The Philadelphia 76ers did not come anywhere close to winning an NBA title in 2020 as they were swept in Round 1 of the playoffs, but a couple of former Sixers were in this year’s Finals.
The Miami Heat were led by Jimmy Butler as well as a veteran off the bench in Andre Iguodala who spent time in Philadelphia in the past. Butler, of course, spent a controversial half a season with the Sixers before leaving for the Heat in free agency and Iguodala spent his first eight seasons with the Sixers before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in the 2012 Andrew Bynum deal.
Butler had been absolutely terrific in these playoffs and he delivered two virtuoso performances in the NBA Finals, but he ran out of gas in Game 6 as the Heat were down 28 at the half to the Los Angeles Lakers. After a terrific Game 5 to keep the Heat alive, Butler finished with only 12 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists as the Heat fell to LeBron James and the Lakers 106-93.
Iguodala went scoreless as he missed a couple of threes and had a tough time defending James on this night. It was clear that the Lakers were not going to allow a repeat of Game 5 as they outscored Miami 36-16 in the second quarter to put the game out of reach. They have now won their 17th championship in franchise history and first since 2010.
Nobody runs the floor like @KingJames.
(đź“ş: ABC) pic.twitter.com/pHrZ3Rh9pj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 12, 2020
Sunday’s performance does not change the fact that Butler was absolutely sensational in these playoffs. He delivered time and time again for Miami and his leadership was on full display to lead the Heat to these Finals. He then gave James a run for his money with his big performances and keeping the Heat believing and he should be applauded. His leadership and closeout ability was something that the Sixers were missing all season. [lawrence-related id=38278,38275,38272]