In NBA Finals history, the team that wins Game 3 of a 1-1 series has gone on to win the title 80% of the time (32-8). However, that trend hasn’t held up recently – Game 3 winners in 1-1 Finals have a 3-4 series record since the 2011 Finals.
Denver is 8-13 (.381) in series when tied 1-1, the 2nd-worst mark of any franchise with at least 10 series of that kind (Hawks – 12-20, .375). The Heat are 12-11 in 1-1 series, including 2-2 in the Finals (won in 2012 vs Thunder and 2013 vs Spurs, lost in 2011 vs Mavericks & 2014 vs Spurs).
Bringing The Heat
The Heat pulled off another comeback win in Game 2, something that has defined this playoff run:
7 double-digit comeback wins, tied for the most in the last 25 playoffs (2022 Warriors, 2012 Heat, 2011 Heat). 4 of those have been 2nd half double-digit comebacks, T-most in the last 25 playoffs (2003 Spurs & 2003 Mavericks).
4 wins when trailing after 3 quarters – all by 8+ points. Miami’s 4 wins when trailing by 8+ entering the 4th is the most in a single playoffs in NBA history (passed the 2022 Grizzlies with their Game 2 win).
Miami is 4-5 when down by 8+ points entering the 4th quarter this playoffs. The rest of the NBA is 1-41 in that situation this postseason.
Miami is plus-90 in the 4th quarter this playoffs. That’s the best point differential by any team in any quarter this playoffs. In addition, it’s the 3rd-best 4th quarter point differential in a single postseason in NBA history.
So far this series, the Heat are +21 in the 4th quarter and -29 in the first 3 quarters. In the 4th quarter of Game 2, Miami shot 68.8% from the field (11-16), 3rd-best by any team in the 4th quarter of the last 25 Finals.
Denver "Nuggets"
The Nuggets head on the road where they have been significantly less effective this playoffs, especially on defense. However, Denver has won 3 straight road playoff games, the longest streak in franchise history (excluding the 2020 Bubble).
Michael Malone decried the Nuggets’ lack of effort after Game 2. Denver was much sloppier in Game 2 compared to its Game 1 win. The Nuggets nearly tripled their total fouls and allowed more than double the points off turnovers.
Nikola Jokic scored 41 points in the Game 2 loss. Denver is now 0-3 this playoffs when Jokic scores 40+ points, and 0-4 in his career.
We will break down this game further today on Shemon and Sheppard 2-6pm.
