Game 4 saw the Lakers back to business as they were able to get past the stingy Heat defense to go up 3-1 in the series. The Heat were able to keep up with the Lakers for much of the game as they traded baskets constantly. Defense being the biggest factor in the game as the Heat were able to keep the Lakers within range throughout the whole game. The return of center Bam Adebayo helped the Heat control the paint and the boards. The Lakers team proved to be too much however, as they scored on important possessions. LeBron with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists while Davis had 22 points and 9 rebounds. For the Heat, Jimmy Butler led all players with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Still though not enough to be able to best the Lakers as they were able to hang around longer on offense. The Lakers take the lead as they win 102-96.
The first half was again evenly matched against the two teams as they played well on both sides of the ball. Bam Adebayo’s return for the Heat helped out Butler on the defensive side as he brought much-needed help on the boards. The Heat’s defense made all the difference as they held both LeBron and Davis to only 8 points in the first half. Man to man defense allowed for better perimeter defending, negating easy points for the Lakers. Free throws were also kept under a minimum as the Lakers who usually get easy free throws were not getting to the line as usual. Still though, other Lakers players were able to contribute just enough to allow the Lakers to lead at the half, 49-47.
Second Half
The second half rhythm from both teams did not let up as their momentum carried over. Neither team was allowing the other to go on long runs that controlled the tempo. LeBron and Davis, who were quiet in the beginning came alive in the third quarter. It was the Lakers, however, that first pulled away getting the largest lead of the game late in the third,, taking a 7-point lead. The Heat did not let it get further than that as they kept bringing the game within just a scoring play. When it came down to the wire, it was the Heat offense that fell off enough to give the Lakers the edge. Tyler Herro brought an offensive pulse to the Heat late in the fourth but fouls and missed rebounds by the Heat gave the Lakers the second chance opportunities to take the game. Anthony Davis iced the game with a 3-pointer to take Game 4 100-91.
After the game, LeBron spoke about what role players bring for the team saying, “We’re a team that holds each other accountable”. This was apparent as the Lakers bench came in big for the team when it mattered. With an extra day of rest, LeBron was asked how his team can keep the momentum, “We understand what’s at stake. The job is not done, we got an opportunity to get out bodies underneath us.” All signs point to the Lakers being locked in and ready to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy Friday night unless the Heat have something to say about it.
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