After losing Game 2 in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat, the Denver Nuggets were able to bounce back and lead the series 2-1 by winning Game 3.
The Denver Nuggets got Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals, and it felt like it was going to be a short series. But, in Game 2, the Miami Heat bounced back, going up their starts and benches to tie the series before heading back to South Beach. Nuggets coach Mike Malone criticized his team’s efforts not only in Game 2 but also in the opener of the NBA Finals.
Can the Nuggets hold off the Heat and lead the NBA Finals? That answer was yes.
On Wednesday, the Nuggets beat the Heat 109-94 to take a 2-1 lead.
Denver has played great games from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic is the first player in history to have 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game. As for Murray, he scored 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had 10 assists. With that, they are the first teammates in history to score a triple-double each in an NBA Finals game.
Let’s take a look at the reactions from NBA Twitter.
NBA Twitter reacts as the Nuggets win Game 3 to take control of the Heat
Along with the performances of Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets’ rookie Christian Brown was noticed by the NBA world. Denver selected Brown with the 22nd overall pick from Kentucky in last year’s NBA Draft.
In the game, Brown was an almost sure bucket, shooting 7 of 8 shots from the field for 15 points. His only miss was his only three-point shot. Besides, Brown recorded four rebounds, an assist, and one steal in 19 minutes.
As for the Heat, Jimmy Butler scored 28 points after hitting 11 of 24 shots from the field, while notching four assists and two rebounds.
Bam Adebayo secured a double-double by scoring 22 points (7-of-21 from the field) and grabbing 17 rebounds (11 defence).
Game four will take place on Friday at 8:30 PM ET. Will The Heat be able to tie the chain again? Or will the Nuggets go 3-1 to take them back to Denver for Game 5?