Orlando (United States) (AFP)

In strong, worn by the thunderous duo Anthony Davis / LeBron James, the Lakers largely won (116-98) Wednesday the N.1 game of the NBA Final against Miami, which may have already lost much more than a game with the injuries of Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic.

"I wonder if I'm not going to go home next week", this is the type of phrase we could hear Wednesday night in the aisles of the AdventHealth Arena, in the heart of Disney World, after this first confrontation with one-sided, which would not herald such a complicated sequel for the Heat if two of its executives did not cause so much concern.

Adebayo, who had in front of him alternately Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis or LeBron James, hurt a shoulder while trying to take a rebound in the 3rd quarter, but, slight reason for hope, the scanner passed in the locker room came back negative.

As for Dragic, he did not return to the floor after the break, hit in the left foot, without his club saying more.

ESPN claimed he was suffering from a plantar aponeurosis, which boils down to a tear and can therefore be serious, although, according to the American media, the Slovenian has said he hopes to replay in this series.

- Under Obama's eyes -

Twists of fate that take absolutely nothing away from LA, in search of a 17th record title (which only Boston currently holds).

The Lakers advanced like a steamroller, after a diesel start, since it was Miami who started the strongest (21-10).

But from the 8th minute, the Californian franchise saw its Davis and James locomotives set in motion.

The first, for his very first game of an NBA Finals, dominated unchallenged in rackets, finishing with 34 points (9 rebounds).

The second, for his tenth campaign, did as usual when he did not succeed in the triple-double: he came close to it (25 pts, 13 rebounds, 9 assists).

All under the eyes of many stars of a virtual audience interviewed on the giant screen, including Shaquille O'Neal, a torn heart he who was champion with these two teams, next to Barack Obama.

A basketball fan, the former president played a role in the resumption of the play-offs after the boycott of the Milwaukee Bucks in protest against racial injustice.

“From the start, I felt good. A little nervous, but when we took over the game, I started playing my basketball. It's a moment that I have waited all my career and I want to m 'Make sure you seize the opportunity because it doesn't come back too often,' Davis responded after the fact.

- Fright also for Butler -

"They're a great team, they're there for a reason. They started very strong, us slowly. You can't start like that in the second game, if we want to win this series and become champions," added AD. ".

Once the Lakers recovered the Heat at the end of the 1st quarter, they made the difference to the next by inflicting a scathing 34-20 to lead by 17 points (65-48) at the break.

A lead that they peaked at 30 pts (89-59) in the 3rd quarter.

The match was therefore folded when Dragic (6 pts) then Adebayo (8 pts) were injured, but Miami, which is the 6th final in 15 years (three were won in 2006, 2012, 2013), had also trembled for his leader Jimmy Butler when he twisted his left ankle late in the first period.

But as a good warrior, he came back and scored 23 points (5 assists).

Despite the accumulation of hard knocks, Miami did not give up the fight, returning to 15 points difference in the 4th quarter, thanks in particular to Kevin Nunn, author in this period of 14 of his 18 points.

The other rookie, Tyler Herro, scored 14, demonstrating the still keen resources of the Florida team.

It will take more Friday for the second game, as LeBron is determined: "The job is not done yet. We are not happy to win a game. It is that simple."

© 2020 AFP