The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 108-95 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night to take a 3-1 series lead.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 27 points, while Nikola Jokic added 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Jamal Murray had 15 points and 12 assists, and Bruce Brown chipped in with 21 points off the bench.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points, but he was held to just 10 points in the second half. Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 12 rebounds, but he was also held to just six points in the second half.
The Nuggets led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but the Heat rallied to tie the game at halftime. However, the Nuggets opened the third quarter on a 15-2 run to take control of the game.
The Heat never got closer than six points in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets shot 50.0% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. The Heat shot 44.4% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range.
The Nuggets can clinch the NBA championship with a win in Game 5 on Monday night in Denver.
Here are some key takeaways from Game 4:
- Aaron Gordon had a huge game for the Nuggets. He was a force on both ends of the floor, scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds. He also had six assists and two steals.
- Nikola Jokic was his usual dominant self. He had 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. He also had two steals and a block.
- Jamal Murray had a solid all-around game. He scored 15 points, dished out 12 assists, and didn't turn the ball over once.
- The Nuggets' bench was a major factor in the win. Bruce Brown had 21 points off the bench, and Monte Morris had 12 points and five assists.
- The Heat struggled to score in the second half. They shot just 36.4% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range.
- Jimmy Butler had a tough night. He scored 25 points, but he was held to just 10 points in the second half. He also had seven turnovers.
- Bam Adebayo had a double-double, but he was also held to just six points in the second half.
The Nuggets are now one win away from their first NBA championship. They will look to close out the series in Game 5 on Monday night in Denver.