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 Eastern. Thu 1 Jun Game 1: Nuggets 104, Heat 93 Sun 4 Jun Game 2: Heat at Nuggets, 8pm (ABC) 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.