The Miami Heat won this morning in a tight duel (108-111) against the Denver Nuggets in the second game of the NBA Finals, tying the series (1-1) and recovering the court factor for the next two games in his pavilion.
After the first confrontation with an unleashed Nikola Jokic, Erik Spoelstra set up a completely different defense, allowing the Serbian to score (41 points), but leaving him only 4 assists -added 11 rebounds to complete a ‘double-double’-, limiting the attack of the Nuggets. That collective effort and the success from the triple were the keys to Miami’s victory in Denver.
After a somewhat irregular start in the first game, the Heat’s departure this morning to the field was another. Max Strus, who finished with a miserable 0/9 from the perimeter in the opener of the Finals, retaliated in the second game with four three-pointers in the first quarter to give wings to his team, which finished him ahead (23-26 ).
In the second quarter came the local reaction, with the defense of the Heat forcing Jokic to look for the most leading version of him, which did not intimidate the Serbian. His team took advantage of it and took a 15-point lead (50-35), but Gabe Vincent (23 points) appeared to throw Miami behind him before the break, which was reached with the score tied (57- 51).
From there, Jokic was very alone, neither Michael Porter (5 points) nor Jamal Murray (18) helped the Serbian, who still kept his team ahead with an advantage, reaching 83-77 at the end of the third room. In the final 12 minutes, Miami grew and believed in their options, with a resounding run (12-32) in the first eight minutes, thanks to Duncan Robinson (10 points), Bam Adebayo (21 points and 9 rebounds) and Jimmy Butler. (21), far from having his best day, although key in defense. Murray missed a 3-pointer to tie it at the buzzer and the game ended 108-111.
The third game in Miami will be played next Thursday, with everything even and with the home court factor for the Heat, who also recover Tyler Herro after a month and a half injured.
