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Adebayo blocks James under the basket, gets the rebound and scores. Yes.

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@wojespn

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Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo is planning to return for Game 4 vs. the Lakers tonight, sources tell ESPN. Lakers lead series, 2-1.

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good video from bball breakdown talking about Jimmy Butler's big game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHreILs1tVY&feature=youtu.be

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Oct 6, 2020Liked by punk basketball

Really good video...thanks! Love seeing LeBron standing around and getting beat. Completely forgot about Butler’s sprained ankle. I’m supposed to be doing church work but I’d rather think about basketball.

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thanks, same!

Currently trying to avoid spreadsheets and end of month billing.

One thing that coach Nick briefly mentions at the end there is if the Lakers will make adjustments, but my guess is that they mostly stick to single coverage against Butler. If they adjust, it will really open things up on the edges for Miami's shooters - so my guess is they'll go with occasional doubles, but will keep it mostly 1v1 and let Jimmy get his buckets. This is similar to how the Warriors have covered LeBron too, just do your best on him, but don't let him bend your scheme too far out of whack.

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Oct 6, 2020Liked by punk basketball, Daniel Hardee

Great article and video! I’m sold on Butler.

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Oct 6, 2020Liked by Daniel Hardee

Now if you could get BOTH LeBron and AD in foul trouble, there might be a chance for Miami

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Missing from this conversation is that Miami's 3 point shooting hasn't been great so far. Robinson, Herro and Crowder all have the potential to get really hot. Hell, even Iggy was 4-4 in game 6 against Boston.

I am not ready to say Heat in 7 but Butler did this without his Bam or Goran OR his supporting cast being great.

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the problem I'm still having with getting back into this series is that they'll need to repeat this magic for every win. I don't know exactly what's wrong with Bam's shoulder, but not being able to lift it up at all is a pretty big deal.

And Dragic is done. I read that those injuries take at least a couple of months to heal. Maybe he drags back out on one leg, but it's not going to be the same guy that was lighting up the playoffs a few weeks ago

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I think it's not the first time that Dragic has had the same injury before - I believe when he was still with the Suns, so it's been a few years back now.

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by punk basketball

It is hard to imagine them winning it all without Bam but a hot 3-point shooting night by Herro and Robinson can definitely steal another game.

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Oopsies, looks like I picked the wrong game to quit on the Heat?

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by Daniel Hardee

Who was disappointed in LeBron and the other Lakers’ behavior at the end of the game? Ran off the court and headed to the training room before the game was even over. Lakers had to scramble just to find 5 players to stand in the court for the final seconds. Port sportsmanship, bad losers, and terrible example of leadership from James.

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I remember in one Finals game he lost vs the W's, LeBron darted off the court before time was up. That man is a legend, but he's one of the biggest sore losers I've ever seen.

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Haha total disrespect for the rules of the game; but I liked it! The Lakers are carrying some serious Cobra Kai "bully" energy and it makes for dramatic TV.

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by Eric Apricot, punk basketball, Daniel Hardee

Good point about LBJ not getting the call on Butler's drive to the hoop. In fact, LBJ got called for traveling twice(!) in the 4th quarter. While he took 4-5 steps and also dragged his feet each time, it's still a strange sight for him to ever get called for a walk. LBJ had 8 turnovers last night. I'd expect the Lakers to play better on Tuesday, but don't count the Heat out, particularly if Bam returns.

I also loved the "tag and retreat" defense the Heat played with Robinson jumping out on LBJ but moving away before getting isolated. I think the Heat must have been watching Apricot's videos with Steph doing the same thing to LBJ in earlier finals.

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Lebron travels like *every *single *time.

And I don't mean like, subtle travels that every NBA player does. Like regularly 5 steps. Or he takes two-three steps, plants and then switches pivot feet. Constantly.

And it's dangerous. One play he collided with Andre's ankle and they both got a tweak. Andre must be like "Wait, you're still stepping? You picked up the ball at half court".

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Dude, I was thinking the same thing when I saw little Duncan Robinson tag Bron and scurry back to his man as Butler recovered! Apricot needs a check from Spoelstra ASAP.

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by Daniel Hardee

Well, Spoelstra got his start in the Heat organization as a video guy, so I won't rule that out!

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by punk basketball, Daniel Hardee

Great analysis, and that was a beautiful game to watch. The Heat are still in a bad place though. If Bam can return, AND Butler can put up anything like last night’s numbers, the Heat have a chance. I’m doubtful, but I’d love to be proven wrong.

What a strange world. GSW-free playoffs and CVD-19 boredom have made me a fan of this young, entertaining, and hard working Heat team.

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Thanks for the compliment! I agree that Miami is the easy team to root for in this series...if the Heat put AD in foul trouble again I love their chances.

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by Daniel Hardee

Butler's night, for sure. But I don't see a repeat performance happening. AD had an off night and Rondo forgot how to shoot. This will wake the Lakers up. It's hard to see them choking.

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Haha wow i can't believe we live in a time where RONDO has a jumpshot people believe in. I agree that the Lakers are still the heavy favorites, for sure

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Oct 5, 2020Liked by Daniel Hardee

Yeah, Rondo "forgot how to shoot" could easily be Rondo's deal with Lucifer has expired.

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Lol Same thing with KCP and the rest of the lakers

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lmao

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