Nuggets regain lead in NBA Finals

A terrific performance by Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to their second win in the NBA Finals series against the Miami Heat. At 109:94 in Florida, the Serb came up with a triple double from 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists, giving the Nuggets a victory that was no longer in danger in the second half. Never before has there been such a haul from a basketball player in a game of the NBA Finals.

When asked what that means to him, Jokic said on US television: “Honestly, not much. I’m just glad we won a game. We just didn’t want to be 2-1 down.” The Nuggets now go into the fourth game of the best-of-seven series with a 2-1 lead and need two more wins to reach their first championship in history. “We have to win the next one, that will remain our attitude and that’s how we’ll get there,” said Jokic.

After a hard-fought first half after the break, his team reacted to the defeat in the second home game three days earlier with all class. Jokic took control of the game, while Jamal Murray contributed with his own triple double, averaging 34 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. “He’s been outstanding throughout the playoffs,” said Jokic. Meanwhile, Denver had a 21-point lead.

Heat leaders Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both had good stats, but their teammates couldn’t find a way to counter the Nuggets’ defense overall. Butler finished the game with 28 points, Adebayo had 22 points and 17 rebounds.

(dpa)