Denver, Colo. (WGR 550) - For the first time in franchise history, the Denver Nuggets are champions of professional basketball.
In the team's first appearance in the NBA Finals, the Nuggets claimed their first Larry O'Brien Trophy following a 94-89 win on Monday night over the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Game 5 of the series.
It was a low-scoring affair for much of the night in Denver, as the Heat took a slim 71-70 lead into the fourth quarter of their do-or-die matchup on the road.
The Nuggets opened the fourth quarter by getting out to a 9-5 run in the first three minutes to take a 79-76 lead. Then over the course of five-and-a-half minutes, the only bucket made by anyone was a Jamal Murray jump shot before Nikola Jokic hit another jump shot to put the Nuggets up 83-76.
It appeared the tide may have turned for a short while for the Heat, as Jimmy Butler did what he needed to do to put Miami in front, 89-88, with 1:58 remaining in regulation. This included some clutch free throws to help the Heat claw their way back into the lead.
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However, that was all Miami could produce in the end, as forward Bruce Brown came off the bench and helped give the Nuggets the lead for good just 27 seconds later with a rebound under the basket.
Butler did all he could to try and extend the game late, but as he tried to drive to the paint with Murray and Jokic both defending, he attempted a pass to the perimeter that was intercepted by Denver. Kyle Lowry was then forced the foul, and Nuggets fans started to begin their celebration.
The Nuggets tacked on another pair of free throws with 14.1 seconds remaining to close out the game, and put the cherry on top of a memorable season in Denver.
Following the game, Jokic was named the NBA Finals MVP after averaging 30.2 points, 14 total rebounds and 7.2 assists in the five-game series with Miami. He also shot an impressive 58.3% from the field in the series.
Overall in the postseason, Jokic averaged nearly a triple-double with 30 points, 13.5 total rebounds and 9.5 assists, while shooting 54.8% from field goal range in 20 games played.
Murray was also a force for the Nuggets this postseason, averaging 26.1 points, 5.7 total rebounds and 7.1 assists, while shooting 47.3% from field goal range in his 20 games played. During the NBA Finals, Murray averaged 21.4 points for Denver, while also averaging 6.2 total rebounds and 10 assists.
As for Butler, he performed admirably throughout the postseason for Miami, nearly singlehandedly carrying the Heat back to the NBA Finals. He averaged 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 22 games played, while also shooting 46.8% from the field.