When the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets meet again in Denver for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, the Heat will be hoping to even the series.
Latest news on Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jokic, and Tyler Herro
The Nuggets played a tremendous game on Thursday.
In Game 1, Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds for his ninth triple-double of the playoffs — and sixth in his previous seven games.
“The most important thing is to win a game,” Jokic stated. “I’m trying to win the game in any way that I can.”
Jamal Murray chipped in with 26 points and 10 assists. Denver also made 16 of its 20 free throw attempts, much exceeding Miami’s all-too-brief performance.
The Heat are in unfamiliar territory after a series opener in the playoffs, and the Nuggets are far too content with their current situation.
Miami opened the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, and so began each series on the road. The Heat, on the other hand, set the tone for each previous game, winning by 13 points against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and by seven points in the next two series openers.
The Heat has now lost four of its last five games and is down for the first time in these playoffs. That’s uncharted territory for the Heat, but it’s now a reality following Thursday’s 104-93 loss in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.
The Heat only attempted two free throws, setting an NBA postseason record for fewest free throw attempts in a game.
Jimmy Butler scored 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Bam Adebayo had 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. Neither player, though, went to the foul line.
Butler had a big game in the loss, but he was unexpectedly quiet offensively. He has been the best player in the playoffs to this time, so fatigue is likely, and his 13 points were his lowest total in this series. He will do everything in his ability to keep the Heat alive, starting with today’s Game 2 in Denver.
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Tyler Herro (hand) will miss Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
Despite speculations that Herro will return for Game 2, it looks the guard will miss at least one more game as he recovers from hand surgery linked to an injury suffered in the first round of the playoffs.
Though it’s unlikely, the Heat could still upgrade Herro before start on Sunday, so fans should keep a watch on his position as the game approaches.
Caleb Martin (illness) was unable to practice on Saturday due to a non-COVID illness and is listed as questionable for the game on Sunday.
Cody Zeller is questionable for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday due to an injured right foot.
In Game 1, he was held scoreless in seven minutes of action and appeared to have suffered a foot sprain. Though he is Miami’s backup center, his absence may allow Kevin Love to return to the lineup.
Heat injuries:
- Caleb Martin (Illness) – Questionable
- Cody Zeller (Foot) – Questionable
- Tyler Herro (Hand) – Out
- Victor Oladipo (Knee) – Out for the season
Nuggets injuries:
- Collin Gillespie (Lower Leg) – Out for the season
