The Nuggets steal Home court advantage back thanks to 30-point tripe doubles by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. This is the first time that 2 teammates each had 30-point triple-doubles. It was incredible to watch. The Nuggets played their best game of the series by far, especially on the defensive end. This time, Miami scoring less than 100 points was a direct result of the defensive tenacity of Denver, as opposed to them, just missing wide-open shots. As for Miami, they played a very good first half but things got away from them quickly in the 3rd quarter as a 5-point half-time deficit turned into a 21-point deficit at one point. Jimmy and Bam were both good as they combined for 50 points but the role players that won them the game in game 2, were a no-show in game 3. Martin, Robinson, Strus, and Vincent combined for 29 points on 10/32 shooting from the field. If Miami is going to win game 4, it has to be a collective effort because it is evident that the Nuggets Big 2 is and has been more consistent than the Miami Big 2. I do not doubt that Miami will come out in game 4 ready to rock in front of that home crowd once again. This game is as close to a must-win as it will get for the Heat because the last thing they want to happen is to go back to Denver down 3-1. A 2-2 series would pressure the Nuggets to win on their home court in game 5. Let's talk a little about Christian Braun. Man has he been impressive! A 22-year-old rookie under the bright lights in the NBA finals has been a key contributor to this Nuggets team. He scored 15 points on 7-8 shooting and played some very good defense on Jimmy Butler down the stretch. During the broadcast, Mike Breen pointed out how impressive Braun's defensive tendencies were for such. young player and he was right. If he continues to play like this it will be very hard to beat this Nuggets team. However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows for the Nuggets as the 4th quarter was a little dicey once again. They were very conservative and stagnant on offense which allowed a 21-point lead to turn into 10 with just under 2 minutes to go and we all know anything can happen in the NBA. Miami could look at this and say that if they are just within striking distance by the time the 4th quarter starts, they have a very good shot of winning the game because, in all 3 games, they have been the better team in the 4th. This series is still far from over and if Miami can win game 4, I sense a classic 7-game series in the finals for the first time since 2016 between that historic Cavs-Warriors series.
Prediction: I believe Miami will bounce back and even the series at 2-2. I find it difficult to see the Nuggets win both games in Miami as they have been pretty mediocre on the road at best. Butler will have his best game of the Finals and Miami will light it up from 3.
Nuggets 105 - Heat 114
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