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The 2022-23 NBA season could come to an end Monday, as the Denver Nuggets are just one win shy of a title with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the house. Denver is hosting Game 5, and the Nuggets have been nearly unbeatable on their Ball Arena home floor this season.
Miami will be trying to get the series back home and a sixth game, but those teams with a 3-1 lead in the Finals usually close the sale.
Denver is now listed at -7000 to win the championship (Miami at +2100), according to NBA series odds.
It’s not surprising that the Nuggets are nine-point favorites in Game 5 Monday night, as per NBA odds. Denver, never having won a title (ABA or NBA), has a trio of double-figure Finals wins.
Gordon in Game 4
The Miami Heat appeared to be doing everything right in Game 4 last Friday, controlling the tempo and flow of the game. Miami was keeping things close heading into the final quarter, appearing to catch a big break in that game as well.
Nikola Jokic was forced to the bench early in that stanza after a fifth foul, and the team has struggled when forced to play without him. It didn’t matter this time, as the Nuggets extending their lead. Jokic later returned to close matters.
It was Aaron Gordon as the hero, 27 points (11-of-15 field goals). Gordon has put together a great season with Denver, saving his best game of the season when his team was in need of it.
Jamal Murray, terrific throughout this series, and again in 43 minutes of action Friday evening. Murray had a dozen assists and zero turnovers, setting the tone during his time on the floor.
Miami’s poor shooting resulted in just 8-of-25 three-point field goals. The Heat have excelled beyond the three-point shooting during their improbable run, but now have cooled off considerably at an inopportune time.
Jimmy Butler led Miami with 25 points in Game 4, but may be out of gas after carrying his team throughout the postseason. A difficult test awaits the Heat Monday evening.
It’s a Love Child
While Kevin Love of the Miami Heat has played a pivotal role throughout the playoffs, he has been pulling extra duty during this run. Love and his wife, Kate Bock, became first-time parents Saturday with the birth of their son,
Love didn’t get to celebrate all that long, though, reuniting with his teammates Sunday in Denver. He was at the film session, speaking to the media as well.
Miami is a team without a ton of championship experience on which to rely. Love, part of a 2016 Cavalier team which flipped a 3-1 deficit to whip the 73-win Warriors and earn a title, has that.
Denver’s “Desperate” Demeanor
Denver coach Michael Malone has been challenging his team throughout this run, and had another message Sunday. Malone told his team they need to play as if it’s down three games to one, or “desperation” time.
Malone hasn’t always been happy with the way his team has played. Seeking a first-ever title in the history of the franchise, Malone is out to make sure it happens at home,
Denver has won three consecutive close-out games during these playoffs, but missed out on its first chance in the opening round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There will be some serious pressure on the Nuggets if they lose Monday.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
