Nikola Jokic guided Denver to its first NBA title in group historical past Monday night time, because the Nuggets overcame dreadful capturing and a late flurry from Miami’s Jimmy Butler to squeeze previous the Warmth for a frantic 94-89 victory in Sport 5.
Jokic had 28 factors and 16 rebounds for the Nuggets, who missed 20 of their first 22 3-point makes an attempt and 7 of their first 13 free throws however found out how you can shut out the collection on their residence ground.
Butler scored eight straight factors to assist the Warmth take an 87-86 lead with 2:45 left after trailing by seven. He made two extra free throws with 1:58 remaining to assist Miami regain a one-point lead. Then, Bruce Brown bought an offensive rebound and tip-in to provide the Nuggets the lead for good.
Trailing by three with 15 seconds left, Butler jacked up a 3, however missed it. Brown made two free throws to place the sport out of attain and convey the title to Denver for the primary time within the franchise’s 47 years within the league.
Butler completed with 21 factors for the Warmth.