2024 NBA Season

[livingfree]

They've been underrated even before the playoffs and that's why these paper predictions and thoughts about them, they've proved it to be wrong. And for the 2nd game of theirs against Nuggets, we all knew it that they'll have hard time beating them.
But again, they've proven that they're more than what's expected on them. Despite being the underdogs up to beating Celtics and winning the ECF. Now, they won't just allow the predictions to tell them their fate.

I said it. I had a feeling that the Miami Heat was going to win the second game. Because they know very well that if they do not win the second game there is a high chance that they will not be able to make a comeback. Now it has become a lot more interesting. The Miami Heat was actually in trouble in this game. I did not think that they would actually be able to catch up to the Denver Nuggets after being behind on the scoreboard. But in the last quarter, the Miami Heat should a really good performance and actually came out as the winner of the game.

That is for sure and that's what everyone else is thinking about them and good thing that they're able to get this game 2. We saw how Nuggets wept Lakers easily and that can't be far from happening against the Heat but it's all good now.

They did good and everything for their shooting was perfect unlike game 1.

They've been underrated even before the playoffs and that's why these paper predictions and thoughts about them, they've proved it to be wrong. And for the 2nd game of theirs against Nuggets, we all knew it that they'll have hard time beating them.

But again, they've proven that they're more than what's expected on them. Despite being the underdogs up to beating Celtics and winning the ECF. Now, they won't just allow the predictions to tell them their fate.

Yes, they made a good adjustment, especially at the last quarter of the game, Duncan Robinson, who's making lots of turnovers in the first quarter
come alive and bring the lift the Heat needs to cut the lead.

While Vincent, Butler and Bam finished the job and snatch the win against the home team, I like the aggressiveness of all the heat players.

They are all-in and they are really taking the big risk shooting the ball. Good thing that it's better compared to game 1.

Right, much better than the game 1 obviously and I think this was what they're trying to do on game 1 but their hands weren't as good as the game 2.

And by game 3, they should maintain that type of shooting.

[wheelz1200]

I honestly didn't expect Nuggets to lose at home, this is something shocking to me. After the first game I started to think that Nuggets could even end up with some sweep, because Joker wasn't that easy to defend, dude can pass anytime he wants and can end up scoring anyway he pleases as well.

They risked his shooting and scoring and just covered his passes, if you keep everyone else defended very well, that means he is just a pure scorer and sure he can score as much as he wants to and even maybe be efficient at it as well but if you limit every other 4 guy on the floor (all five when Jokic is at bench) then you are talking about others covering the difference enough to win. Never could have seen this tactic and definitely something amazing.

Yeah this was shocking to me too.  I mean I guess I have been under estimating the heat all season long.  Maybe this Ultram is really just that good.  I can't figure out how it's possible but I guess this is a fine example of the group is worth more than the individual parts combined.  This would be insane if they took the chip home.  I'm kind of rooting for them now. 

[Volgastallion]

I really want Jokic to be champion of the NBA he really deserve the ring and the MVP, b ut i have to said i also feel really love for how Miami its playing, they are fighting like no tomorrow, hats off to them.

I dont know what we can expect in game 3, but seems like Spoelstra find some key....

[jakelyson]

Was that a holy shit game or what? Denver 1st home loss in the playoffs. Both teams led by more than 10 at 1 point in the game but Miami stayed focused and took game 2. WOW is all I can say.

For me, I think the coach of the Miami Heat really knows what to do Erik Spoelstra really knows from the beginning what to do and what they need, to do, and with this game they just let Nikola Jokic score, while concentrating all of their defense on the other 4 players and it was effective

What a bomb made by Jokic has got 41 points but still not enough with the 3-point lead win made by the Heat. The start of Heat was good and I think that Spo should always include Love there.

