Tough Heat defy Jokic explosion to level series

Jokic dominated in the third quarter with 18 points, but the Heat responded in the fourth to outscore the Nuggets 36-25.

The Heat jumped out double figure lead in the fourth before Denver hit back with an 11-2 run run to ensure a close finish.

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray had a chance to send the game into overtime with seconds remaining, but his three rimmed out and Miami held on.

It’s Denver’s first home loss of the post-season, ending a 9-0 run.

Jokic, who finished with 41 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, was magnificent for the Nuggets, but he needed more help.

Murray had 18 points, including several clutch threes down the stretch, but he didn’t aim up when Denver needed him the most.

Instead it was Miami thast nailed the big moments in the fourth to level the series at 1-all.

Heat superstar Jimmy Butler (21 points and nine assists) was incredible in the fourth, but it was a complete team performance for the Heat.

Bam Adebayo had 21 points and nine rebounds while Gabe Vincent top-scored with 23 points.

Miami may be an eighth seed who came from the play-in tournament, but the possess a toughness and resilience to compete with the NBA’s best.

This was on show in Game 2 against Denver. The Heat were down double digits in the third quarter, but found a way to respond.

Miami now has the momentum with the series shifting to South Beach for Game 3 and 4.

Game 3 between the Heat and Nuggets is on Thursday from 10.30am (AEST).

4Q: HEAT 101-93

MIAMI HOLDING ON

You’ve got to give Miami credit. The Heat outscored the Nuggets in the fourth quarter in Game 1 – and they’re doing it again.

Jimmy “Buckets” Butler is taking over in the fourth quarter with threes and tough baskets at the rim to give his team the edge.

Denver will do well to win this game.

4Q: HEAT 88-85

HEAT WON’T GO AWAY

The Miami Heat, man. You can only tip your heat. Just when you think they are done, they find a way to fight back and lead by three.

Duncan Robinson just nailed a customary three to reduce the Nuggets’ lead to just two with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Strap yourself in for a thrilling fourth quarter.

3Q: DENVER 83-75

JOKIC EXPLODES IN THIRD TO HAVE NUGGETS ON THE BRINK

Thank god, for Nikola Jokic.

That is what Denver Nuggets fans are thinking after Jokic exploded in the third with 18 points to give his side a handy buffer heading into the fourth quarter.

Jokic was simply sensational to prove he is the world’s best basketballer – and it isn’t even close.

Let’s hope the Serbian star plays at this year’s World Cup because he will give his country every chance of succeeding.

Plus, this scribe wants to watch Jokic play in the flesh.

The big man has 31 points and has his Nuggets on the brink of a 2-0 series lead.

3Q: DENVER 69-66

SHOCKING FOUL CALL COSTS HEAT

You can understand why Miami big man Bam Adebayo was filthy after being slapped with a foul on Nikola Jokic when he clearly missed him.

Jokic received three free-throws, but Adebayo didn’t touch the Serbian star as he attempted a three-point shot.

Bam wanted to challenge the official’s call, but his team opted against the move.

Denver has a slender lead, but Miami is right there and fighting.

3Q: DENVER 64-62

HEAT FIRE, BUT SO DOES JOKIC

Miami have opened the third quarter on a 11-7 run to reduce Denver’s lead to just two points.

Bench weapon Gabe Vincent has been the star for the Heat – dropping a game-high 18 points – including three of four from beyond the arc.

As dominant as Denver was in the second quarter, they can’t take the foot off the throat.

The Heat are so tough and never give up.

HALFTIME: DENVER 57-51

A freakish pass from Serbian sensation Nikola Jokic was a clear highlight as the Nuggets showcased impressive fight to surge back and take a six-point halftime lead.

The Heat came out firing in the first quarter, but the Nuggets responded in the second.

Jokic has 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, including a brillinat one-handed pass for Aaron Gordon to throw down a big dunk.

Denver deserves the lead at the break, but Miami refuse to quit and have done well to only be behind by six points at the break.

Butler is aggressive compared to Game 1. He has 11 points at the break and the Heat will need more from their main man to have any chance of winning this game.

2Q: DENVER 52-43

NUGGETS BENCH KILLING IT BUT HEAT WON’T GO AWAY:

Denver’s bench has contributed 20 points already in a special showing from the team’s role players.

Bruce Brown (7), Jeff Green (7) and Christian Braun (6) all look locked in for the Nuggets.

Denver threatened to open up a big lead, but Miami refuse to give in.

The Heat are one of the rare NBA teams that can struggle, but still find a way to hang tough.

Miami are only behind by eight points.

