Jimmy Butler scored a 35-point triple double and the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-108 on Friday to stave off elimination and force a NBA Finals Game Six on Sunday.
With their backs against the wall, the Heat refused to back down, surviving a 40-point onslaught from the Lakers LeBron James, thanks to outstanding three-point shooting, clutch-free throws and the all-round brilliance of Butler.
The Lakers, who trailed for most of the contest, had a chance to win it in the final seconds, but Danny Green's three- point shot came up short.
The Lakers Markieff Morris got the rebound but threw the ball out of bounds. Rookie Tyler Herro was fouled on the ensuing inbound pass and coolly sank two free throws to extend the lead to three points and the Lakers were unable to get off a good shot as time expired to cap the thrilling game.
The favoured Lakers, whose lead is now 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, saw forward Anthony Davis re-aggravate a right heel injury late in the first quarter.
Davis returned after sitting out for several minutes, but struggled to find a rhythm and could be seen hobbling up the floor in the fourth quarter.
A healthy Davis will be key to achieving the Lakers' hopes of capturing a record-tying 17th title in Orlando, where the NBA resumed its season in a bio-secure bubble in July, after a four-month hiatus over the COVID-19 pandemic.
