With a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals, the Nuggets are on the cusp of winning the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Heat in Game 5 at Ball Arena in Denver.
Final | Nuggets 94, Heat 89
Nikola Jokic would not be denied.
Not against the Heat’s vaunted defense, not against any remaining naysayers and not from spearheading the Nuggets’ first championship in their franchise history.
A 56-year wait, including 47 years since entering the NBA, ended on Monday night. Jokic, once an obscure second-round pick, made sure of it. An ugly defensive battle turned beautiful for the champion Nuggets, Mike Singer reports. Read the full story.
Live updates
Fourth-quarter updates
Ballgame: There it is, Nuggets fans. The thing you’ve been waiting for your whole life has finally happened. The Nuggets are NBA champions. It wasn’t pretty. But who cares!?!?! This place is going BA-NAN-AS!!! Wave your towels. Light your fireworks. This. Is. Beautiful. — Matt Schubert
What can Brown do for you? (8:59 p.m.): Bruce Brown just snagged a rebound and drains both free throws. Nuggets up 94-89 with 14.3 second to go. — Joe Nguyen
K.C.P. (8:55 p.m.): What. A. Steal. — Joe Nguyen
And the Nuggets might win this thing with defense. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who hit a big wing 3 not too long ago, just jumped the passing lane and picked off a Jimmy Butler kick-out. After burying a couple of free throws (finally), the Nuggets have a 92-89 lead with 24.7 seconds to go. That might be the loudest I’ve ever heard a crowd cheer for a pair of made free throws. — Matt Schubert
Bruce Brown from the top rope! (8:54 p.m.): A Brucy B putback has the Nuggets ahead going into the final minute. Get the defibrillator ready. — Matt Schubert
What injury? (8:45 p.m.): Guess the wrist wasn’t too bad, eh? KCP with a huge 3 from the wing. — Matt Schubert
Serious sloppiness here (8:44 p.m.): These two teams are completely gassed. Nuggets hanging on for dear life up 81-76 with 5:00 to go. — Matt Schubert
Man amongst boys (8:38 p.m.): Aaron Gordon with one of the more hellacious blocks you will ever see on a jump shot. Bonus: It came against Colorado Public Enemy No. 1, Kyle Lowry. After Jamal Murray buries an elbow jumper, it’s 81-76 Nuggets with 6:42 to go. Buckle up, buttercup. — Matt Schubert
The nerves of this game have been best displayed at the foul line, where everyone is missing from Nikola Jokic to Christian Braun. But a big block by AG and a calm jumper by Jamal Murray have the Nuggets feeling in control with 6:42 left … potentially in the NBA season. — Bennett Durando
"BLOCKED BY GORDON."
Jamal Murray scores on the other end to give Denver a 5-point lead!
⏰ 6:42 to go in Game 5 on ABC | DEN leads 3-1 pic.twitter.com/cD6na0ijLq
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2023
Can’t buy a basket (8:36 p.m.): Which team? Both teams. — Joe Nguyen
KCP questionable (8:30 p.m.): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is questionable to return after spraining his wrist on that hard fall in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert
IT’S OVER (8:28 p.m.): And then Rocky buries the half-court shot. The Heat is in trouble. Big trouble. — Matt Schubert
Zone, cracked (8:27 p.m.): On back-to-back possessions, the Nuggets dissect Miami’s zone, the last resulting in a Jamal Murray 3. It’s suddenly 75-71 Nuggets with 10:59 left, and there’s energy back in Ball Arena. — Matt Schubert
Third-quarter analysis — Heat 71, Nuggets 70
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: All Hail MPJ! Stat to keep an eye on down the stretch: Turnovers. The Nuggets are 5-3 this postseason when committing 11 turnovers or more; 10-1 when it’s 10 giveaways or fewer. They’ve turned it over 12 times through three quarters. Hang on tight, kids.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: If the Nuggets are going to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy tonight, they’re going to have to win the fourth quarter. No easy task against the Heat. What does tight look like? How about 9 of 17 from the free-throw line and 3 for-23 from 3. Amazingly, the Nuggets are only down one despite those absolutely dreadful numbers. Who’s gonna take this thing home?
