Once more defying the odds, Miami overcame Nikola Jokic's 41 points and defeated Denver to tie the Finals at one.
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DENVER — Game 2 was getting late, the ball was in Jamal Murray's hands, which is often a sign of security for the Nuggets, and the fourth-quarter clock was ticking: 3, 2, but not won.
The Nuggets' home playoff supremacy departed the NBA Finals stage right as Miami entered this series with a victory in Game 2 on Sunday, 111-108, when Murray's game-tying 3-point attempt failed at the buzzer.
In a nutshell, the Heat accomplished the following on Sunday: They became the first team to triumph in Denver during the postseason, despite Jimmy Butler's lacklustre performance, Caleb Martin's deteriorating condition, and Tyler Herro's continued absence.
The Heat put forth yet another valiant effort, outworking and outhustling the Nuggets, refusing to fold despite trailing by eight points after three quarters, finding their 3-point shooting form again (48.6%), dominating Denver when Butler took a generous fourth-quarter break, and, of course, defying all expectations for a No. 8 seed.
The Heat defeated the Nuggets in the fourth period and put a boot on their neck by refusing to lift their heel. Then, as Murray missed his final shot of the night, they held their breath.
According to Nuggets coach Michael Malone, "they came out in that fourth quarter with a huge sense of desperation, and we didn't match that."
Do we therefore have a series?
The Finals will now play two games in Miami, and if the postseason has taught us anything, it's that basketball life happens quickly at this time of year. Anything can happen to tip a series in favour of one side over the other, whether it be a stroke of luck (or bad luck), a stellar play by a star, a referee's whistle, or a missed game-tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
This triumph can give Miami the push it needs.
Or perhaps the Nuggets stumbled for a split second.
Here are 2 Lessons to Be Learned From Heat’s Game 2 NBA Finals Comeback Victory with a111-108 win:
1. Assists Matter More than the Points
On the Heat, Nikola Jokic scored 41 points. And with him relentlessly hammering Miami with finger rolls and high-arching 3-pointers, you'd think the Nuggets would triumph in a game like that. The more interesting data from Joker was this: Four helpers. Four, indeed.
That will satisfy Miami all day long. He had to score since the Heat's defence blocked the passing lanes (he attempted 28 shots, 13 more than Murray, the next closest teammate). This centre averaged 10.5 assists per game during the postseason. Miami also benefited from the collective egg-laying of Jokic's colleagues. Even when they weren't covered, they missed shots when a pass from Jokic did find them.
Michael Porter Jr. was the most accountable party. In terms of offence, he was a complete ghost, scoring just five points, never getting into a rhythm, and never making the Heat pay. Porter is 3-for-17 from 3-point range in this series, and his failure to make a 3-point shot in the Finals harmed Denver on Sunday.
But it's never just one player at a time. Contrary to past games, Murray did not have a hot streak in this one (18 quiet points, one noisy missed shot). Additionally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a difficult night in general. He never contributed offensively, made a number of absurd fouls (on 3-pointers, on layup attempts, just mind-boggling decisions), and eventually fouled out. Six fouls, one goal, and three assists total for him.
When the pass doesn't result in a goal, as Jokic does, you can't improve teammates.
Source: www.NBA.com
1. The Power of the Fourth Quarter
In contrast to Game 1, the Heat made two impressive entrances in this game: one at the beginning of the game when Max Strus couldn't miss a shot, and one to begin the fourth quarter. The fourth-quarter surge held up more strongly than the other since that is how they differ.
Our players love to compete in the fourth quarter, according to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. In those crucial moments, "they love to put themselves out there."
Making a stand, keeping the pedal to the metal, burying big shots, and coming up with big stops are how you win games in the NBA Finals. The Heat's ability to pull this off in the fourth quarter with Butler sitting on the bench is startling. Butler didn't come on until there was 8:03 left in the quarter. The Heat had fallen down 83-75 at the beginning of the quarter, but were now up 92-87. Without your best player, that's a 13-point swing.
Why did they succeed? Duncan Robinson assumed control of the last frame. He created space for jump shots, scored on layups, and appeared to be a star, scoring 10 points in a matter of seconds. Additionally, Gabe Vincent, who was radiant the entire game, held the floor. Miami's defence was also strong.
Oh, and it should be emphasised that Miami has dominated both of the series' fourth quarters thus far. because to Haywood Highsmith, it caused the game to be closer than it should have been in Game 1, and now it has done so again because to Robinson establishing the tone.
Basketball researchers and academics are likely still researching this Miami club and still puzzling about how the Heat are doing this. Of course, you can start with Spoelstra as well as the lesser-known players. He has some of the best tweaks and game preparation in the industry. Oh, and in the event that Spoelstra triumphed in this championship? He'd rank among the top five coaches of all time.
source: www.NBA.com