He has gotten 41 points because the Miami Heat have let him do the scoring for their team, which means the Miami Heat have stopped the other payers from getting as much point more than 20 points limiting the Joker to shooting inside shots, while the outside or the deep shots where nowhere to be found, for Jokic, if there was it was just a few shots,

[ChiBitCTy]

I honestly didn't expect Nuggets to lose at home, this is something shocking to me. After the first game I started to think that Nuggets could even end up with some sweep, because Joker wasn't that easy to defend, dude can pass anytime he wants and can end up scoring anyway he pleases as well.

They risked his shooting and scoring and just covered his passes, if you keep everyone else defended very well, that means he is just a pure scorer and sure he can score as much as he wants to and even maybe be efficient at it as well but if you limit every other 4 guy on the floor (all five when Jokic is at bench) then you are talking about others covering the difference enough to win. Never could have seen this tactic and definitely something amazing.

Yeah this was shocking to me too.  I mean I guess I have been under estimating the heat all season long.  Maybe this Ultram is really just that good.  I can't figure out how it's possible but I guess this is a fine example of the group is worth more than the individual parts combined.  This would be insane if they took the chip home.  I'm kind of rooting for them now. 

I think this was kind of shocking to everyone.  I know that Erik Spolstra is one heck of a coach, one of the elites in the NBA right now, but I wasn't sure that they Heat would win any games, especially any games in Denver.

But as you mention, I think we have been all underestimating the Miami Heat all season/playoffs long.  I still think Denver takes it down, but the Heat are clearly not going without a fight.

[carlisle1]

Was that a holy shit game or what? Denver 1st home loss in the playoffs. Both teams led by more than 10 at 1 point in the game but Miami stayed focused and took game 2. WOW is all I can say.

Unbelievable. I was too confident that Denver can take the lead back until their defense seems to fall. I am starting to believe that the Denver Nuggets are in real danger especially if they will let Miami come close to them in the last minutes of the games. The Heat has the deeper playoffs experience and is used to facing adversities, tougher games including comebacks, and winning close games on the road and at home.

Denver is still the favorite to win this series but they better play defense, hustle, and grind hard even if they are leading 2 digits to avoid comebacks which is very normal to Miami.

Seeing the odds moving much closer than it was last time means that the bookies are now having some doubts about the Nuggets chances in winning every game and if they cannot win in the hostile ground for the next two games, their chances and odds will become much lower and probably will become an underdog in this series. But I don't think we can able to see that kind of scenario as just like what the Heat did, Nuggets is now preparing for their next execution against the Heat and will have some certain adjustments so that their chances of loss will be minimized.

I believe that after that loss they will be doing big adjustments to play much deeper defense. I think Miami made a good
adjustment last game 2 and it's time now for Denver to make those adjustments.

Tied series and it looks like after that win, Miami is now gaining the momentum. They will go to play at home now. It will be tough as they
will going to try to advance and get the series lead.

While on the Dever side, they will try to regain that lead, a competition between coach strategy and best executions to expect from both teams.

[Marvell1]

...

I also got no confidence for Miami Heat this season because their performance during the regular games was not that great but all has been changed ever since they were defeated by the Atlanta Hawks in the first rounds of play-in, and then Jimmy Butler activated his playoffs mode after that with of course the additional of Bam Adebayo and other undrafted players that has been making good gameplay since they defeated the Chicago Bulls to attain a seat in the post season.

Afterwards, they kept on making history and defeated the #1 and #2 in the Eastern conference and became the one and only play-in team to achieve and participate the Finals.

The thing is when a team is inconsistent and is still being able to beat teams like #1 and #2 I start believing that the team is going to actually win when it comes to big matches.
That's why I am thinking of Miami Heat may really take the win.

That is for sure and that's what everyone else is thinking about them and good thing that they're able to get this game 2. We saw how Nuggets wept Lakers easily and that can't be far from happening against the Heat but it's all good now.
They did good and everything for their shooting was perfect unlike game 1.

The Denver Nuggets are still going to be the favorite. Unless the Miami Heat is able to take the 3rd game.
The third game is going to be the pivotal point of this final in my opinion.