2Q: DENVER 44-32

NUGGETS HIT BACK:

Denver has opened the second quarter on a 10-3 run to take the lead.

The Nuggets have done really well to steel themselves and respond on the scoreboard.

And it’s Denver bench that is playing a key role.

Both Bruce Brown and Jeff Green have dropped five points each.

Jokic leads the way for Denver with 11 points to help his side make an impressive 18-point turnaround.

Guard Jamal Murray has been magnificent for Denver with eight points, including an impressive drvive to the rim for a three-point play.

1Q: HEAT 26-23

The Denver Nuggets have showcased championship qualities to fight back from aN 11-point first quarter deficit. The Nuggets looked terrible for most of the opening quarter as they gave up ordinary turnovers.

Thankfully, for Denver fans, their team has settled and only trail by three points heading into the second quarter.

The Nuggets need to ramp up their defence in the second to take back control of this game.

Miami will always fight hard – and now they are shooting well – it looks dangerous for Denver unless they lock back in.

1Q: HEAT 21-12

BUTLER FINALLY TO THE FREE-THROW LINE

Miami star Jimmy Butler didn’t make a single free-throw in the Game 1 loss, but he has already bucked that trend early in the first quarter in Game 2.

Butler dropped a pair from the line just minutes into the opening quarter. The Heat gun has shown in the past that he is at his best when he attacks the rim.

Strus is also continuing his hot touch from range while Denver has given up four turnovers.

We all knew Miami would respond – but this is something else.

The Heat are so tough and well coached – and it’s showing.

1Q: HEAT 10-2

MIAMI’S HOT START:

The Heat went cold in Game 1, but they’re locked in to start Game 2.

Miami guard Max Strus struggled in the opening game, shooting 0-10 from range.

Strus has responded in style – nailing consecutive threes to give the Heat an early advantage.

Miami need to come out hard to have any chance of levelling the series.

This is good to watch for the Heat – can Denver respond.

HEAT’S BOLD PRE-GAME MOVE:

The Miami Heat will start veteran forward Kevin Love in Game 2 against Denver instead of Caleb Martin.

Illness prevented Martin from training on Sunday, opening the door for Love to step up.

The 34-year-old is expected to guard Nikola Jokic while Bam Adebayo will guard Aaron Gordon.

Love, a five-time NBA All-Star and championship winner with Cleveland in 2016, possesses the experience and size to make life difficult for Jokic.

Miami need to make a move to level the series and avoid a 0-2 hole in the NBA Finals.

Longley hopes Miami and Denver can set a precedent for other NBA teams to put culture before the quick dollar when building sustained success.

“I’m so excited about this playoff series because neither of these teams have done an LA Lakers and tried to buy a championship team,” Longley said.

“Denver has built it from the ground up, drafted smartly and developed talent.

“And I know (Jimmy) Butler has been in Miami for a couple of years, but they’ve built that team around undrafted guys.

“Both teams pride themselves on not complaining to the refs and not being d***heads on the court.

“They are all playing such a hard-nosed, honest style of basketball that is refreshing because there are so many teams in the NBA or in the world that don’t play that way.

“So, for these two teams to have done it that way and both be in the NBA Finals, hopefully it sets a trend.”

Denver dominated Miami to record a comfortable 104-93 Game 1 victory, but Longley expects the Heat to respond in Game 2.

He believes the men from South Beach were flat in the opening game coming off a seven-game series against the Boston Celtics.

Longley is confident Miami possess the mental toughness and coaching via Erik Spoelstra to hit back and level the series at 1-all.

“I think the Heat will win Game 2 – and that isn’t just wishful thinking,” he said.

“I think they can make the adjustments. They are resilient, really well coached.

“Denver will be feeling pretty good about themselves right now and we know that no matter what you say that is a factor.

“So, I do give Miami a hope.

“They thought that (game 1) they couldn’t buy a bucket because they were tired and their defence needs to be a lot better, but they’ve shown that it can be.

“They can change the defence and if they can hit shots. They lost by 11 and it could have been 20 but it wasn’t a blowout.

“It could have been a lot worse.”

Longley is currently touring the nation to unveil his Aussie Legends Range with the NBA.

The Longley range is a collection of versatile essentials for any basketball or street-style fan, developed in collaboration with Philadelphia-based clothing company Mitchell and Ness Nostalgia Co.

The Australian basketball great feels blessed to be acknowledged with his own clothing and merchandise range.

“When I was playing, we weren’t doing Luc Longley T-shirts, we were doing everybody else,” he said.

“So, for the NBA to recognise that moment in time in basketball, and for me to be involved, I’m flattered and proud.”

Game 2 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Denver will tip-off on Monday from 10am (AEST).