The Denver Nuggets scored an important 105-98 victory over the Miami Heat in an outstanding all-star performance, moving within one win of securing their first NBA title in team history. With a 3-1 overall lead in the Finals, the Nuggets will have a chance to clinch the ring in Game 5 in front of their home fans next Monday.
Despite a sprained ankle in the first quarter and foul trouble later in the game, Nikola Jokic led the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. He also had solid support from Aaron Gordon, who scored 27 points, and Jamal Murray, who contributed 15 points and 12 assists.
The Heat, once again, were unable to capitalize on the enthusiasm of their 19,000 fans and now face an almost impossible task to take the title. Jimmy Butler scored 25 points, and Bam Adebayo added 20, but they again found it difficult to match the collective play of the Nuggets.
Historically, only one team has managed to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals: the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, in 2016. Despite this, Jamal Murray expressed the team’s confidence and focus on achieving the championship.
The game went similarly to the Nuggets’ Game 3 win, with the team taking a slim four-point lead (55-51) at halftime, extending it in the third quarter, and controlling a timid Heat comeback in the final period, even when Jokic was on the bench for fouls.
Although the Nuggets are close to making history, coach Michael Malone urged his team to stay focused and not get carried away with premature praise. Jimmy Butler also stressed the need to take every game as a challenge and noted that they still have the ability to win.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recalled the determination with which the team reached the Finals despite starting the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. While acknowledging the difficulty, they are confident they can turn things around and must focus on returning to Miami alive.
The match was attended by fans wearing Lionel Messi jerseys, who has announced his intention to join Inter Miami in the MLS. Messi’s former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar was in attendance, along with Real Madrid standout Vinicius Jr.
Although Jokic suffered a sprained ankle, he returned to the game after receiving treatment in the locker room and showcased his talent with a spectacular three-pointer. The Nuggets relied on the play of Butler and Adebayo, but poor performances from players like Max Strus and Gabe Vincent facilitated Denver’s lead.
Despite the Heat’s reaction in the fourth quarter, led by Butler and Adebayo, the Nuggets responded with key plays from Murray, Gordon, and Bruce Brown.
Denver’s defense held off the Heat, who now have no margin for error in their quest for a fourth championship.