Author: Monojit Mandal
Heat 111 – 108 Nuggets
The Nuggets’ unbeaten record in the home playoffs came to an end on Sunday night when they were beaten 111-108 by the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. It was also his first home defeat since March 30.
Overcoming an excellent 41-point effort from Nuggets’ standout player Nikola Jokic, the Heat won with a balanced scoring attack. Gabe Vincent led the way with 23 points, while Jimmy-Butler and Bam-Adebayo added 21 points each to help the Heat to an enthralling victory.
The next Game 3 will take place on Wednesday in Miami, where the Heat will want to capitalize on their newfound momentum and home-court advantage.
Although Heat won, the game wasn’t easy for them. Max Strus contributed 14 points, while Duncan-Robinson had 10 points, all in the fourth quarter. Miami had a big lead at the start of the game, but ended up losing by as many as 15 points. Jokic’s excellent performance was impossible for the Heat to control, as he hit 16 of his 28 field goal attempts. With a four-footer in the final seconds, Jokic brought the Nuggets within three points.
However, Denver chose not to foul on Miami’s next possession, which paid off in the end. Butler missed a three-point attempt, and Jamal-Murray’s three-point attempt, which hit the buzzer, missed.
The setback was devastating for the Nuggets, who had gone undefeated at home during this year’s playoffs. After the loss, Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed anxiety, reflecting his feelings after the Game 1 victory.
With the series heading to Miami for Game 3, the Nuggets will want to regain home-court advantage and prevent the Heat from increasing their lead. The NBA Finals have already featured incredible competitiveness and explosive moments, getting fans excited for the upcoming games that will determine this year’s winner.