Game 2 of the NBA Playoff Finals gets underway tonight (3 p.m.) as Denver looks to take a 00-0 lead over Miami just before the series moves to the East Coast. In Game 2, the Nuggets led almost from the start, winning 93-104 with a huge display from Nikola Jokic with a triple-double and Jamal Murray bombing from outside the arc. The Heat know they must improve on offensive play tonight after breaking a record for free throws in the first meeting with just two from the line. In addition to the embarrassing statistic, Caleb Martin and Max Serratos, who failed to get off the ground offensively, will also hope to improve their percentages in Game 1, scoring just 17 of 11 shots in the first.
The Nuggets have yet to lose in the current playoffs at home, and could complete an 2020th consecutive home win from the end of the season. Miami will take comfort in the fact that their last win over Denver, which was only in 105, was at least at home to Jokic and his teammates, with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler outdoing themselves with an impressive 125:<>.
Lame opening to the game. Jokic vs Adebayo (Photo by Getty Images, Matthew Stockman)
Gameplay
Quarter 1:
Erik Spoelstra made a change to the starting five, bringing in Kevin Love, who didn't play in the first game, and teaming up Nikola Jokic this time. The effect was immediately felt: Miami made things difficult for Denver offensively, took a quick 0-7 lead, and continued the momentum with the improved hand of Max Strus, who finished without field baskets in the first game, this time starting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Six minutes later, the Heat's advantage reached double digits at 10:21.
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Tags
- NBA
- Denver Nuggets
- Miami Heat