[TravelMug]

This might be the first time that the Nuggets are questioning themselves as far as the Finals series goes. Gone are their homecourt advantage, their perfect home record in the playoffs-gone.

So the pressure is now on the shoulder of the Nuggets team, they have a good lead at the 3rd quarter and yet they blow it out and allow the Heat to score very easy at the outside. It was Duncan Robinson who spark the Heat and that's all they needed to make a comeback and then take a double digit lead. And the Nuggets has a chance to tie it and force an OT but Murray missed that tying 3 point.

[Dave1]

Have you guys seen what Miami did to the Nuggets?

The favorites experienced their first home loss in the postseason, and that was huge considering Jimmy wasn't even at his best. As we can see, it's all about the adjustments made by the Heat's coach, Spo. They allowed Joker to score until he got tired in the 4th quarter, but they made sure to defend his teammates, and that was a big win for them.

Murray was limited to only 18 points, while Porter had just 5 points. They can't really win with those numbers.


I'm glad there's a poll, voted on the Miami Heat to win.

It's also that the whole Heat team shot better than the first game, and then they allow Jokic to get the ball and have a small guy in front of him. So definitely, he will take that as an invite to score and yes he did, but he didn't have that much assists, so no triple double for the big guy.

Same with the last game, if Struss and Gabe Vincent will not score then most likely they are going to lose the game.

Now, we will see for the first time how the Nuggets team are built, if they can hurdle not having the home court advantage.

[LogitechMouse]

The Denver Nuggets are still going to be the favorite. Unless the Miami Heat is able to take the 3rd game.
The third game is going to be the pivotal point of this final in my opinion.

This is an outdated stats coming from NBA websiteitself, but at least we have a glimpse on it base on history.

Teams that win Game 3 of a 1-1 best-of-seven series go on to win the series 73.3% of the time (162-59).

Game 3 will be a crucial one for both teams because that increases their chances of winning in the whole series. In this 2023 playoffs, the record is 12-2 meaning teams who are winning in Game 3 wins 85.71% of the time. Right now, the Heat have to defend their home court, but in their last series against the Celtics, they lost 2 straight on their home, so we don't know if the Heat can win at least 1 in their home, and knowing that the Nuggets are 4-3 on the road, they have a chance to steal one. Anyway, I will agree that the Nuggets are still the favorite here despite losing Game 2, but that will chance if the Heat defend their home in the next 2 games.

This might be the first time that the Nuggets are questioning themselves as far as the Finals series goes. Gone are their homecourt advantage, their perfect home record in the playoffs-gone.

So the pressure is now on the shoulder of the Nuggets team, they have a good lead at the 3rd quarter and yet they blow it out and allow the Heat to score very easy at the outside. It was Duncan Robinson who spark the Heat and that's all they needed to make a comeback and then take a double digit lead. And the Nuggets has a chance to tie it and force an OT but Murray missed that tying 3 point.

Coach Malone said in an interview that the Game 2 was their worst performance in the whole 2023 NBA playoffs. He might be angry, but for sure he will made some adjustments.
On the other hand, let's give credits to the arguably the best coach currently in Coach Spo. He is a great tactician who knows to adjust, and make effective decisions if needed. He made some adjustments after that Game 1 loss, put Love in the starting 5 to prevent mismatches, and that is one reason why they won.

Pressure on the Nuggets team? Probably because it's their first loss on the road this playoffs, but I don't think that the pressure will let them lose their confidence in themselves. After all, the Nuggets are the top team in the West for most of the regular season. I guess they need to adjust how Jokic plays from a shooter-first player to a pass-first player because the Nuggets are better in that way.

[tusandii]

Miami vs Nuggets.

The match between the two teams, which are equally strong, will take place on Thursday, June 8.
This will be quite an interesting match because it will bring together the holders of the 1st position in the western region and the 8th position in the eastern region.
The reason is that from the previous 2 matches they had one win each so for now the position is 1 - 1.
In Game 3 this coming Thursday I believe the Nuggets will be able to win it.

