BBNBA Finals: Jamal Murray misses game-tying triple as Heat take Game 2

ZGeogheganKSR

For almost anyone but Jamal Murray, his potential game-tying three-pointer right before the final buzzer would have been deemed a bad attempt. But considering it was Murray — who thrives on creating and making acrobatic-style shots — everyone in Ball Arena held their collective breaths knowing there was a great chance it might fall right in.

But with time running low in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, Murray’s 24-foot fadeaway triple over the outstretched arm of Jimmy Butler came up just a few inches short. Game over. The Miami ~~Cockroaches~~ Heat stole a home contest against the Denver Nuggets 111-108 and tied the series up at 1-1 as the tides now shift to Miami for Games 3 and 4.

“I just contested it,” Butler said postgame of Murray’s potential game-tying three. “Pretty glad that he missed it.”

Not even a 41-point, 11-rebound performance from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic — arguably the best basketball player in the world right now — could save the Nuggets. It was their first home loss since March 30 and the first time all playoffs they’ve lost after leading by double-digits (previously 11-0).

Facing a 15-point second-quarter deficit despite a hot shooting start from beyond the arc, Miami looked to be in for another smackdown reminiscent of Game 1. Even in an eight-point hole to begin the fourth quarter, the Heat refused to go away — a common trend for this Pat Riley-built franchise all postseason long. Miami outscored Denver 36-25 across the final 12 minutes, stunning the top-seeded Nuggets and a rowdy home crowd along the way.

Murray was mostly quiet in the loss aside from a surge of scoring down the stretch. Eight of his 18 points came in the fourth quarter, including a clutch triple that made it a three-point game with about 70 seconds left in regulation. He threw down a monster transition dunk that resulted in an and-one as well, but his overall production was far too sporadic for what Denver needs out of him.

That being said, Murray still managed his second straight double-double in the Finals as he recorded 10 assists and four rebounds in his nearly 39 minutes of action. The former Wildcat shot 7-15 from the floor overall and 3-8 from deep.

JAMAL MURRAY pic.twitter.com/O6XCIVIiGw
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 5, 2023

As for the Heat, they were able to sneak out of the Mile High City with a Game 2 victory thanks to their undrafted role players. After missing all 10 of his shots in Game 1, Max Strus drilled four three-pointers. Gabe Vincent added 23 points and prevented Miami from drowning when Denver grabbed control. Duncan Robinson was so hot he hit the crowd with a stank face.

But it was the two stars for Miami that fueled the win. Butler finished with 21 points and nine assists while Bam Adebayo contributed 21 of his own (on 8-14 shooting) along with nine rebounds and four assists. Both played 40 minutes. Adebayo followed up arguably his best outing of the postseason thus far in Game 1 with an equally impactful performance in Game 2. He’s feasting on both ends of the floor, even with Jokic posting insane numbers.

BAM ADEBAYO 🔥
MONSTER DUNK 😤

Miami has taken an 11-point lead, under 5 minutes to play on ABC! pic.twitter.com/iyGFUdLuCv
— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2023

Tyler Herro, who continues to trend toward a return after being sidelined on April 16 with a broken hand, was ruled out not long before tipoff. If we believe the recent reporting of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Heat should expect Herro back for Game 3 in Miami. Adding a career 38 percent outside shooter to this pesky Heat squad is just another wrinkle in what is now shaping up to be a must-watch matchup.

We’ve got ourselves a series, folks…