also in the category with the champion. Mention it, so that’s the next step. “
The 27-year-old Davis waited eight seasons to come here, and he wasted no time in realizing his presence. Heat doubled Davis and opened. When the ball went to James, the hit doubled to James and he gave it to Davis, who hit the pointer to start the game.
The Heat took an early 13-point lead. But Miami had no answer for Davis, especially when the 6-foot-10 forward was playing a central role. The Lakers out start center Dwight Howard and move Davis to the center. From the point when they were 25-12 down with 4:21 left in the first quarter, the Lakers trailed the Heat 75-30 in the third quarter.
“Initially I didn’t think we were physical enough,” said James, who has 25 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists in Game 1. “You have to realize how hard Miami plays. I think they broke us in the mouth, and we got the idea. And so we know how hard we have to play if we are to try to make it a game. “You know, from the moment she was 23-10, we started playing to our potential.”
While the hit – who sustained all injuries to Goran Dragic (planter fascia), Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Balm Adebayo (shoulder), he scored only 30 points during the Lakers blitz, while Davis scored his 23 points during that period.
“We have 48 hours to figure out what the next plan of attack will be,” heats coach Eric Spoilestra said of Davis. “It was very good tonight, and we should get better.”
Davis helped the Lakers finish the race with a putback, a fast break dunk, a 15-foot jumper and then a second dunk to give the Lakers an 87-55 lead with 6:04 left in the third. . Animated Davis screamed at a dive and booed and booed after the Lakers overtook Miami after the second score.
Asked about Davis’ stellar final debut, James said, “I’m looking forward to it.” “He didn’t need any advice. We’ve been preparing for this season all season. He’s been preparing all season this season. I’m happy to be with him and being in the same uniform. There was a force in the aspect. “
James did all the business during Game 1 and subsequently during his internet interview sessions with the media. His behavior died seriously, as James said he felt the team below was not to be underestimated and not celebrated too soon.
“The best teacher in life is experience,” James said. “I’ve experienced moments in my career where you have all the pace of the world and you felt like you had control of the game, and a play here or a play series here could change the course or change the order of the game.
Davis does not have the ultimate experience of James’ wealth. But Davis said he doesn’t take anything and feels the nerves to play at this level for the first time.
“This is the first time I’m experiencing this,” Davis said. “Obviously coming out and playing well and you want to come out and win. I’ve always put pressure on myself. I had this too. [during] Game Western Conference Final 1, as well. When the ball comes to the top, it all goes away and it’s just a basketball, but everything that leads to it, you’re so excited.
“Your adrenaline goes early because you’re so excited to get here and get ready to go there. It went early, but it was a great experience for me, Great Game 1. The job didn’t happen. We have three more.”
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