Denver’s Nuggets reaffirmed their momentum from last Wednesday with another strong performance on Friday, extending their series lead to 3-1 in the NBA Finals after a 108-95 win over the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. The result gives Denver two wins on the road in this series and leaves them one win away from securing the franchise’s first championship in history. The Nuggets will have a chance to clinch the title on Monday back home in Denver, a venue where they lost only a single postseason game so far this year and where their postseason dominance has been clear throughout the playoffs.
Coach Michael Malone’s squad posted a near 50 percent field-goal percentage and connected on 14 of 28 three-pointers, with Aaron Gordon carrying a major scoring load by delivering 27 points on 11-for-15 shooting, plus six rebounds and six assists. Nikola Jokic logged a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, further cementing his status as a two-time MVP and the focal point of Denver’s offense. Jokic became the first player in NBA history to tally more than 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single season. Jamal Murray, while not shooting at his best, still contributed 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting, and the Nuggets leaned on a balanced attack from the bench, including Bruce Brown who added 21 points and hit multiple timely threes.
On the Heat side, Jimmy Butler led the scoring with 25 points, plus seven rebounds and seven assists, and Bam Adebayo posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 boards. From the bench, Kyle Lowry chipped in 13 points, Duncan Robinson 12, and Caleb Martin 11, providing a steady contribution but falling short in the end to Denver’s sustained offense.
Heat face the uphill climb with resolve
Miami battled valiantly, remaining within striking distance for much of the night. The Heat fought through fatigue and pressure from a Nuggets team that showed relentless focus and a clear hunger for a championship. They stood tall against a bigger, more composed opponent, keeping the game competitive late as the crowd in attendance watched with a mix of hope and disappointment. Even as Denver pulled ahead late, the home team refused to roll over, continuing to scrap and push back against every Denver possession.
Play through the middle of the first half was marked by Jokic taking a hard landing on his right ankle, which briefly forced him to leave the court for treatment. He returned to the floor and remained a central figure, giving Denver a spark that helped keep the pace favorable for the Nuggets. The Heat answered with a 10-2 run to flip the lead late in the second quarter, but Denver regrouped. A late burst by Jokic and Gordon helped the visitors build a narrow halftime edge, highlighted by a clutch three by Jokic that steadied the momentum after a brief defensive lapse.
Denver’s advantage peaked at 54-45 with about 1:35 remaining in the third period, yet Miami staged a strong finish to the frame. Butler and Adebayo combined to rally the Heat, and the period ended with Miami trailing by just four, 55-51. The energy in the arena was palpable as fans watched a tense back-and-forth that underscored the series’ high stakes and the players’ unwavering competitiveness. A well-timed two-handed dunk by Butler plus a critical stop on defense kept the home team in the fight as the quarter closed.
Jokic and Gordon anchor a playoff push
The third period showcased Denver’s depth. Jokic anchored the attack, orchestrating the offense with a calm, precise style that kept the Nuggets ahead. Gordon flashed a burst of athleticism, scoring 9 points in the period and featuring on an alley-oop connection that energized the team. By the end of the third, Denver had extended their advantage to 86-73, a testament to Jokic’s all-around impact and Gordon’s aggressive finishing at the rim.
The game had a moment of disruption when the arena’s basket issue caused a stoppage that lasted about ten minutes. The interruption contributed to a brief halt in momentum, and a health scare within the Heat’s bench area momentarily drew attention. Yet the Nuggets remained focused, weathering the disruption and maintaining a steady rhythm through the remainder of the game.
Pride on the line for Miami, belief in Denver’s pursuit
Miami has shown an ability to sustain scoring pressure late, though the Heat have not matched the pace needed to overtake the Nuggets in this matchup. Spoelstra’s crew opened the fourth with an 8-0 burst, sparked by Butler and Adebayo, and they managed to push Denver into some turnover trouble. Adebayo delivered a big defensive stop on Murray, flipping the momentum momentarily and drawing the crowd into the drama. Still, Denver’s discipline and timely offense answered every challenge, with Bruce Brown, Caldwell-Pope, and the rest of the Nuggets squad continuing to respond when it mattered most.
As the clock wound down, Denver’s lead stayed intact, and the arena began to empty as the tension of the moment settled into a sense of inevitability. The Nuggets leaned on a balanced attack once again, with Brown and Caldwell-Pope delivering crucial baskets that kept the margin in double digits. A sense of history loomed large in the stands, where a resilient chorus of fans believed this night could mark the start of something truly special for the franchise. The energy in Denver was building toward a potential championship celebration—one win away, an entire franchise ready to reach the pinnacle of success in front of its home crowd. This moment in time symbolized more than a win; it carried the weight of a long-awaited championship dream for Nuggets fans. Cited from the postgame breakdown of the series arc and key performances by the teams involved, reflecting the high-stakes nature of this championship pursuit.