The Series Shifts to Miami

 

            The first two games in Denver played up to their hype as the series is now split at one game apiece heading back to the 305. The Heat now have home-court advantage over Denver and no altitude to deal with either.

            The Nuggets took game one in dominating fashion although the Heat made a little run at the end of the game. The Heat had absolutely no idea what they were put up against as almost every Nugget had a superb game, but used this game to their advantage to capitalize in game 2. 

            Although it wasn't pretty at times, the Heat managed to bounce back in game 2 with a three point victory. From the tip it looked like the Heat figured out the problem, until Denver went on a 40-14 run. They were in control up until the final quarter of things when Miami did not look back. 

            This quarter was the defining quarter of their team throughout the postseason displaying the tremendous amount of depth they have and what they bring to the table. It didn't take a spectacular game from their star Jimmy Butler to put them over the top, rather Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and other non-household names put on the show. 

            They also figured out how vulnerable the Nuggets are. The Heat did a great job in limiting Jamal Murray and this was the total key to their success. When Jokic and Murray combine to both have great games, they don't lose very often. But when it's one guy over the other and carrying the workload, it is a totally different story. 

            Jokic did drop 41 points and had a double-double but the Heat had no problems with his point total as long as they took his passing game away and limited his psychic, Jamal Murray to a subpar game. It didn't matter about the altitude, what mattered was the players in front of them that they needed to slow down in order to get back in the series. 

            The Heat have certainly made the back to back MVP mad and we will see tomorrow night what he will do about this series being evened up. The Nuggets are more than capable to steal a game in Miami and if they do they will be in the driver's seat in this series I believe. The Heat have gained the upper-hand, but can the Nuggets get it back tomorrow night down in the 305?