It's going to be a phenomenal serie.

[Yaunfitda]

Miami vs Nuggets.

The match between the two teams, which are equally strong, will take place on Thursday, June 8.
This will be quite an interesting match because it will bring together the holders of the 1st position in the western region and the 8th position in the eastern region.
The reason is that from the previous 2 matches they had one win each so for now the position is 1 - 1.
In Game 3 this coming Thursday I believe the Nuggets will be able to win it.

Everyone has his own prediction in game 3, the Nuggets just a slight betting favorite odds, but unlike before wherein the Heat is like 3:1 underdog. In game 3, it's around 1.8 for the Nuggets, while the Miami is 2.14.

It's going to be a phenomenal serie.

Well, everyone thought that this is going to be easy series for the Nuggets, but after game 2, it's very different game now. And if I may say, maybe we will see some shift on the momentum. This time the tide is with the Heat based on what they show in the road.

[livingfree]

That is for sure and that's what everyone else is thinking about them and good thing that they're able to get this game 2. We saw how Nuggets wept Lakers easily and that can't be far from happening against the Heat but it's all good now.
They did good and everything for their shooting was perfect unlike game 1.

The Denver Nuggets are still going to be the favorite. Unless the Miami Heat is able to take the 3rd game.
The third game is going to be the pivotal point of this final in my opinion.

It's because the game 3 will make one of them have the lead on this series. I think what's crucial is if this match goes to game 5 and that's where the turning point.

But then, you're right that the Denver Nuggets is still the heavy favorite on this series and we can't stop those that likes them to have it. While the Heat remains to be the underdog, 2 games straight will be played on their home court.

So, game 3 and game 4 could be where they get the momentum until they reaches the game 5 which is like the determining game for this series.

[btc_angela]

That is for sure and that's what everyone else is thinking about them and good thing that they're able to get this game 2. We saw how Nuggets wept Lakers easily and that can't be far from happening against the Heat but it's all good now.
They did good and everything for their shooting was perfect unlike game 1.

The Denver Nuggets are still going to be the favorite. Unless the Miami Heat is able to take the 3rd game.
The third game is going to be the pivotal point of this final in my opinion.

It's because the game 3 will make one of them have the lead on this series. I think what's crucial is if this match goes to game 5 and that's where the turning point.

But then, you're right that the Denver Nuggets is still the heavy favorite on this series and we can't stop those that likes them to have it. While the Heat remains to be the underdog, 2 games straight will be played on their home court.

So, game 3 and game 4 could be where they get the momentum until they reaches the game 5 which is like the determining game for this series.

And I think that's good for the Nuggets to remain favorite, I mean the Heat said that it doesn't manner, as long as they got the job done, just like what they did in game 2, they are ok being the underdog (and that's what has been happening since their game 1 playoff game against the Bucks).

So let's see what is going to happen in game 3, the Heat wanted to get the upper hand now and the momentum and take a 2-1 lead. They have now the home court advantage and just imagine winning 2 at their home, they will be up 3-1 and will have total control of the series, just like against the Celtics wherein they storm the gate and go 3-0.

[danherbias07]

And I think that's good for the Nuggets to remain favorite, I mean the Heat said that it doesn't manner, as long as they got the job done, just like what they did in game 2, they are ok being the underdog (and that's what has been happening since their game 1 playoff game against the Bucks).

So let's see what is going to happen in game 3, the Heat wanted to get the upper hand now and the momentum and take a 2-1 lead. They have now the home court advantage and just imagine winning 2 at their home, they will be up 3-1 and will have total control of the series, just like against the Celtics wherein they storm the gate and go 3-0.

