Author: Monojit Mandal
Before the much-anticipated NBA Finals clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, famous basketball experts Charles Barkley and Grant Hill had a little fun. The couple played with oxygen masks that they brought on stage, perhaps oblivious to the importance of Denver, known as the Mile High City.
Denver’s altitude, 5,280 feet above sea level, has a significant influence on sportspeople, especially basketball players. Traditionally, the Denver Nuggets have used the stifling altitude to their advantage, especially during the playoffs. Their dominance at home continued as they defeated the Miami Heat 104-93 on Thursday, extending their perfect playoff streak to 9-0 at home.
While exceptional players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray should be credited, the high altitude cannot be overlooked. The Nuggets play a fast-paced style of basketball, taking advantage of opponents who are used to the lack of oxygen in sea-level environments. The consequence, according to Randy Wilber, senior sports physiologist at the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, is that although the oxygen concentration is the same as in Miami, the barometric pressure in Denver is much lower, resulting in a decrease in the flow of oxygen to the muscles.
Recognizing this advantage, the Nuggets aggressively remind visiting teams of the difficult circumstances they face. When the opposing teams approach the Ball Arena, they are greeted by a sign that clearly indicates the altitude. Before each game, the stadium loudspeaker emphasizes the difficulty of playing at altitude.
In addition, the number “5280” is engraved on each free throw line as a continuous reminder.
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, refuse to let the altitude alter their thinking. For them, the adaptations needed for the second game are more to do with creating shots than altitude problems. The Heat trio of Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Duncan Robinson struggled in the first game, shooting a total of 2 of 23 from the field.
Despite this, Heat has demonstrated its ability to perform at high altitudes. In December, they beat the San Antonio Spurs in Mexico City, which is located at an altitude of 7,350 feet above sea level.