How would the Denver Nuggets fare physically after a nine-day break between games? Refreshed and racing out of the blocks, as Aaron Gordon had 12 points in the first quarter and that infectious energy set the tone en route to a welcome series-opening win at home against a Miami Heat side struggling quite badly with their three-point shooting but defiantly still lingered dangerously late on.
Continue reading “Nuggets 104-93 Heat: Jokic’s triple-double on Finals debut sees Denver win Game 1”
Tag: Jimmy Butler
Miami set up Denver showdown in the Finals after Game 7 drubbing of Celtics
Conference Finals MVP Jimmy Butler posted 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a trio of steals – but small forward Caleb Martin shone with his third 20-plus point showing in the series. Erik Spoelstra’s Miami Heat ended Boston’s hopes of an improbable comeback, in TD Garden no less, setting up their second NBA Finals trip in four seasons as the Nuggets finally found out their opponent. Continue reading “Miami set up Denver showdown in the Finals after Game 7 drubbing of Celtics”
Vincent vanquishes Celtics as Miami join Denver with commanding 3-0 series lead
Erik Spoelstra’s Heat team joined the Denver Nuggets in earning a 3-0 Conference Finals series lead after blasting the Celtics into submission on their Miami return, having snatched the initiative in Boston. Point guard Gabe Vincent led the way with a new career-high 29 points, as their role players stepped up in style as they’re now one game away from another NBA Finals trip.
Continue reading “Vincent vanquishes Celtics as Miami join Denver with commanding 3-0 series lead”
Heat 123-116 Celtics: Jimmy Butler burns bright as Mazzulla’s men stumble late on
Jimmy Butler had 35 points, seven assists, six steals and five rebounds – armed with clutch plays late on – as the Miami Heat swiftly erased a nine-point half-time deficit en route to a surging Game 1 East Finals victory on the road against Boston, who began well but finished with a whimper at TD Garden overnight.
Continue reading “Heat 123-116 Celtics: Jimmy Butler burns bright as Mazzulla’s men stumble late on”
Jimmy Butler battles through pain barrier as Heat start East semis with road win
Jimmy Butler recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 43 minutes – playing through a rolled ankle late – as Miami Heat profited from turnovers, overcoming a sluggish start to overwhelm the New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-final matchup on Sunday night. Continue reading “Jimmy Butler battles through pain barrier as Heat start East semis with road win”
Heat 102-91 Bulls: Butler, Strus combine for 62 points as Miami lock up No. 8 seed
Having both endured an inefficient night as Atlanta bested them on Tuesday, Jimmy Butler and Chicago’s own Max Strus combined for 61 points with clutch moments galore to help Miami overcome a six-point fourth quarter deficit against a reactive Bulls team, punching their postseason ticket. Top seed Milwaukee await them on Sunday night in Game 1, to finish a whirlwind week.
Continue reading “Heat 102-91 Bulls: Butler, Strus combine for 62 points as Miami lock up No. 8 seed”
Hawks 116-105 Heat: Young silences trade noise as Snyder’s men stun Miami to secure playoff berth
Trae Young led the way with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Atlanta Hawks started fast and finished assertively en route to a double-digit road win in Miami during the league’s maiden play-in tournament matchup of the season overnight. The result secures their standing as the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed, and Boston [2] await them in Game 1 this weekend. Continue reading “Hawks 116-105 Heat: Young silences trade noise as Snyder’s men stun Miami to secure playoff berth”
No excuses, Miami Heat looking to pick up where they left off as preseason inbound
After finishing the top seed in last season’s Eastern Conference and finding themselves a missed three-pointer away from a second NBA Finals trip in three years – losing a seven-game series against the Boston Celtics – Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and co are raring to go ahead of the new campaign, one which poses many questions as far as their long-term future is concerned. Continue reading “No excuses, Miami Heat looking to pick up where they left off as preseason inbound”
After his 23-point gamewinning display vs. Atlanta, is Victor Oladipo an x-factor in Miami?
After posting his second-highest scoring total since eventually joining Miami in a trade from Houston 13 months ago, is two-time All-Star shooting guard Victor Oladipo now ready to be their x-factor as the postseason deepens, with questions over Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler? Continue reading “After his 23-point gamewinning display vs. Atlanta, is Victor Oladipo an x-factor in Miami?”
Bam Adebayo’s surgery-requiring thumb injury an untimely blow for hectic Heat
Miami suffered their third loss in a six-game stretch overnight against Nikola Jokic and the undermanned Denver Nuggets, without an injured Jimmy Butler and a rough night for sharpshooter Duncan Robinson. However, it has since emerged they have bigger problems to deal with after news broke earlier this evening about Bam Adebayo’s year-ending thumb injury. Continue reading “Bam Adebayo’s surgery-requiring thumb injury an untimely blow for hectic Heat”
Even after everything, 76ers’ high asking price for Ben Simmons isn’t a surprise
Even after everything – including a forgettable postseason – the 76ers have a high asking price for any interested suitors looking to take advantage of Ben Simmons’ situation in Philadelphia. Considering he’s a three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive team selection and only turned 25 last week, this latest news update on his future shouldn’t be surprising despite his struggles. Continue reading “Even after everything, 76ers’ high asking price for Ben Simmons isn’t a surprise”
NBA free agency Q&A: Giannis’ future, potential movers and 2020-21 season
With the new 2020-21 season set to start on December 22, I spoke to LA Clippers fan and NBA expert Jack Brown after a whirlwind finish to the previous campaign from the Orlando bubble – discussing topics including: free agency options, various head coaching moves and more too.
Continue reading “NBA free agency Q&A: Giannis’ future, potential movers and 2020-21 season”