nuggets vs. Heat: Why is this series in the NBA finals so special and particular?

. The debut of those led by Mike Malone brought with it 48 minutes of happiness that represented more than just being undefeated. Nine wins in nine playoff games at home for the Nuggets and a streak that ended for the Heat, who for the first time this season, start a series behind.

The team of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and the giant Jokic they orchestrated an almost perfect match. The Nuggets were in such a rhythm that they did not rely exclusively on the offense of Nikola, who, thanks to his brilliant reading of the game, opted to become a passer and facilitator who reached 10 assists in the first half alone. And it is that, to be the best, you do not need to be a Todista.

The Serbian center became the second player in history to debut in the Finals with a triple-double of 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. However, it was his teammates who, with their quick ball movements, prevented Miami from shining with its defense.

The Florida team left a bad taste in its wake and some numbers that probably will not be repeated if they want to stay alive in this series. 13-39 on 3-pointers, just 2 free throws, the fewest in a Finals game, surpassing the 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983, Max Strus with 0-10 from the field, Caleb Martin with 1-7, Duncan Robinson with 1-6 and a slightly productive Butler made for a night to forget. Will the number 8 of the Eastern Conference be able to draw the sword of champion once again and show why they went this far?

Tonight, at 7:00 pm, the 2nd game will be played and it is expected that Bam Adebayo, Gabe Vincent and the surprising Haywood Highsmith continue with the task of keeping the ship afloat. Plus, with the Nuggets having home court advantage, Miami must win if it wants to become the team that has won at least one road game in every playoff series thus far. But, as point guard Murray rightly says, Nuggets basketball forces your defense not to lose focus for a second and for the rival to understand that, in each quarter, there is not a single protagonist. Let the bets run!