In the face of adversity, the Miami Heat refuse to see themselves as inferior, demonstrating an unwavering resilience that deserves recognition. As they continue to battle in the NBA Finals, it’s fitting to applaud their efforts now, lest the champion’s champagne tomorrow overshadow their accomplishments.
The Heat displayed their determination in response to the outcome of the third match, addressing most of the issues they faced in the previous game. With the exception of their three-point shooting (8/25), the South Florida team managed to stop the rebounding hemorrhage through collective effort and close the points gap in the paint. Holding the Nuggets to a 44.4% shooting in the area, the score ended at 48-46 in favor of Denver near the rim.
From start to finish, Jimmy Butler delivered his best performance of the series, even if it didn’t reach the peaks of previous rounds. The Heat successfully neutralized the duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic (only 38 points combined) by abandoning their zone defense and showcasing Bam Adebayo’s exceptional defensive skills.
The effort on Jokic was masterful, keeping his shooting percentages below 50% (42.1% on 8/19), limiting him to four assists with three turnovers, and drawing him into foul trouble in the final quarter. However, the Nuggets are more than just their star player. Mike Malone’s team has managed to survive the challenges that come with Jokic off the court, forcing opponents to make tough choices in their defensive strategies.
This exposed zone, created by the gravity that attracts Jokic and Murray, allowed the Nuggets’ role players to capitalize on opportunities. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.’s cutting and off-ball movement, coupled with Bruce Brown’s appearance, ultimately broke the resilient Miami team.
These Finals echo the 2020 Finals, where the Heat defied expectations and reached the championship round. Denver, like the 2020 Lakers, has a championship-caliber squad that has faced minimal adversity. In those Finals, a legendary performance by Jimmy Butler (35-12-11) prevented a gentleman’s sweep in the fifth game. There’s no doubt that Coach Spoelstra and his players will approach the next game as if the series were 0-0.
So, let this be a tribute to the Miami Heat, acknowledging their determination and effort, even if they ultimately fall short. It’s risky to count them out before they’re completely down, but their resilience should not go unnoticed.
