With about half the series over, the Denver Nuggets have managed to take the series lead yet again. After a commanding victory over the Miami Heat in Game 3, the Nuggets have solidified their position in this series. The Heat edged out in Game 2, as the series continued in Miami, but couldn’t hold off the Nuggets’ scoring at home.
Denver took Game 3, 109-94. This was by far the largest lead win in this series. Behind this victory was the incredible duo’s work.
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, both dropped triple-doubles in Game 3, becoming the first pair of teammates with triple-doubles in NBA Finals history. Murray dropped 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Whereas Jokic put up 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, in a Game 3 win. This monstrous performance had the Heat alarmed, as they should expect such outbursts going ahead in the series. Aaron Gordon on the other hand posted a double-double, with 11 points and 11 rebounds for the night.
Following the first quarter, the Nuggets outscored Miami in each 12-minute play. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo put it all on the floor, though the key players weren’t feeling it in Game 3. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus had a terrible shooting night, being the primary shooters of the team.
This points directly to the absence of Tyler Herro. Miami made it to the Finals without their star player, as fans are now anticipating his return, which doesn’t seem so likely. The team needs the outside scoring threat, or else, the Nuggets will have the ultimate defensive advantage. With Game 4 scheduled for Friday, here is a look at the expected roster.
Miami Heat expected starting lineup
• Gabe Vincent
• Max Strus
• Jimmy Butler
• Kevin Love
• Bam Adebayo
Denver Nuggets expected starting lineup
• Jamal Murray
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Aaron Gordon
• Nikola Jokic
Will the Heat fall to the Denver Nuggets at home again?
Two straight losses at home are improbable for a team like the Heat. Going down 1-3 in the series would be fatal for Butler and company. Jimmy scored 28 points alongside Adebayo who had 22 for the night in Game 3. It seems like the Nuggets have found a way around each team this postseason, and so has been the case with the Heat.
Though Miami had a solid run in the East, going up against Denver hasn’t been so well for them. The Nuggets’ offense has been well-balanced and unstoppable. Miami will have to do a better job defensively and be consistent on the offensive end.
Game 4 will be at home and Miami has to win this crucial game at all costs. A 3-1 series lead for the Nuggets will be a statistical win, as there has only been one team that has overcome such a deficit in the Finals. Above all, Game 4 will either be the series decider or would make this contest even more interesting. With all things considered, the Heat would enter Game 4, ready to give their all, as they should edge out to level up the series at 2-2.