Who saw the Miami Heat coming out with a Game 2 victory in Denver?
The NBA Finals are heating up as the teams head to Florida, and BetDeluxe looks at both squads ahead of Game 3.
Heats vs. Nuggets
8th June 10:30am
Against all market expectations, the Miami Heat will enter Game 3 of the NBA Finals with an incredible opportunity to take a 2-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets.
The Heat, who lost the series opener by 11 points in Denver, bounced back with a 108-111 victory on Monday, simultaneously handing the Nuggets their first loss at home for the playoffs. Led by Gabe Vincent’s 23 points and 21 each from Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat overcame an eight-point deficit at three-quarter time with 36 in the last.
It was a much-improved effort from Vincent and Max Strus (14), who combined for 37 on 12/22 shooting after crumbling in Game 1 with 1/17 between them. Duncan Robinson went off during the last quarter with his 10 points leading the Heat’s late charge, while Kevin Love turned back the clock with 10 rebounds for the night.
Denver’s loss was not through a lack of effort from their star big man, Nikola Jokic, as he dropped a game-high 41 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Jamal Murray improved as the game went on with 18 and 10 assists, but the Heat’s ability to restrict the three-point shooting of Murray and Porter Jr was a big reason for their success.
If the Nuggets are to sneak a win in Miami, they will need improved output from their other three starters, with Aaron Gordon (12), Michael Porter Jr (5) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6) adding just 23 points between them.
Miami’s win snapped a six-game losing streak against the Nuggets, but they will need to be just as impressive to maintain the momentum at home. Keep an eye on the injury status of star guard Tyler Herro, who continues to recover from a broken hand.
Suggested Bet: Nuggets to win @ $1.69
