2020 NBA Finals -- Injuries to Dragic, Adebayo doom Heat
By Ryan Gallardo
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 01 Oct 2020
PORTLAND -- Injuries are a huge part of sports, even in basketball where the contact isn't as vicious as combat competition. But it's a terrible twist of fate when these things happen at the biggest stage.
Such was the fate the Miami Heat suffered in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals when they lost two of their starters to injuries during the team's 116-98 defeat at the hands of the streaking Los Angeles Lakers led by the ageless LeBron James.
Goran Dragic sustained a torn plantar fascia on his left foot and left in the second quarter after just 15 minutes of play. All-Star Bam Adebayo, meanwhile, exited in the third with a shoulder strain and did not return.
X-rays on Adebayo's shoulder yielded negative results while Dragic left the arena without a boot.
But their status remains doubtful in Game 2 this Friday.
Adebayo, 23, is the anchor of the Heat defense while also playing facilitator on the offensive end. He is averaging 17.8 points and 10.9 rebounds in these playoffs.
Dragic, on the other hand, is the team's starting point guard and was enjoying a fabulous playoffs run while norming 19.9 points and 4.6 assists per through 16 games.
Jimmy Butler, who rolled his ankle shortly before halftime and led the Heat with 23 points, tried to put on a brave face and told The Miami Herald, "Ready to go with or without Goran. We're still expecting to win."
Still, the battle now looks uphill if Goran is unable to return and Adebayo isn't 100 percent.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Gallardo.
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