Yeah, but they failed to keep the gate closed after storming it. This is going to be an unpredictable series after the Miami Heat won in the Denver Nuggets homecourt. Somehow, there are now NBA fans that believe in them and one of them is my friend who doesn't even want to get a handicap even though I offered one. He said the Miami Heat will win but I am a Jokic fan so I am betting for the Nuggets. I like his certainty about the Heat winning Game 3 but it's not like the Nuggets will just let them take the lead after they stole one from their home.
I bet the Nuggets will try to get some revenge by taking one from the Heat too and then Game 4 will be another unpredictable game. That's more fun than being a one-sided match and I love it.

[ultrloa]

And I think that's good for the Nuggets to remain favorite, I mean the Heat said that it doesn't manner, as long as they got the job done, just like what they did in game 2, they are ok being the underdog (and that's what has been happening since their game 1 playoff game against the Bucks).

So let's see what is going to happen in game 3, the Heat wanted to get the upper hand now and the momentum and take a 2-1 lead. They have now the home court advantage and just imagine winning 2 at their home, they will be up 3-1 and will have total control of the series, just like against the Celtics wherein they storm the gate and go 3-0.

Yeah, but they failed to keep the gate closed after storming it. This is going to be an unpredictable series after the Miami Heat won in the Denver Nuggets homecourt. Somehow, there are now NBA fans that believe in them and one of them is my friend who doesn't even want to get a handicap even though I offered one. He said the Miami Heat will win but I am a Jokic fan so I am betting for the Nuggets. I like his certainty about the Heat winning Game 3 but it's not like the Nuggets will just let them take the lead after they stole one from their home.
I bet the Nuggets will try to get some revenge by taking one from the Heat too and then Game 4 will be another unpredictable game. That's more fun than being a one-sided match and I love it.

Miami's game 1 lose makes fans doubt if they can win against nuggets, but they prove on game two that even though they are been called as underdog still they have capabilities to defeat Nuggets on this series. And since Game 3 will be in their home court for sure there will be a lot of confidence for Miami's roster and provably they are well prepared to perform the same and defeat Nuggets again. But also for sure Nuggets will adjust the phase and for sure game 3 will be a good head to head battle between them.

[JooBra]

And I think that's good for the Nuggets to remain favorite, I mean the Heat said that it doesn't manner, as long as they got the job done, just like what they did in game 2, they are ok being the underdog (and that's what has been happening since their game 1 playoff game against the Bucks).

So let's see what is going to happen in game 3, the Heat wanted to get the upper hand now and the momentum and take a 2-1 lead. They have now the home court advantage and just imagine winning 2 at their home, they will be up 3-1 and will have total control of the series, just like against the Celtics wherein they storm the gate and go 3-0.

Yeah, but they failed to keep the gate closed after storming it. This is going to be an unpredictable series after the Miami Heat won in the Denver Nuggets homecourt. Somehow, there are now NBA fans that believe in them and one of them is my friend who doesn't even want to get a handicap even though I offered one. He said the Miami Heat will win but I am a Jokic fan so I am betting for the Nuggets. I like his certainty about the Heat winning Game 3 but it's not like the Nuggets will just let them take the lead after they stole one from their home.
I bet the Nuggets will try to get some revenge by taking one from the Heat too and then Game 4 will be another unpredictable game. That's more fun than being a one-sided match and I love it.

Miami's game 1 lose makes fans doubt if they can win against nuggets, but they prove on game two that even though they are been called as underdog still they have capabilities to defeat Nuggets on this series. And since Game 3 will be in their home court for sure there will be a lot of confidence for Miami's roster and provably they are well prepared to perform the same and defeat Nuggets again. But also for sure Nuggets will adjust the phase and for sure game 3 will be a good head to head battle between them.

For me it all comes to Denver can there be someone who can assist Jokic and they will win it. They need 1 or 2 more guys to have their night so they can secure a win. It's Denvers series to lose.

