Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was not shy in admitting that Miami Heat ace Jimmy Butler was the better man between the two in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals.
The pair of postseason titans clashed in the fourth quarter of Friday's thrilling match, which ended with a climactic 111-108 win for Butler's team.
LeBron was certainly not pleased with the Lakers' inability to close out the series but credited Butler's valiant effort to keep the Heat in the running.
“That's the beauty of the game, being able to compete at the highest level,” The King said post-match.
“You take those opportunities and live in the moment. You try to make plays for your team to be successful on both ends, and we were both just trying to do that and will our team to victory. He (Butler) was able to make one more play than I was able to make tonight and come away with the victory”.
LeBron James and Jimmy Butler hit clutch baskets in the dying seconds of the match, as their respective teams traded leads in the process. The Lakers superstar barrelled his way to the cup several times, while Butler managed to answer right back with his efficient scores.
Jimmy Buckets, however, was able to give Miami the lead for good after getting himself to the line and hitting two clutch free throws. LeBron, on the other hand, chose to pass the ball in the ensuing possession to teammate Danny Green, who was unable to hit the go-ahead triple.
In the end, Butler and Co. rained down on the parade of the Lakers' supposed coronation and trimmed their best-of-seven series lead to 3-2.
James scored more than Jimmy, tallying 40 points, 13 boards, seven dimes, and three steals. Butler, however, put up the better all-around game with 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and one block.
The pair will once again duel in Game 6 scheduled on Sunday.
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