The NBA Finals have now reached its endpoint. After four games of action, the Denver Nuggets have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the Miami Heat. The chances of a possible comeback are pretty much zero, as the Heat don’t seem to be doing a good job of holding off the Nuggets.
Though they got the best of them in Game 2 on the road, the Heat could not finish a single game at home. Whereas for the Nuggets, they’ll have the chance to celebrate their first-ever championship.
Game 4 was not as close as Denver maintained a healthy lead throughout the game. Both teams had their runs, though it was the Nuggets who prevailed. Denver shot 50% from outside, as they outscored the Heat in the third. On the other hand, Miami did not have a great shooting night, going 8-25 from the three-point line. Not only that, Miami did a better job defensively compared to Game 3, though still, it wasn’t enough.
For the Nuggets, Jokic, being himself, posted 24 points and 12 rebounds. Whereas Jamal Murray scored 15 points and 12 assists. While it was Aaron Gordon who led the team in scoring, with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Bruce Brown came off the bench with a defining performance as well, as he had 21 for the night.
Miami was led by Jimmy Butler himself and Bam Adebayo, both scoring 20+ points. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent were almost scoreless for the night. With both teams healthy and series on the line the next game, here are the expected lineups for Game 5.
Miami Heat expected starting lineup
• Gabe Vincent
• Max Strus
• Jimmy Butler
• Kevin Love
• Bam Adebayo
Denver Nuggets expected starting lineups
• Jamal Murray
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Aaron Gordon
• Nikola Jokic
Will the Denver Nuggets end the series in Game 5?
The Nuggets will be at home for Game 5. So far into the series, Denver has not been perfect at home. They faced a tough loss in Game 2 at home, though as we look at the momentum they’ve built throughout the last three games, it’s pretty clear that they have figured out their game versus the Heat. Miami has failed to protect its interior, while the Nuggets have been unstoppable on all spots of the floor on the offensive end.
The Heat have a chance to avoid a gentleman sweep on the road, or Game 5 will be the season-ender for the team. Denver will look to shine high at home, as this will be the franchise’s first championship. With all things considered, the Nuggets will prevail in Game 5, raising the Larry O’Brien trophy.