The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Miami Heat’s stingy defense on Wednesday, but won, 120-117.
Miami entered the game ranking first in points per game allowed and fourth in 3-point percentage allowed, but the Lakers had success all night knocking down the long ball.
Los Angeles hit 18-of-38 (47.4%) 3s, which played a huge role in the win. After the game, head coach Frank Vogel discussed how the Lakers’ plan came to fruition.
“That’s the key. You know Miami is going to put five defenders in the paint,” Vogel said. “The plan was to space and see the second side all night and take what the defense was going to give you. They want to load to the paint and leave the backside, then that’s where the shots are going to be.”
Vogel credited Wayne Ellington (4-of-6 3P), Malik Monk (4-of-7 3P) and Avery Bradley (5-of-8 3P) for their shooting.
“We wanted our guys to be shot-ready, and Wayne, Malik and Avery all came through in that regard.”
Even Russell Westbrook shot 3-of-7 from downtown; he’s shooting 28% from deep on the season but flipped the switch against a potential title contender.
The Lakers will not shoot 47% from deep every game, but the team certainly has the personnel to do so.
