Miami
Jimmy Butler (SF) Bottom line: the Heat are going to need much more from their best player. Butler didn’t get to the free-throw line once as the Denver defense did a great job of forcing tough two-pointers without fouling. 6
Caleb Martin (SF) The undrafted 27-year-old was arguably the best player in the Eastern Conference finals but a complete non-factor in Game 1. He had some good looks early that didn’t fall and without seeing the ball go in, he was unable to impact the game. 6
Bam Adebayo (C) Adebayo had great energy and a regained confidence in his shot. He made the Nuggets pay in their drop ball screen coverage as he showed a great touch in the mid-range. He must do a better job of pressuring the passer (Jokić). 8
Schedule
Best-of-seven series. All times EDT.
Thu 1 Jun Game 1: Nuggets 104, Heat 93
Sun 4 Jun Game 2: Heat 111, Nuggets 108
Wed 7 Jun Game 3: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC)
Fri 9 Jun Game 4: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC)
Mon 12 Jun Game 5: Heat at Nuggets, 8.30pm (ABC) *
Thu 15 Jun Game 6: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC) *
Sun 18 Jun Game 7: Heat at Nuggets, 8pm (ABC) *
* if necessary
Gabe Vincent (PG) Vincent made Denver pay for packing it in the paint as he shot it well from the perimeter. Miami will need him to not only hit the open ones, but create a few shots for himself and team-mates to take some pressure off of Butler. 7
Max Strus (SG) The 27-year-old wing had a game to forget. He missed all 10 of his field goal attempts, most of which were open looks. When Denver are forced into rotation, Miami need to convert and Strus was unable to make them pay all night. 3
Duncan Robinson (F) The Miami sniper never got in a rhythm offensively and was a liability on the other end of the court. While the zone defense was effective against the Celtics, Denver were able to carve it up when the Heat were forced out of their man-to-man in order to hide Robinson on defense. 4
Haywood Highsmith (F) Highsmith gave the heat signs of life in the fourth quarter as he got hot from the perimeter. He plays with a high level of self-belief and confidence and picked up some of the slack for his team-mates who shot poorly. 7
Kyle Lowry (PG) The veteran point guard did a nice job of pushing the pace and helping the Heat get into their offense earlier in the shot clock. He competed on both ends of the court and his energy helped to keep Miami in striking distance. 7
Others Cody Zeller (8min), Omer Yurtseven (1min), Nikola Jović (1min)
Denver
Aaron Gordon (PF) The 27-year-old was efficient all night as he did most of his damage in the paint, scoring off of assists from his team-mates. His size and athleticism makes it difficult for the Heat to help off of him as he finishes above the rim or gets offensive rebounds easily over guards coming over to cover in rotation. 8
Michael Porter Jr (SF) It wasn’t a great shooting night for Porter but his activity all over the court ignited the Nuggets. His defensive versatility allows Denver to switch a lot of ball screens without being punished. He was also able to block or alter a number of shots in the paint. 7
Nikola Jokić (C) A rare talent. This was an efficient performance even for the two-time MVP’s standards: Jokić took only three shots in the first half, but was the biggest reason the Nuggets were ahead by 17 points and shooting 60% at the break. Not noted in the box score is how many “screen assists” he set for Jamal Murray. 9
Jamal Murray (PG) The in-form 26-year-old was aggressive from the start, looking for his shot within the flow of the Nuggets’ offense. He and Jokić had solutions for any coverage they saw and they were able to get clean looks for themselves or their team-mates all game. 8
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) KCP has championship experience having won a title with the Lakers in the 2020 bubble tournament. He did a nice job of handling pressure without turning the ball over and knocking down the few open looks he had. 7
Jeff Green (PF) The 36-year-old forward is another versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Green didn’t impact the game much, but was able to guard on the perimeter without needing help. 6
Bruce Brown Jr (SF) The 26-year-old sparkplug came off the bench and helped the Nuggets sustain the lead and momentum they built. He brings energy and shotmaking to the Denver’s second unit and executed in both of those areas in Game 1. 7
