Crowder: Lakers' decision to use Black Mamba jerseys fueled Heat
The Los Angeles Lakers wore their Black Mamba jerseys in Game 5 as they unsuccessfully attempted to close out the Miami Heat and claim a record-tying 17th NBA title.
Los Angeles originally planned to wear the alternate uniforms in Games 2 and 7 but made the switch after taking a 3-1 series lead. The decision further fueled Jae Crowder and his teammates as Miami extended The Finals with a 111-108 victory.
"You're hearing how they're putting the black jerseys on and shit and how they haven't lost a game in those, and people start talking about that. That is motivation, and it's always going to get under your skin a little bit," Crowder told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. "You obviously funnel that in the right direction and use it as motivation and it definitely helped tonight."
The Lakers were previously 4-0 when wearing the jerseys that were designed in part by the late Kobe Bryant. They won't be able to don the Black Mamba uniforms in Game 6 as Miami is set to use its own black alternates.
Sunday's tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.