Third-quarter updates
MP-Jolt of energy (8:20 p.m.): Michael Porter Jr. gets a loud ovation coming off the court. He has been in the Nuggets’ energy in this one. Gotta believe he’s going to see minutes in the fourth quarter. — Matt Schubert
No one’s shooting well (8:17 p.m.): The Heat are shooting 37.3% from the field. The Nuggets are shooting 43.5%. — Joe Nguyen
Struggles (8:12 p.m.): A missed dunk. A couple of missed 3s. And an absolutely indefensible turnover from Jamal Murray. The Heat is more than willing to give the Nuggets this game. They just don’t seem to want to take it. 64-60 Heat with 3:58 left in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert
Painting their way (8:06 p.m.): Before that Murray 3-pointer, the Nuggets’ 57 points came on 44 in the paint and six at the FT line. Seven from everywhere else. — Parker Gabriel
Another dime (8:04 p.m.): MPJ on the break might be one of the better Nuggets plays tonight. He’s got two transition assists now after pushing the pace and feeding Jamal Murray for a corner 3. We’re all tied up, folks. 60-all with 6:44 left in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert
In the paint (8:03 p.m.): Nuggets have 42 points in the paint, five at the FT line and are 1/17 from 3-point range. — Parker Gabriel
3-point woes continue (7:59 p.m.): Make that 1 of 16 from the 3-point line after Aaron Gordon’s miss. — Joe Nguyen
Halftime analysis — Heat 51, Nuggets 44
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: To me, this feels pretty simple aside from the looming potential for more foul trouble: If Jamal Murray shows up for the second half, the Nuggets celebrate with the fans tonight. If he doesn’t, Eric Spoelstra might actually turn off the AC during Game 6.
Parker Gabriel, sports reporter: Pick your cringe from the Nuggets. Is it 1/15 from 3-point range? 3/8 from the FT line? 10 turnovers? Probably fair to say it could be a lot worse than a seven-point deficit. But if shots don’t start to fall, that sentiment won’t matter.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist:Non-Jokic dudes on treys? 0-for-12. Now history says they’re due for positive regression, but you need defense to hold serve until those shots come back. And Jamal Murray. Mucho Murray.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: In make or miss league, Nuggets are 1-15 from beyond the arc and one of few misses that had real chance to go down was Joker’s heave from beyond halfcourt at 2Q buzzer.
Ryan McFadden, sports reporter: The Nuggets’ offense looked sloppy throughout the first half. They had 10 turnovers and went 1-15 from the 3-point line in the first half. Denver’s free throw shooting was just as bad, going 3-8 from the charity stripe. Every time the Nuggets would go on a run, they will put themselves back in a hole with turnovers and fouls.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: It appears the Nuggets have saved their worst shooting performance of the season for a potential championship closeout game. The Nuggets are 1 of 14 from the 3-point line and 3 of 8 from the charity stripe after two quarters. The one guy who’s shown up? The one who’s been MIA the last three games: Michael Porter Jr has 10 points and eight rebounds. Somebody wake this team up.
Second-quarter updates
3-point woes (7:37 p.m.): Denver can’t buy a shot beyond the arc. The Nuggets are 1 of 14 from the 3-point line.
They’re also 3 of 8 from the free-throw line. — Joe Nguyen
Surprised the Nuggets haven’t asked yet to check if the rims are crooked. — Bennett Durando
Sloppy (7:33 p.m.): That’s 10 turnovers already for the Nuggets. Really sloppy, uncharacteristic mistakes. — Mike Singer
Reset (7:26 p.m.): Nikola Jokic sends bodies flying in the post. KCP knocks down a mid-range shot after getting chased off the arc. Then KCP grabs a loose ball and feeds Bruce Brown for a fastbreak slam. And just like that, it’s a four-point game. — Matt Schubert
The game will come down to… (7:23 p.m.): whether Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray avoid a quick third foul, and whether Aaron Gordon can avoid a quick fourth whenever he returns. If the fouls become a non-issue, I don’t think a 10-point deficit is much for the Nuggets to sweat. Remember, they trailed LA by 15 at halftime of the clinching game in the WCF after a first half featuring referee theatrics. But right now, this game lacks any sense of rhythm because of the lineup shuffling. — Bennett Durando
Heat surge (7:23 p.m.): Not a lot of flow for the Nuggets on the offensive end, even without Nikola Jokic coming back in the game. This is going to be a critical 7:17. Spot Miami and big halftime lead and it’s going to be a tense second half at Ball Arena. Remember, the Heat owns the fourth quarter. You do not want to enter the last 12 minutes trailing. — Matt Schubert
Wham, Bam (7:22 p.m.): Bam having his way so far tonight. He’s got 14 and just fed Duncan Robinson for a layup after an ORB to push Miami’s lead to 10. It’s 9-2 Heat over the 1:58 since since AG picked up his third foul. — Parker Gabriel
The locals are getting restless (7:17 p.m.): The home team is not getting a friendly whistle, and Ball Arena is NOT pleased. — Matt Schubert
Aaron Gordon picks up his third foul with 9:09 left in the second quarter. Crowd is incredulous. Didn’t look like there was much consideration to challenging. Joker and KCP coming back in. Officiating very much impacting this game. — Mike Singer
MPJokic (7:15 p.m.): Seven points, eight boards and two assists — including one in transition to Christian Braun — for Michael Porter Jr. A nice Jokic impression so far. — Parker Gabriel
Nuggets’ slow start (7:13 p.m.): Seven turnovers so far in the game and the team seems like its struggling in its half-court offense with Jokic on the bench. Miami leading 28-22 with 10:30 to go in the second. — Joe Nguyen
First-quarter analysis — Heat 24, Nuggets 22
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: Where would the Nuggets be right now without MPJ’s 7 and 7 at the quarter? He’s compensating for that missing 3-point stroke by cutting, crashing the glass, seeking and absorbing contact off the dribble. He’s doing the right things, and the Nuggets need that without Joker and AG at the moment.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Let’s have some trivia! So this is De’Andre Jordan’s first action since Game 4 of the Minnesota series — the Nuggs’ only loss in that subset — back on April 23. And first block in any game, playoff or otherwise, since March 31 at Phoenix. This game gonna get weird, ain’t it?
