After the beat down that the LA Lakers handed the Miami Heat in Game 1, 116-98, fans and critics are already counting out the underdogs in the series.
Even Stephen A. Smith went on air and stated that the series is already over.
But despite being counted out right away, Heat star and leader Jimmy Butler is confident that they’ll be able to bounce back in Game 2 this Saturday.
The Lakers got the best of Miami in Game 1 and a huge factor for it is the loss of Bam Adebayo (shoulder) and Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia in his left foot) due to injuries.
The 31-year-old Butler admitted that the team felt the pressure in the first game of the series, he also stated that they need to stay calm to be able to play their game.
“Just stay calm I think there was a lot of nerves because it was the first time any of us being in the final, obviously, Spo (Erik Spoelstra), OG (Udonis Haslem) and Dre (Andre Igoudala) but knowing we maybe a couple men down, other guys would have to step up in a big way. So, I’m really excited how we’ll bounce back but I think we’re capable do it,” he said during the preview press conference for Game 2.
Butler rolled his ankle in Game 1 in the latter part of the first half but still finished the game. He led his team with 23 points, five assists and two steals.
The former Marquette University standout said that he’s doing fine and that despite his injury, he’s expected to lead his team to victory.
“I just find a way to win when it becomes to being injured. If you can, you can go. If you can’t, you just can’t and that’s just how the game goes. As far as I am right now, I’m okay. But like I always say, nobody cares as long as I suit up and go out there and compete, I’m expected to produce and try to help my team win, if I suit up, which I will, we better win the game,” he stated.
Despite losing two key guys due to injury, Butler still gave the LA squad the win without excuses but feels that they will take Game 2 and tie the series.
“I think they (Lakers) imposed their will; they were just the tougher team. They played the style of basketball they wanted to play and we got away from our type of basketball and we definitely played in their hands,” he said.
“For us we thrive in that and I say it all the time, if you look at it everybody thought they were going to do that to us anyway, they probably think they’ll do that to us three more times in a row. I beg to differ. Nobody picked us to be here, like I said I embrace it, we love it but we know that we can win but we know that we got to play perfect, Coming into Game 2, all the adversity, backs against the wall, we’re gonna win,” he added.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals series will be at 9:00 AM Manila time on October 3, 2020.
