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Anthony Davis (left) and LeBron James
Photo:
Mark J. Terrill / AP
The Los Angeles Lakers have clearly won the first NBA final game and have reinforced their ambitions for the first championship in ten years.
The team around superstar LeBron James left the Miami Heat in Orlando no chance at 116: 98.
At the break, the Lakers were heading for a clear victory with a score of 65:48.
As more often this season, James delivered strong values with 25 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, but was not the top scorer of his team.
The 35-year-old, who won the NBA title with Miami in 2012 and 2013, was overshadowed a little in game one of the best-of-seven series by his congenial teammate Anthony Davis (34 points, nine rebounds).
"Big Man" Davies could be the decisive player in the final.
"This is the moment I've been waiting for my entire career," said final debutante Davis, who joined the Lakers before the season, "I want to make sure I take this opportunity because it doesn't come too often. "
James demanded unbroken concentration from the team despite the clear success: "The work is not done yet. We are not satisfied with winning a game. It's that simple."
James is hoping for his fourth NBA title.
Miami's top star Dragic is injured
Miami, which narrowly prevailed against record champions Boston Celtics with national player Daniel Theis in the final of the Eastern Conference, not only lost the game: top star Goran Dragic injured his left foot, missed the entire second half and threatens to be out longer.
Heat top scorer Jimmy Butler (23 points) sprained his ankle, Bam Adebayo also left the field prematurely with shoulder problems.
"Regardless, the Lakers set the tone, the strength and the physicality for most of the game," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team could only keep up in the first quarter: "They just took control."
The second game will take place on Saturday (3.00 a.m. CEST), Miami will then be particularly challenged without Dragic.
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