[casperBGD]

~snip
For me it all comes to Denver can there be someone who can assist Jokic and they will win it. They need 1 or 2 more guys to have their night so they can secure a win. It's Denvers series to lose.

yeah, Jokic can't do it alone, and it is boiling down to who, if anyone, will be there to help and score points
Miami has a good team spirit, probably better (if not best in the league) coach, but they are tired as well, so it will not be easy, especially if series goes to games 6 or 7, and I doubt Miami can have a winning strike

on the other side, Denver could have a winning strike, even in away matches, IMO

[Blitzboy]

They've been underrated even before the playoffs and that's why these paper predictions and thoughts about them, they've proved it to be wrong. And for the 2nd game of theirs against Nuggets, we all knew it that they'll have hard time beating them.
But again, they've proven that they're more than what's expected on them. Despite being the underdogs up to beating Celtics and winning the ECF. Now, they won't just allow the predictions to tell them their fate.

I said it. I had a feeling that the Miami Heat was going to win the second game. Because they know very well that if they do not win the second game there is a high chance that they will not be able to make a comeback. Now it has become a lot more interesting. The Miami Heat was actually in trouble in this game. I did not think that they would actually be able to catch up to the Denver Nuggets after being behind on the scoreboard. But in the last quarter, the Miami Heat should a really good performance and actually came out as the winner of the game.

That is for sure and that's what everyone else is thinking about them and good thing that they're able to get this game 2. We saw how Nuggets wept Lakers easily and that can't be far from happening against the Heat but it's all good now.

They did good and everything for their shooting was perfect unlike game 1.

They've been underrated even before the playoffs and that's why these paper predictions and thoughts about them, they've proved it to be wrong. And for the 2nd game of theirs against Nuggets, we all knew it that they'll have hard time beating them.

But again, they've proven that they're more than what's expected on them. Despite being the underdogs up to beating Celtics and winning the ECF. Now, they won't just allow the predictions to tell them their fate.

Yes, they made a good adjustment, especially at the last quarter of the game, Duncan Robinson, who's making lots of turnovers in the first quarter
come alive and bring the lift the Heat needs to cut the lead.

While Vincent, Butler and Bam finished the job and snatch the win against the home team, I like the aggressiveness of all the heat players.

They are all-in and they are really taking the big risk shooting the ball. Good thing that it's better compared to game 1.

Right, much better than the game 1 obviously and I think this was what they're trying to do on game 1 but their hands weren't as good as the game 2.

And by game 3, they should maintain that type of shooting.

Certainly, it's no secret that the Denver Nuggets, having brushed aside the Lakers, are a force to reckon with! Yet, let's not forget about the Miami Heat's potential to turn the tide, just as they did in game 2! The path ahead looks as uncertain as a coin mid-flip, don't you think? Oh, the thrill of the game!

In the grand scheme of this final series, game 3 could play a pivotal role as a springboard for whoever clinches it. And here's an interesting twist, if we were to take this series to game 5, my dear, things could become seriously enthralling! So let's stay on our toes! The excitement of this series could rival a squirrel in a nut factory!

[carlisle1]

~snip
For me it all comes to Denver can there be someone who can assist Jokic and they will win it. They need 1 or 2 more guys to have their night so they can secure a win. It's Denvers series to lose.

yeah, Jokic can't do it alone, and it is boiling down to who, if anyone, will be there to help and score points
Miami has a good team spirit, probably better (if not best in the league) coach, but they are tired as well, so it will not be easy, especially if series goes to games 6 or 7, and I doubt Miami can have a winning strike

on the other side, Denver could have a winning strike, even in away matches, IMO

That capabilities from the Nuggets is no doubt, they can win away from their home with the solid squad they just need to execute well
and play tougher defense not to give Miami players a confidence to keep shooting the ball.

Just like how they set their defense in game 1, they need to rotate and not to give those open 3's as Heat shooters will not hesitate to
take it, most likely they will keep throwing it as they are playing in their home crowd.

Game 3 again will be an interesting matchup. Both teams are eager to win and that's really nice to see during the finals.