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The writing seemed to be on the wall for the Miami Heat as they went into an NBA Finals Game 5 that felt destined for the Los Angeles Lakers to win. The Heat did the unthinkable in Game 5, however, pulling off a stunning victory behind Jimmy Butler's epic performance. Butler outdueled LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a truly sensational effort, and the game ended in dramatic fashion after Danny Green missed an open 3-pointer and Markieff Morris turned it over on the ensuing rebound.
Butler and company have definitely put the Lakers in a more uncomfortable situation by making this a 3-2 series heading into Sunday's Game 6. For the Lakers, ending the Heat's season on Sunday will grant them their 17th championship in franchise history and end the possibility of a Game 7. For the Heat, simply put, it's win or go home.
With that, we look at three predictions ahead of Sunday's NBA Finals Game 6.
3. Bam notches a triple-double
Bam Adebayo's return to the NBA Finals has been crucial for the Heat, giving them a much-needed presence in the frontcourt. For the Heat to be successful once more in Game 6, they'll need a huge game from the University of Kentucky product in support of Jimmy Butler.
In Game 5, Adebayo finished with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Those aren't his usual numbers, so look for him to really up his performance in Game 6. In addition to what he can do with his own scoring, Adebayo has shown off his vision in terms of his passing precision. He thrives on drawing defenders in with him into the paint before darting out an impressive pass to an open shooter.
Adebayo's rebounding will also have to increase against a Lakers team that will look to be more aggressive from the opening seconds of the game. As the team's leader in rebounds, four simply won't suffice for Adebayo.
Look for Adebayo to have a 30-point, 15-plus rebound performance while also dishing out 10 assists.
2. LeBron and AD go off … again
The Lakers' star duo consisting of LeBron James and Anthony Davis did all they could to fend off a desperate Heat squad on Friday — it just wasn't enough. James finished the NBA Finals contest posting a double-double. He tallied up 40 points while going 15-of-21 from the field while also snagging 13 boards. His late-game heroics kept the Lakers in the mix until the very end.
Davis similarly had a superb outing, finishing with 28 points along with 12 rebounds and three blocks. Davis, like most of his teammates, found himself constantly rallying the troops to keep their heads in the game despite the Heat's runs. AD did suffer a foot injury, but he's good to go for Game 6 and LeBron knows he'll battle.
The Lakers' Game 5 defeat doesn't fall on James and Davis. A made 3-pointer in clutch time by Danny Green would have put them in position to be NBA champions.
With that, look no further for what to expect from the duo going into Game 6. James will go for a 30-point triple-double, while Davis posts a 30-point double-double.
1. Kuz steps up
Most of the blame for the Lakers' Game 5 dismaying loss has been placed at the feet of both Danny Green and Markieff Morris. However, Kyle Kuzma shouldn't escape some of the blame here in the NBA Finals.
Kuzma turned in a rather poor performance against the Heat in Game 5, finishing with a mere seven points while shooting 3-of-10 from the field. He also only had one rebound and was a team-worst minus-17 in 22 minutes of playing time.
Simply put, Kuzma must have a better game on Sunday. While Kuzma's scoring numbers have been down in general this season, he must take advantage of open looks and look to attack the Heat's defensive lapses when applicable.
Kuzma also has to do better on defense. He has never been known for his skills on the defensive side of the ball, but he has improved on that end and must show consistent effort and focus defensively. It will be imperative for him in order for both he and the Lakers to be victorious now and in the future.
The third-year forward will be eligible for a contract extension after this season. A memorable Game 6 performance that leads to a championship would be a good negotiating piece to have in his arsenal.
Look for Kuzma to score 20-plus points in Game 6, in addition to grabbing at least five rebounds. If he can provide this kind of production with LeBron and AD also going off, expect the Lakers to finally finish off these NBA Finals and win title No. 17.
Of course, Miami won't go down without a fight. Game 6 is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night.
