The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Miami Heat to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals. As expected, superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis were dominant and led the team. But they had another star performer who quietly in the work in the form of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who was brilliant tonight.
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Caldwell-Pope finished the game with 15 points while shooting 50% from the field. He also had five assists and three rebounds during this impressive display. KCP’s scoring has been very consistent throughout the playoffs, and he was clearly determined to keep the streak going. After struggling in Game 3, he redeemed himself tonight.
HIGHLIGHTS: @CaldwellPope comes up huge with 15 pts and 5 ast in the #LakersWin
Franchise legend and former five-time champion Magic Johnson praised KCP for his performance and called him the “hero of the game.”
LeBron James led the @Lakers with 28 points and 12 rebounds but the hero of the game was KCP scoring 15 points and 5 assists!
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Proving Lakers fans wrong
When KCP arrived in Los Angeles, GM Rob Pelinka said he was sent by God to help the Lakers. But in his first two seasons, he was disappointing and fans were annoyed since he was paid almost $30 million for two years. But since the start of this season, KCP has been on a mission to prove those critics wrong.
KCP’s scoring has reduced with the arrival of Anthony Davis, but he has had the most efficient season of his career and has carried this form into the playoffs too. Not only is he providing crucial buckets for the Lakers but has also been a solid defender.
KCP hit just two shots in the fourth quarter tonight, but both were clutch shots that helped the Lakers to gain momentum and build on their lead.
That game turned on the corner three Jimmy Butler missed for the lead with 3:05 left, followed by KCP's three, then KCP's driving layup. Game, set, series.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) reacts to making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game one of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After ridiculing KCP on the internet after every game, Lakers fans are now eating their words and cannot stop praising him. KCP’s rise has been a joy to watch. He has been showing that he is worth every penny the Lakers pay him.