Lakers Steamroll Heat in Game 1

Goran Dragic. Jimmy Butler. Bam Adebayo. Yes, these are arguably the top three players for the Miami Heat, but that’s not the only thing they have in common. All three of them suffered injuries during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the LA Lakers. Butler stayed in the game, but Adebayo and Dragic did not return. Although this is the worst news for the Heat right now, it isn’t the only terrible thing that happened last night. In addition to losing two star players, the Heat could not come up with an answer for Anthony Davis and the Lakers, who easily took over the game.

The main questions here are: Do the Heat have an answer for LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Is there anyone on that team who can stop the Lakers? It may be too early to answer these questions, but it isn’t too early to notice that the Heat will be in serious trouble if they do not get Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo back for the rest of the series. If those two do not return, the entire team will look to Jimmy Butler for answers, but he can’t be expected to handle the Lakers by himself. If the Heat’s rookies are supposedly so great, now would be the time to show it. Otherwise… Lakers in four!

As far as the Lakers are concerned, if Anthony Davis continues to put up big numbers like he did in Game 1, there isn’t much to worry about. Imagine having to game plan for playoff LeBron AND Anthony Davis. This is how Game 1 went sideways pretty fast.

If the Heat can somehow come out with a win in Game 2, this could shape up to be an interesting series. However, if they lose 2 in a row to the Lakers, it would be difficult or nearly impossible to make a comeback.