NBA FINALS GAME 5 TALKING POINTS

By Liam Melrose and Ollie Nash

Jimmy Butler finished with another impressive triple-double as the Heat force a Game 6. Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

​Jimmy Butler puts Miami on his back again
The result of the game decided who was the Player Of The Game between LeBron James and Jimmy Butler. A Miami clutch win means Butler is the man at the top of the list. 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals with 58/33/100 shooting splits. An amazing showing in an elimination game, forcing the series into a sixth game. Nothing else to say.
Ollie Nash

​King James does what a King does
Deciding who was stronger out of Butler and LeBron James is clutching at straws, all I know is they were both crazy in this game. LeBron did everything to end the series today, 40 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 71/67/67 shooting splits. With a fourth title in sight, I think we can expect another showing like this from LeBron, and Jimmy for that matter. 
Ollie Nash

Jimmy Butler was a force in stopping the Lakers clinch the NBA title. Photo: Mark J Terrill/Associated Press

Undrafted Duncan stands up on the biggest stage
For a player that has been up and down throughout the playoffs, Duncan Robinson stood up on the biggest stage. It was win or go home for the Heat, and Robinson finished with 26 points on the back of seven threes. Hitting a number of big shots when the Lakers were knocking on the door threatening to steal the championship. If Robinson can keep up this shooting form in Game 6, the Heat may very well force a Game 7. 
Liam Melrose

KCP ‘bail-out’ option nearly helps Lakers over the line
The Lakers offense is centered around Anthony Davis and LeBron James, however with two powerful superstars like the pair of Davis and James, there’s always going to be room for spot-up shooters like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. With Danny Green struggling, KCP was huge for the Lakers adding 16 points giving the Heat defense something else to worry about. Like Duncan Robinson if Caldwell-Pope can keep up that level of form in Game 6, it will go a long way in helping Los Angeles clinch their 18th NBA title. 
Liam Melrose


Cover Photo: USA TODAY SPORTS/Kim Klement