Orlando (United States) (AFP)

And two: the Lakers did not make any feelings against Miami, deprived of Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, by winning (124-114) to make the break in the NBA final, in the wake of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in MVP's mode.

LA's victory was not as overwhelming as in the first game (116-98), but it does not suffer from any dispute, despite the courage of the Heat who fought as we expected no less its players.

"We never gave up and we will continue to fight. It is not over. We are just 2-0 down, but we can do something strong, we can do it. But we will have to play perfection for beating these guys, ”Jimmy Butler said afterwards.

“These guys”, dressed in their black and gold “Mamba” version jerseys, created in tribute to Kobe Bryant, with whom they promise themselves not to lose, have kept their commitment.

For this final, the slogan that accompanies them is also linked to their glorious elder, who died accidentally at the end of January, since like him, these 2020 Lakers want to "leave a legacy".

In other words to be the 17th title team, to join great rival Boston as one of the most sacred franchises in NBA history.

They are now only two victories in this series where everything smiles on them, without giving the impression of forcing their basketball, by being serious, diligent, and also benefiting from the hazards that have struck their opponents.

- Rondo, the X factor -

And as usual, his star-studded duo were unstoppable.

LeBron James, very aggressive, like the man on a mission that he is, in search of a 4th title with a third different team (after Miami and Cleveland) again touched the triple-double (33 pts, 9 rebounds, 9 passes).

Anthony Davis was clinical in shoots with 32 points (at 15/20) and very present in rackets, gobbling up 14 rebounds including 8 offensive.

These two are "not jealous of each other" as affirmed Thursday "LBJ" and their agreement is verified on pieces on the floor, but they do everything to compete for the honorary title of best player of the final.

In their wake but also that of veteran Rajon Rondo, who is turning green again and is still proving to be a real X factor with his 16 points and 10 assists, the Lakers have continuously led the score with a 14 point lead at the break (68-54 ).

It peaked at 18 pts (92-74) in the 3rd quarter.

So much so that for Miami, without its two key elements who were injured during the match N.1, the pivot Bam Adebayo, suffering from cervical tension, and the leader Goran Dragic, victim of a plantar aponeurosis, walking was still too high on this second game.

- "Not happy with the defense" -

Without the former, the domestic sector was extremely poor and the Lakers took advantage by scoring 56 points in the paint.

Without the second, the attack sometimes lacked pep, even if Jimmy Butler, leader and handyman, was still very good (25 pts, 13 assists, 8 rebounds), supported by the rookie Tyler Herro (17 pts ).

However, Miami, which is the 6th final in 15 years (three were won in 2006, 2012, 2013), has never been out of the game, notably managing to return to -4 at the end of the first period. and to stay in touch during the money-time, with courage and at the cost of remarkable offensive sequences, demonstrating the resources of this team.

As such, and this is good news, the Heat has found a real offensive weapon with winger Kelly Olynyk, author of 24 points (9 rebounds) off the bench.

"Whether it's the coach (Frank Vogel)," AD "or me, we are not happy with our defensive performance tonight. We have to do better. This formation is dangerous, a constant threat," commented LeBron James. experience, with ten finals on the clock (six lost), dictates him not to let his family rest on their laurels.

He knows that Sunday, the Floridians will continue to fight.

But the latter will have to come forward with all their strength, if they want to maintain what is for the moment a semblance of suspense.

© 2020 AFP