Our Heat season companion part 23 article covers the Heat’s 109-94 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals. The Nuggets now lead the Finals 2-1. The Heat will have to bounce back in Game 4 and win in order to win the Finals. Let’s discuss what happened in Game 3 of the Finals.
Heat Season Companion Part 23: Murray and Jokic Combined for 66 Points
As in the Game 1 loss, Murray and Jokic were the biggest problem for the Heat’s defense in Game 3. Murray scored 34 points on 12-22 shooting and Jokic had 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Heat will have to slow them at least one of them down in Game 4. As is obvious, the Heat will not win Game 4 if Jokic and Murray both dominate offensively once again.
The Heat Shot 37% From the Field
Clearly, the Heat are capable of putting up points against the Nuggets. The Heat showed by scoring 111 points in the Game 2 win. However, the Heat shot very poorly against the Nuggets in Game 4, only making 37% of their field goals. Naturally, this allowed the Nuggets to run away with Game 4. The Heat have not had back-to-back playoff games where they shot so poorly. It is likely that the Heat will score much more easily against the Nuggets in Game 4.
Every Heat Player Aside from Bam and Butler Struggled Offensively
The Nuggets are a great team. They showed that by finishing first in the Western Conference and reaching the NBA Finals. As a result, the Heat cannot afford every player aside from Bam and Butler struggling offensively in the same game. That is what happened in Game 4.
Caleb Martin is the Heat player who scored at least 10 points aside from Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Max Strus, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Lowry, and others will have to step up and score more in Game 4. The Heat’s bench is one of the main reasons why the Heat have made it to the NBA Finals. It is likely that the Heat’s bench players will play far better in Game 4.
Heat Season Companion Part 23: The Nuggets Outhustled the Heat
Aside from all the stats, the Nuggets won Game 3 because they outhustled the Heat. This is quite surprising, since the Heat have played with great energy throughout the playoffs, especially at home. However, the Nuggets seemed like they want to win Game 3 more than the Heat did. The Heat will have to play with more energy and effort to win Game 4 and tie the Finals.
Game 4 of the Finals Is On Friday
The Nuggets and Heat face off in Miami once again in Game 4 on Friday. The Heat need to win Game 4 if they want to win the championship. Hopefully, the Heat win Game 4 and head into Denver for Game 5 with the momentum on their side once again. I would bet that Jimmy Butler will score at least 20 points in Game 4, in any case.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.