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Just when the Nuggets were about to rip the roof off the joint, Joker went to the bench with two fouls. Close out games ain’t easy. Buckle up, buttercups.
Matt Schubert, sports editor:The good news: We’ve got a high-energy night from Michael Porter Jr. on tap. The bad news: Two fouls each for Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic means more minutes for Jeff Green and DeAndre Jordan than you’d like to see. Given the circ*mstances, a 24-22 Heat lead isn’t terrible.
First-quarter updates
MPJ’s strong quarter (7:06 p.m.): His jump shot is still off, but MPJ has seven points, seven rebounds and an assist in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Foul trouble (7:02 p.m.): The Nuggets’ big men are struggling with foul trouble. Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and now Jeff Green have two apiece in the first quarter.
DeAndre Jordan now in the game. — Joe Nguyen
Foul issues early (7:01 p.m.): First AG picked up two fouls, now Jokic has two as well with time left still in the first quarter. Without the big men on the floor, Bam Adebayo has gone to work against Jeff Green. The result? Miami back in front 21-18 and Bam headed to the line for a FT after this break with 2:14 left in the opening quarter.
Joker’s fouls (7 p.m.): Joker picks up his second foul on a block vs. Lowry. He heads to the bench, and MPJ’s coming back in. Both he and AG with two fouls each. — Mike Singer
MPJ fighting it again early (6:57 p.m.): Michael Porter Jr. finally got a bucket to go and the officials waved it off. He hasn’t shot it well in this series, but he’s got energy tonight at least. If he finds the range, look out. — Parker Gabriel
Foresight (6:57 p.m.): Nikola Jokic and DJ just saw the play coming from Miami. Pistol action coming. Both called it out before Porter was done with his second FT.
DJ’s known for knowing every team’s set. — Mike Singer
The Nuggets are fine (6:53 p.m.): Think Denver is nervous? I knew this was over when … Jimmy Butler missed two free throws out of a timeout. It’s a 12-0 Denver run despite four turnovers in the first five minutes. Miami might have already missed the window. — Bennett Durando
Hello there (6:50 p.m.): This crowd is in a lather! The jitters are gone and Michael Porter Jr is … dropping dimes? After a 6-0 run, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra calls a timeout. This place is ready to blow. 12-5 Denver, with 5:57 left in the first quarter. — Matt Schubert
Nervy (6:45 p.m.): A little pre-championship jitters for the Nuggets? Two turnovers on the first two possessions is no way to start. Not a lot of fluidity early on. And the Heat is getting decent looks from 3. Still, it’s 6-5 Nuggets at the first break. — Matt Schubert
There’s nervous energy everywhere. Nuggets trying to ease their way into this game, and Heat punching their way into it. AG picks up his second foul, and Malone might need to go to Jeff earlier than anticipated … or BB. — Mike Singer
Turnover galore (6:43 p.m.): First 2:24 and the Nuggets have four turnovers. Miami just committed its first when Bam Adebayo made a nice pass to the bench. — Joe Nguyen
Not a great start (6:40 p.m.): First two plays for the Nuggets result in two turnovers. Miami leads 2-0 early. — Joe Nguyen
Two Denver possessions, two turnovers, 32 seconds. — Bennett Durando
Pre-game updates
Ready (6:28 p.m.): This place is juiced up. Rally towels, buzz, Joker look-a-likes. Fans are ready for a closeout. — Mike Singer
Joker in the building 🃏
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets eye the franchise's first NBA Championship 🍿
Game 5 of the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV TONIGHT at 8:30pm/et on ABC. pic.twitter.com/lGntgz1j79
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2023
Herro returns (5:08 p.m.): Tyler Herro available tonight. Spo: “All hands on deck.” — Bennett Durando
“Like a baby” (4:49 p.m.): Michael Malone: “I slept like a baby… I got up every two hours and cried.”
