When the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets faced off last, the Nuggets secured the league championship with a 4-1 win in the NBA Finals. However, Miami’s star player, Jimmy Butler, believes that past outcome will have little bearing on their upcoming clash in Denver.
Acknowledging the Nuggets as a formidable team, Butler emphasized the need to move on from their Finals defeat. Both teams are striving to return to the Finals this season.
Miami’s recent performance has been strong, with nine wins in their last 11 games, including a five-game winning streak. In their recent 106-96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Butler led the Heat with 22 points, nine assists, and four steals, while Terry Rozier, returning from a four-game absence due to a knee injury, contributed 19 points. Rozier, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in January, has quickly become a key playmaker for Miami, recording 60 assists in his first 11 games with the team.
Rozier’s scoring prowess will be crucial against the Nuggets, who themselves are on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Sacramento Kings 117-96. Jamal Murray’s 32 points and Nikola Jokic’s 19th triple-double of the season (14 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists) were instrumental in Denver’s victory.
Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP, has been in exceptional form, posting a triple-double in four consecutive games. Denver, currently in third place in the Western Conference, is focused on securing the top seed.
Despite Murray playing through shin splints, he delivered an impressive performance against the Kings. Denver coach Michael Malone is mindful of managing Murray’s minutes to keep him fresh for games.
Both teams are gearing up for a competitive matchup, with Miami seeking to continue their winning streak and Denver aiming to maintain their recent dominance.
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