LeBron after Green’s foul: “ I wish I could make a better pass ”

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 9, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images / AFP

Danny Green’s three-point attempt at the end of Game 5 of the NBA Finals that would have given the Los Angeles Lakers the lead and possibly the championship was the right play, LeBron James said Friday.

One point behind with 10 seconds remaining, James drove to the basket and drew in two Miami Heat defenders.

Rather than attempt a shot himself, James passed the ball to Green, who was unable to catch it cleanly, forcing him to dribble once before taking the shot, which came up short.

The Lakers rebounded but lost the ball on an errant pass and never threatened again as the Heat posted a 111-108 victory and cut the Lakers’ lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

“I was able to draw two defenders under the free throw line and find one of our shooters at the top of the bracket to open three to win a championship,” James said.

“I trusted him and it just didn’t work out. You live with it. It’s one of the best shots we could have made in that fourth quarter, especially down the stretch with two guys on me.

“Danny looked amazing, he just didn’t come down. I know I wish I could have it again. I wish I could make a better pass. But you just live with it. “

The failure capped off an exciting game that saw seven lead changes in the final three minutes as James (40 points, 13 rebounds) dueled with Jimmy Butler of the Heat (35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists).

The Lakers will look to close out the series on Sunday, while the Heat will attempt to force a seventh game as they attempt to become the second team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in NBA Finals history.

Read next

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

For comments, complaints or inquiries, please contact us.