The Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets in an incredible comeback in Game 2 on Sunday night, advancing them to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. To tie the series at 1-1, the Heat overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half and a 47-point outing from Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. Here’s how they did it – and how the Nuggets helped them along the way.
1. Gabe Vincent’s Breakout Game
The unexpected contribution of Gabe Vincent, who came off the bench to score a career-high 23 points, was one of the factors in the Heat’s victory. In 28 minutes, Vincent, who only scored 4.8 points per game on average during the regular season, made six of his nine 3-point attempts while also contributing four assists and two steals. He also provided Jamal Murray with strong defense, limiting him to 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting. Since Tyler Herro missed Game 2 due to a sprained ankle he sustained in Game 1, Vincent’s performance was especially important for the Heat.
2. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo’s Leadership
The Heat’s two All-Stars also stepped up big time in Game 2, combining for 42 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists. Jimmy Butler scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch jumper with 1:04 left that gave the Heat a 107-106 lead. He also had seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks, while playing his usual lockdown defense on Jokic. Bam Adebayo had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, along with six assists and two blocks. He also made some key plays down the stretch, such as drawing a charge on Jokic with 16 seconds left and making two free throws with 9 seconds left to seal the win.
3. The Nuggets’ Mistakes
The Heat should be commended for their perseverance and performance, but the Nuggets also aided the Heat by making some costly errors in Game 2. In contrast to the Heat, who scored 25 points as a result of the Nuggets’ 19 turnovers, the Nuggets only forced nine turnovers, which resulted in nine points for them. Additionally, they missed nine free throws, including four in the fourth quarter by Jokic. The Nuggets also did not take advantage of their superior rebounding performance; despite grabbing 16 offensive rebounds, they only managed to score 14 points on second chances. The Nuggets also struggled to contain the Heat’s shooters, as they allowed them to make 17 of their 38 3-point attempts (44.7 percent).
4. The Series Shifts to Miami
With their victory in Game 2, the Heat have reclaimed the home-court advantage, and the next two games of the series will be played in Miami. The Heat have been outstanding at home this year, going 36-5 there for a league-best record. With a 21-20 record away from Ball Arena, the Nuggets have had a mediocre road season. The Nuggets will try to recover and steal a game in Miami, while the Heat will try to keep up their momentum and take a commanding lead in the series. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET.
5. The Heat’s Balanced Attack
The Heat had six players score in double figures in Game 2, demonstrating their strength and versatility. Additionally to Vincent, Butler, and Adebayo, the Heat also benefited from significant performances from Duncan Robinson (10 points), Kevin Love (10 points, nine rebounds), and Max Strus (14 points). In addition to outscoring the Nuggets 25-9 in fast-break points, the Heat also shot 44.7 percent from 3-point range and 86.4 percent from the line. Tyler Herro missed the game due to an ankle sprain, but the Heat’s balanced attack made up for it.
6. The Nuggets’ Lack of Effort
In Game 2, the Nuggets were dissatisfied with their lack of effort and fervor, particularly on defense. They made 19 mistakes, which cost the team 25 points, and allowed the Heat to score 111 points on 50% shooting. The Heat made 17 of their 38 3-point attempts, and the Nuggets failed to stop them. In response to his team’s poor performance, Nuggets coach Mike Malone chastised them and urged them to play harder and more intelligently in Game 3.
7. The Series Shifts to Miami
With their victory in Game 2, the Heat have reclaimed the home-court advantage, and the series will now move to Miami for Games 3 and 4. The Heat have been outstanding at home this year, going 36-5 there for a league-best record. With a 21-20 record away from Ball Arena, the Nuggets have had a mediocre road season. The Nuggets will try to recover and steal a game in Miami, while the Heat will try to keep up their momentum and take a commanding lead in the series. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET.