In a Finals rematch, the Miami Heat overcame sloppy play and what appeared to be a late game injury to Victor Oladipo to outlast the Lakers at home, 110-104. Also and to note, this was a Lakers team without Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
Midway thru the fourth quarter, Oladipo went up for an uncontested dunk and when he landed, went directly for his right knee. After the dunk, Oladipo continued rubbing at his knee and appeared to be limping while trying to do his best to still play defense.
The Miami Heat called a timeout to get him off the court and he immediately walked to the locker room. It was truly a tough sight to behold.
Oladipo was playing well before he left too, chipping in 18 points and helping frustrate Dennis Schroder, who went 2/12 from the field but had seven turnovers.
The Heat were also helped by Jimmy Butler’s 28 points, as he went 8/11 from the field and also had three steals. Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro also played well, scoring efficiently and when it mattered most.
The Miami Heat got a win on Thursday, but may have lost something more important.
Kentavious Caldwell Pope scored 28 points to keep the national audience entertained, but eventually, the depleted Lakers proved to be overwhelmed. By winning on Thursday, the Heat have swept the season series.
In mid-February, the Heat held off a healthier Lakers team in Los Angeles, though one without Anthony Davis in the lineup then too. Due to their fall in the standings, the Lakers should hope that their stars are able to return soon.
Anthony Davis is rumored to be back in about a week, while Lebron might be able to return from his high ankle sprain later this month. Kyle Kuzma sat out for Thursday’s game due a calf injury, but could be back in the starting lineup as soon as their next game.
The Heat now have a few days off before they head out west to start a four game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Hopefully, Oladipo’s knee just needs some rest and he will be able to play against the Blazers.
Spoelstra said there will be no update on Oladipo's right knee injury and he will be further evaluated tomorrow.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 9, 2021
After the game, it was said that there wouldn’t be any updates at the moment and that he would be evaluated further on Friday. Let’s send him positive thoughts and hope for the best.
They’ll sure need him to be there best selves heading into and throughout the postseason. That’s a fact.