With a title on the line, Malone’s playing all the hits. — Mike Singer
How they match up (4 p.m.): For the first time in franchise history, Denver is one game away from winning the NBA championship. Denver Post sports reporter Bennett Durando breaks down the three keys they need to do in Game 5 to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Want to see the game in person? It’ll cost you. Post sports reporter Ryan McFadden takes a look at how much tickets for Game 5 are going for — and it’s a pretty penny. — Joe Nguyen
Game predictions
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: The buzz in this building right now does not sound like a crowd that thinks it’s not celebrating a championship tonight. Denver has all but broken the Heat without one of its three best scorers contributing. The series feels over, especially because my hunch is MPJ finally has a big game tonight. But I’ve been wrong a few times before. Pick: Nuggets 121, Heat 100.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: The Heat have a Herro. The Nuggs have about seven heroes. With a victory tonight, the Nuggets would tie the ’07 Spurs for the 11th best postseason winning percentage (.800) in one playoff run by one NBA team since 1973. Destiny’s kiss awaits. Nuggets 107, Heat 104.
Ryan McFadden, sports reporter: Miami will not go away without a fight. Expect the Heat to come out super competitive, with Jimmy Butler having one of his best games of the Finals. But it will not be enough to slow down the Nuggets. Jokic is going to post another triple-double while Denver’s bench is going to deliver once again. Pick: Nuggets 113, Heat 105.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Get your victory celebration ready, because this thing is ending tonight. Four games into this series, it’s clear: The Nuggets are better … by a pretty significant margin. The Heat will no doubt throw the kitchen sink at the Nuggets, but it won’t matter. One more triple-double for Nikola Jokic. A few more highlight reel dunks from Aaron Gordon. And, yes, a clutch shot or two from the Blue Arrow. Drink it in, Denver. The thing you’ve been dreaming about since childhood is about to happen. Nuggets 113, Heat 102.
Nuggets-Heat Game 5: Must-reads
Nuggets treating NBA Finals closeout chance as must-win situation: Act like we’re down 3-1
If coaching doesn’t work out — and there’s little evidence to suggest it won’t — perhaps Nuggets coach Michael Malone can take up a career in psychology.
Before the Nuggets took part in shooting contests and basic drills as part of their practice Sunday, Malone relayed a message as they’ll vie for their first-ever NBA championship on Monday night at Ball Arena.
“My biggest concern going into any close-out game is human nature and fighting against that,” he said. “You’re up 3-1. Most teams, when you’re up 3-1, they come up for air. They relax and they just kind of take it for granted that, oh, we’re going to win this.”
The Nuggets don’t have to look very far for recent examples of teams blowing commanding leads in the postseason. They stormed back, twice, in the Orlando bubble in 2020, against the Jazz and the Clippers, who each owned 3-1 leads against Denver. But the Nuggets wound up on the right side of history that year and forged their way to the conference finals, Mike Singer reports. Read the full story.
Keeler: Nuggets icon David Thompson predicted Denver’s next championship parade would be for Nuggets. One win to go.
David Thompson jumped to conclusions and dunked on the future with his right hand.Just like old times.
He laughs about it now, recalling how the Skywalker turned into a Soothsayer. See, the Nuggets icon was visiting Denver last June 30, which, ya know, also just happened to be theday of the Avs’ raucous Stanley Cup victory parade. He says he gave an interview during said trip and got asked about the burgundy-and-blue party downtown.
“I told them that the next parade would be the Nuggets’ parade,” Thompson recalled with a grin. One of those proud, I-told-ya-so grandpa grins. “That was a year ago at this time.”
And how perfect is this? At 68, the dude who taught the Front Range how to fly is expected to have one of the best seats in the house Monday for the rarest air in Nuggets history, Sean Keeler writes. Read the full column.
Bruce Brown’s career-defining night comes in same city where Jim Larrañaga gave him his pregame ritual
If time is running out on the Nuggets’ symbiotic relationship with Bruce Brown, at least they’ll always have a special place reserved in his pregame routine.
Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals, where else but the city he was taught the ritual, belongs in the highlight reel rotation from now on. It will forever inspire comfort and confidence.
In autumn of 2017, Brown was slumping. It was his second year at the University of Miami, where his responsibilities were heightened as the team’s top returning scorer. He wasn’t meeting expectations early on. A shooting drought had ripple effects on his aggressiveness. Coach Jim Larrañaga took notice and offered Brown a solution. Not X’s and O’s advice, though, Bennett Durando reports. Read the full story.
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