Miami Heat Photo
Tyler Herro knows that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is one of the best players ever in the NBA. He also knows to win a NBA championship, his Miami Heat have to beat the Lakers in the Final.
“I’ve obviously looked up to him, one of the best players to ever play. But at the same time, it’s my third time playing him, so at this point I’m not looking up to anybody,” Herro said.
“Obviously, he’s what he is. He’s a tremendous player. But at the end of the day we’re competing to win the championship, and I think that’s the biggest thing. When we step in between the lines, it’s time to compete and time to win, so that’s all I’m worried about.”
He’s shown a terrific propensity for hitting clutch shots for the Heat that could come in big against the Lakers.
“I think just having the ball in my hands where my teammates have come to just trust me with it, they know I’m going to be confident with it, and I don’t feel the pressure,” Herro said Tuesday. “I don’t think there is much pressure. At the end of the day we’re competing in this game of basketball. That’s my mindset, my mentality.
“As far as the Finals goes, I’m just excited to be here, blessed. Can’t wait to get started tomorrow. It’s going to be a fun series. It’s going to be tough, but we’re excited to get started tomorrow.”
Herro, a known gym rat during his Kentucky career, said he practices late-game shots over and over.
“Whenever that moment comes or the opportunity comes, just being ready for it and to capitalize. Just knocking down shots with confidence,” he said. “I think just being aware of the shot clock and knowing that it’s winding down, five, four, three, two, and once you see that, just having to make a play right away out of it. Never really used a timer or anything like that.
So what will be the keys to beating Los Angeles in Game 1 Wednesday night?
“Just coming out with a lot of focus and energy, sticking to our game plan. Obviously, they’re very talented. They have two of the best players in the world on that side. We’re going to have our hands full for sure,” Herro said.
“We respect them. We know how talented they are. But we definitely feel like we have the right pieces to win Game 1, and that’s all we’re worried about right now is Game 1. nAs long as we keep Game 1 the main focus, we’ll go game by game. But Game 1 is our main focus right now.”
