D’Tigers captain Gabe Vincent led all Miami Heat players with a team-high 23 points as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-108 at the Ball Arena to even the series at 1-1.
The 26-year-old shot 4-of-6 from the 3-point line to go along with four assists as Erik Spoelstra’s team held on for a vital win in their NBA Finals contest with the top-seeded Nuggets.
The Nigerian praised his teammates efforts for the victory. He said: “When it comes down to the wire,” Vincent said, “we’re strangely comfortable.”
Miami began the game with much-visible intent, cruising to a 7-0 lead inside the opening minutes. They ended the first quarter 26-23 with a three-point lead; however, the Nuggets replied instantly in the second quarter with a 34-25 scoreline to head into the halftime break with a six-point lead.
The third quarter witnessed a lot of back and forth but Denver came out on top 26-24, extending their lead to eight. Spoelstra made some adjustments as the Heat headed into the final quarter and they eventually paid off. Miami led the last quarter with eleven points to run away with the win.
Miami takes Game 2 in Denver to even series at 1-1.
Nikola Jokic: 41pts, 11rebs, 4assts
Gabe Vincent: 23pts, 3assts, 66.6% from 3-PT#NBAonAfrosport #NBA #NBAAfrica #NBAFinals #NuggetsvHeat #Freedomofsports pic.twitter.com/3AyLQWrSfn— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) June 5, 2023
Nigerian-American Bam Adebayo poured in 21 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out four assists along with two superb blocks, while Jimmy Butler also added 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic finished with a 41-point and 11-rebound double-double, while Jamal Murray ended the game with 18 points and 10 assists.
The Heat will return home to the Kaseya Center in Miami, as they will be looking to take advantage of their homecourt and continue their fairytale playoff run.
You can watch the Game 3 between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets LIVE on the go for free from 01:00am (West African Time) on Afrosport TV on Free TV Channel 730 and via VIDIVU on Thursday, June 8.
