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Miami Heat sizzle in Denver: NBA Finals tied 1-1 as Gabe Vincent shines

Gabe Vincent's game-high 23 points propelled Miami Heat, setting the stage for Game 3 showdown of the NBA finals

The NBA Finals are now tied at 1 game apiece after the Miami Heat handed the Denver Nuggets their first home playoff loss on Sunday night at Ball Arena. The Heat took the series back to Miami even at 1-1, thanks to a game-high 23-point performance by Gabe Vincent.

Read on for a closer look at the highlights and what to expect from Game 3 of the NBA finals!

Highlights from Games 1 and 2

Miami's miraculous postseason run has been plagued with skepticism from the start, but it has only grown since Denver thrashed the Heat in Game 1.

With Kevin Love starting in place of Caleb Martin to add some height and balance to the defensive end, the Nuggets weren't given the same kind of easy looks near the hoop as they did on Thursday in Game 1. The Heat jumped out to an early 11-point lead due to their stifling defense and Max Strus's hot shooting.

The Heat appeared to switch their strategy for Game 2, allowing Jokic to score at will but limiting his assists to a mere four. This hampered the Nuggets' offense. Even though Jamal Murray scored more points than anybody else that night (16), the night finished with the Serbian with 41.

Two miami heat players discussing on basketball court
Credit: nba.com

Game 3 returns to Miami homegrounds

With 3:30 remaining, the lead had grown to 12 points thanks to the efforts of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, Denver made a furious comeback and came within a point of drawing the game. Murray scored 11 straight points for the Nuggets, including two threes, giving the team a chance to win with a three-pointer on their final possession. With no time left on the clock, Miami decided not to foul Murray, and he attempted a contested three-point shot that went wide.

Butler scored 8 of his 21 points in the last period and helped prevent Murray from scoring in the nick of time. Adbayo scored 21, and Strus finished with 14. The series now returns to Miami tied at one game apiece, thanks to another road victory by the underdog squad that has been questioned throughout the playoffs. Game 3 will occur on Wednesday night at 8:30 PM at the Kaseya Center in Dade County.

How excited are you for Game 3 of the NBA Finals? Who do you think will rise victorious? Let us know in the comments below!

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