The Denver Nuggets took a significant step towards their first NBA championship title as they defeated the Miami Heat 108-95 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. With this victory, the Nuggets now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, bringing them within one win of securing the championship.
The Nuggets showcased a stellar performance led by forward Aaron Gordon, who contributed 27 points, along with Nikola Jokic's 23 points. Denver's victory was not solely reliant on their star players Jokic and Jamal Murray, as they received significant contributions from across the team. Aaron Gordon, in particular, played a pivotal role on both ends of the court, causing trouble for Miami throughout the game. Gordon displayed versatility with his 11 for 15 shooting, while also making an impact with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone praised Aaron Gordon's performance, describing him as "a warrior on both ends" and highlighting his crucial contributions to the team's success. Malone emphasized the importance of staying focused and not getting carried away by their current lead, emphasizing that they haven't achieved anything yet and need to win another game to become world champions. He stressed the significance of staying true to their team identity and taking it one quarter at a time, acknowledging that they have a great chance to secure the title if they maintain their approach.
Denver's victory came after losing Game 2 on their home court, raising questions about their resilience. However, they responded strongly by securing two road victories in Miami, demonstrating their determination to clinch the NBA Finals.
Throughout the game, the Nuggets displayed dominance in various aspects, outperforming the Heat on both ends of the court. They built a comfortable lead during the third quarter, moving 13 points ahead and maintaining control of the game. Despite a scare when Jokic suffered an ankle tweak in the first quarter and was sidelined for a five-minute period in the fourth due to foul trouble, Miami failed to take advantage and exploit the Serbian's absence in the paint. The Heat managed to narrow the gap to five points (86-81), but a crucial three-pointer by Murray helped the Nuggets regain momentum and secure the victory.
The Miami Heat, who have earned a reputation for comebacks and upsets throughout their playoff run, found themselves outmatched by the outstanding performance of Michael Malone's Nuggets. The Heat will need a remarkable turnaround if they are to overcome the 3-1 series deficit and secure the championship.
The series now heads back to Denver, where the Nuggets will have an opportunity to close out the NBA Finals in Game 5 on Monday. With their home-court advantage, Denver will aim to clinch their first-ever NBA title and etch their name in basketball history.
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SITE: https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/10/23/nba-nuggets-shut-down-heat-for-3-1-finals-lead
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