The favorites Los Angeles Lakers had the chance to become NBA champions tonight, but the Miami Heat won the fifth final game 111-108 and keeps the match series alive.
The big winning organizer in Miami was Jimmy Butler, who was noted for a "triple-double", that is, double digits in three different statistics columns, with a total of 35 points, twelve rebounds and eleven assists.
Even more remarkable was that he only rested 49 seconds throughout the match.
In the final minute, a tired Butler was seen hanging over a billboard to gather strength.
The image was widely circulated on social media.
"Let him take over the show"
Afterwards, the star was hailed by both teammates and opponents:
- It's Jimmy Butler in a nutshell.
He is our max player and we have to let him take over the show, says teammate Bam Adebayo at the press conference afterwards.
- He has been as close to perfect as you can get.
I have to play better to relieve him.
My whole attitude is that I have to help Jimmy, help the team, he continues.
Won the duel with LeBron
Butler himself says he is simply doing what it takes to win.
- "Coach Spo" (Erik Spoelstra, editor's note) brought me here for that reason, to help us win matches.
I have to do it twice this season.
And I know I'm capable of doing that.
One match in the match was the one against LA star LeBron James who was noted for 40 points and for a while seemed to lead his team to the title - but that match was won by Butler.
- It's basketball at its best, to be able to compete at the highest level in that way.
We both tried to win the match for our respective teams, but Jimmy managed to do it a little better than me and they took home the victory, says James.
ARCHIVE: Lakers connect a little grip on the NBA title (October 3, 2020)
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Lakers connect a little grip on the NBA title Photo: TT