A Force of Mentality: The Battle for Greatness

As we enter into game 6 tomorrow for the NBA Finals, I wanted to reflect on key moments on things we could learn from this series. I sort of compare Miami Heat and LA Lakers as a "David vs Goliath" Scenario. A new force of mentality discussion. We all know Goliath is supposed to win this battle, aka LA Lakers. However, being smarter than your opponent. Thinking outside the box and adapting to the weapons you have. David, aka Miami Heat, has a strong chance at winning too. Let's talk about what is happening and dissect the possibilities. 

Jimmy Butler is AAU Energy: LA Laker's Kryptonite

We have always seen this player grind and hustle for his success. Known for his overall skills in the game, but also his passion for it as well. A chill, humorous guy with a humbling backstory. It is rare to see players that have this contagious positive drive. A player that truly BELIEVES in his teammates. He will do whatever it takes. For the team, they were only ranked 5th in the east conference this year. However, the great reflection on this is they will continue to get good. Each success and failure. It is all or nothing. You usually see most teams, as a whole, not perform as well due to team chemistry and overall confidence. Especially in playoffs and finals. It could make or break a system. However, Miami's system is unbreakable. They refuse to go down without a fight. They have proved it time and time again. Will Sunday be the end or a new beginning to the truth behind who really is the best in 2019-2020? Will AD be recovered and fully lockdown Butler this time? It'll be interesting for sure.

Herro & Robinson: Junior Splash Bros

They aren't exactly on Steph and Klay duo level, but their will to win is showing promise for their future. Young, talented, and hungry. There is nothing more exciting than that combination. Both players can shoot and read plays for the team's best shot. Robinson is obviously Miami's best shooter, and arguably one of the top shooters in the league right now, but his confidence is also growing. He is reading the game better each time and becoming more consistent. The worst thing you can do is giving an underdog hope. LA Lakers slacking on defense, fouling on the 3pt line, or not rotating fast enough to guard him is only going to make Robinson that much more successful. Recognizing the defensive flaws and capitalizing on that. It is a field day for any shooter, really. But, even more of a great time for CONSISTENT Shooters.

Bam's Presence is a Game Changer

After he single-handedly destroyed my Celtics team, I have to give credit where it's due. The way his game has improved in a short amount of time, it's impressive. Similar to Herro and Robinson, there is bright future for Bam as well. His versatility and athleticism makes it very hard to defend him. 9/10 he is dunking the ball or creating an assist for a teammate. A big that can make plays and can move his feat is very problematic for the other team. His defensive game is good too. The only thing he would have to be aware of for game 6 is how the refs are calling the game vs playing aggressive. Finding that balance of play. Smarter over harder is always the way to go. He does that, he is easily getting 15 points or more. No doubt.

Lebron and AD: Will the other LA teammates please stand up and play better?

I cannot stress how critically challenging these two players are to defend and score against. However, AD's injury last game exposed a gap in the Lakers. Not that they couldn't handle it, but that they struggled to adapt their defense without him. Forcing him to then go back into the game, playing with one healthy foot. I knew Lebron was going to step up and do his thing. I expected nothing less. But, the team as a whole, especially the guards, has to be better. Not even better as in offense, but just their overall gameplay. I believe 2-3 times, LA fouled a Miami player shooting a three and it ended up being an AND1. At the end of the game, why was there no play setup for Lebron or AD to come off screens? Why wasn't Rondo setting up the play? They just needed a simple drive or get fouled during the shot. Hit free throws and new champions. Boom. But, nope, they made it complicated. Now, it is Game 6 tomorrow and I am wondering how they will adjust. Will their guards actually step up as a whole more? Will AD be healthy enough to aggressively guard Butler? Can Lebron seal the win and earn his 4th title ring?

All exciting times. Tomorrow is a new game and we are all in for a ride.