[jwplayer 9GB9iNPt]
After defeating the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday, the Miami Heat will now advance to play the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals beginning on Wednesday.
Bam Adebayo recorded a career-high 32 points and 14 rebounds, Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and Tyler Herro had 11 of his 19 total points in the fourth quarter as the Heat became just the third team since 1984 to be seeded fifth or lower and reach the NBA Finals.
Herro has played a key role in the Heat returning to the NBA Finals and set numerous records after his Game 4 performance in which he scored a career-high 37 points. Herro set the rookie scoring record in a conference final and also set the Heat franchise scoring record by a rookie in the playoffs.
Fresh off of his strong performance versus the Celtics, Herro will enter the series against the Lakers with the sixth-highest odds of winning the NBA Finals award, according to BetMGM.
- LeBron James -125
- Anthony Davis +260
- Jimmy Butler +330
- Bam Adebayo +1800
- Goran Dragic +2500
- Tyler Herro +3000
Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is the only rookie in history to be named the NBA Finals MVP after averaging 21.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.7 steals during the 1980 NBA Finals when the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers.
Though Herro has played great for the Heat to this point, the 20-year-old may have a difficult task in winning the NBA Finals MVP award. However, Herro will likely take winning the NBA championship as a consolation prize should Miami win it all.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.
Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-related id=17024,198,22590]
[vertical-gallery id=14282]