MIAMI (AP) — New York guards Jalen Bronson and Quentin Grimes played a full elimination game without resting, only to extend their season.
And Jimmy Butler of Miami — even after he was on the losing end of the effort — tipped his hat out of respect.
This time of year, whatever it takes. This is why Bronson and Grimes play for 48 minutes, why Butler plays because of an ankle soreness, why Golden State’s Stephen Curry takes more shots per game — by a huge margin — than he ever has in a playoff run, and why the Los Angeles Lakers play from Possibly Anthony Davis is playing through whatever ails him after he had to leave early Wednesday night.
For two teams, Game 6 on Friday night is win-or-go; For two more people, it could be winning and moving on to the Conference Finals. The Heat host New York, the Lakers host Golden State, both host clubs lead 3-2 in the series, and the two visiting clubs avoided elimination by winning Wednesday in their fifth game.
“Every moment is its own challenge, its own game and its own opportunity to see what I’m made of,” Lakers forward LeBron James said. “Friday is another chance for us to see who we are and see what we’re made of and to go out there with, I think, the grit and the fight we’ve had since we got together after the All-Star break.”
The Warriors have won a road game in 28 consecutive playoff series, an NBA record. The count must reach 29 by winning on Friday, or their reign as champions will end. Curry takes 23.6 shots per game in the playoffs, about three more shots per game than he’s ever taken in the postseason round, and who knows how much he’ll need to try to give Golden State its best shot on Friday.
“The guys will always believe,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “That’s just who they are.”
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has been impressed with the level of competition in the Heat-Knicks series, and he expects more of the same in Game 6. The Heat squandered a close chance in Game 5 in New York, but they have a chance at home on Friday. to end the series and reach the East Finals for the third time in four years.
“I’ve never been surprised by anything that comes up in a playoff basketball game,” said Butler. “Your best is required. Every 48 minutes, if more if you’re going to work overtime. If Spo asks me to play 48 minutes, I’ll be fit, dressed and ready to do it and we’ll win.”
Reflections in heat
Heat leads 3-2. Game 6, 7:30 p.m. EST, Friday, ESPN.
— NEED TO KNOW: The Heat missed 30 three-pointers, lost 50-34, and were outscored 59-30 over the 18 minutes of Game 5 — and still lost to the Knicks by nine. All of this means there are plenty of ways for Miami to improve in Game 6, even though the Heat knows New York will be incredibly desperate once again trying to stave off elimination.
– Keep an Eye: Depth of New York. In Game 5, Bronson and Grimes were the first teammates to play 48 minutes in a playoff game outside of overtime since 2005, when Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes were playing in Washington—also against Miami. Butler played 43 minutes for Miami in game five.
Injury Control: None of the main characters are at 100% and most likely not anywhere near 100%. Bronson (38 points in 48 minutes) was amazing in Game 5; Butler (19 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, four steals and two blocks) has been chipping the ball through his bad ankle, and both will be first picks on Friday night.
Pressure on: Miami. Nix did their job. They extended the Series and know they have the luxury of Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. New York hasn’t had a Game 7 at home since 1995 and Miami doesn’t want to see that streak end here.
Lakers Warriors
Lakers lead 3-2. Game 6, 10 p.m. EST, Friday, ESPN.
— Need to know: The Lakers have won eight straight games in the downtown arena, including six since the end of the regular season. They’ve lost one game at home in almost two months. On the other hand, the Warriors have never played a postseason series in Stephen Curry’s career without winning at least one road game, and this is their last chance to keep the streak alive.
– KEEP AN EYE: Anthony Davis missed the second half of the fourth quarter after being hit to the head by Kevon Looney, who also elbowed Domantas Sabonis in the face during the first round. Any absence or even restriction of the Lakers’ great star would fundamentally change this series, which greatly affected Davis in his defense.
Injury Watch: If Davis can’t play or is limited, the Lakers will have to play small more often, as they did late in Game 5. An advantage for Golden State, which has more small ball experience. The Warriors also own Curry, the best guard in the series.
Pressure On: Los Angeles. Nobody wants to play the defending champs in a Game 7 on their home turf, so James and his teammates must dig deep and try to finish the series at home. Davis’ absence may make that nearly impossible, but the Lakers have built enough teamwork and cohesion since the trade deadline to give them a chance.
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AP basketball writer Brian Mahoney in New York and AP sports writer Greg Beecham in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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