2. The Lakers defended for their lives
One could say that the Miami Heat were far from impressive on the offensive end on Sunday night. Even though that is correct, credit must be given to the way coach Frank Vogel planned his team’s every move on the defensive end of the court.
Holding an NBA Finals-caliber team like the Heat to 36 points at the halftime break means that your defensive schemes are working like a well-oiled machine. The Lakers were a totally impenetrable team that would require something special to even stand a chance against them.
At one point in the second quarter, their defensive pressure forced the Heat to commit to a series of unforced errors that ultimately led to that huge lead going into the locker rooms. Both Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro began panicking, giving up empty possessions.
As a result of these turnovers, the Lakers took a total of 10 more shots than the Heat. In a finals game with your backs against the wall, these 10 extra shots are all it takes for an elite team like the Lakers to quickly finish the job.