Kelly Olynyk dropped 17 points in 31 minutes of play as the Heat pulled within a game of the Lakers in the NBA Finals (Image Credit: NBA.com)

By Chad Klassen

NBA FINALS

Kamloops’ Olynyk making bigger impact, helps Heat draw first win of NBA Finals

Oct 5, 2020 | 1:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kelly Olynyk of the Miami Heat has caught fire the last two games of the NBA Finals, taking advantage of more time on the floor.

The South Kam grad has accumulated 41 points in 68 minutes of play in Games 2 and 3. His 17 points in Game 3 on Sunday night helped get the Heat back in the series.

“That opportunity helps, but just getting out there and seizing the opportunity, knowing that I need to make plays in order for us to be successful,” said Olynyk during a media availability session on Monday (Oct. 5). “Our teammates trusting each other, moving the ball, being unselfish, whether it’s Jimmy [Butler] making the right plays or guys making the extra pass, whatever it is, and just taking advantage when the opportunities come. Also just playing in a flow, not pressing things too much.”

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Olynyk has been given the opportunity with key injuries to Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, who both missed both Games 2 and 3. The 6’11” forward says his experience playing in big games with the Canadian national team helps in these big moments.

“The national team has been huge in my development, just playing against pros all the time,” he said. “Basically when you play with the national team, every game is a do-or-die, a playoff game, when you’re in those tournaments. That’s what you’re playing right now in the playoffs, so it’s definitely been great preparation for me.”

Back home, Olynyk’s appearance in the NBA Finals has Kamloops glued to the championship series. The local following isn’t lost on Olynyk, who appreciates the support.

“Maybe not as much as I thought, but whenever I go back to Kamloops, it’s wonderful. I love that place, that town, my family. That town really raised me. It’s been unbelievable. Guys like Scott [Pineo] and my friends and family, and everyone else, running my camp back there,” Olynyk noted. “It’s been an unbelievable support system for me. I’m glad I can bring them along with me in this journey to the Finals. Hopefully, they keep watching, stick with us, and we can do something great.”

While in the bubble, Olynyk has been in touch with his high school coach at South Kam, Del Komarniski. He can’t say enough about how Komarniski has helped him get to this point.

“I’ve talked to him a few times in the last week. He’s always been in my corner. He’s been a huge influence on me as a player,” he said. “Helping me to get to where I am, helping me get to Gonzaga first and then to the NBA and helping me whenever I go back. He’s a great basketball mind. He’s done a lot of great things for basketball in Kamloops. I’m glad to have him in my life. He’s been great for me.”

Game 4 of the NBA Finals goes on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.