the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 108-95 despite nearly losing Joki to an ankle injury early and then again late due to foul trouble.
Nuggets' Victory Marred by Tragedy
Nuggets Dominate Heat in Game 4 of NBA Finals: Nikola Joki and the Denver Nuggets are now one victory away from their first NBA championship.
On Friday night at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 108-95 despite nearly losing Joki to an ankle injury early and then again late due to foul trouble. The Nuggets mounted another second-half charge and held on late to secure the victory. The Nuggets now hold a 3-1 series advantage heading into Monday night’s Game 5 in Denver, where they can clinch their first championship.
Joki sprained his ankle severely when he landed on the foot of Heat guard Max Strus near the end of the first quarter. He exited the game and proceeded to the locker room for a moment before returning to the bench a few minutes later.
Fortunately for Denver, Joki was healthy. Upon re-entering the game, he made a long 3-pointer almost immediately and completed the first half with 16 points and five rebounds. The Nuggets held a five-point advantage at halftime.
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Then, in the third quarter, the Nuggets assumed control, as they had done multiple times this season. A 10-4 run to start the period gave them their first double-digit lead of the contest.
Gordon converted an alley-oop from Joki and hit a late 3-pointer to give Denver a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, despite the period’s bizarre conclusion.
The Nuggets dominated Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night in Miami to claim a 3-1 series lead.
The Nuggets dominated Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night in Miami to claim a 3-1 series lead. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Heat capitalised on a generous foul decision against Joki early in the fourth quarter that sent him to the bench for the majority of the period. At least they did so immediately. Miami reduced the deficit to five points almost immediately and appeared poised to make a run and even the series. However, that was the closest they came.
The Nuggets held the Heat at arm’s length until Joki entered the game near the four-minute mark, responding to virtually every Heat attack before virtually shutting down Miami’s offence. The Heat scored only four points over a span of more than four minutes as the Nuggets cruised to a 13-point victory.
Gordon led the Nuggets to victory with 27 points. Joki accumulated a total of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Bruce Brown added 21 points off the bench, while Jamal Murray contributed 15 points and 12 assists. The Nuggets shot 50 per cent from 3-point range.
Jimmy Butler had 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Heat. Adebayo contributed 20 points and 11 boards.
Monday night’s Game 5 of the series will take place in Denver.
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