|
Jokic had 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists
in the Nuggets' 109-94 victory on Wednesday that put them 2-1 up
in the best-of-seven series. That effort saw him become the
first player to log at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10
assists in a Finals game.
Denver bullied Miami on their home floor, out-rebounding the
Heat 58-33 and outscoring them 60-34 in the paint.
Miami center Bam Adebayo has been given the unenviable task of
matching up against two-time league MVP Jokic and said trying to
predict what play the dynamic 28-year-old will go to next is the
key to stopping him.
"Biggest thing is just read and react," Adebayo told reporters
on Thursday.
"Easier said than done, obviously. But pretty much read and
react and watch film."
The Heat have relished their role as giant killers during the
playoffs after upsetting the Bucks, Knicks and Celtics but they
have been unable to stifle the tandem of Jokic and sharpshooter
Jamal Murray, who also had a triple-double on Wednesday.
Murray said he and Jokic were focused on delivering a first NBA
championship for Denver.
"We both got our mind on winning, whatever it takes," Murray
said.
Jokic said he looks at the variety of defenses the Heat throw at
him as a puzzle.
"It's kind of like a chess game. They are one move, we are
another move," he said.
"I think this is the time where the players show what they've
got."
Game Four is on Friday in Miami.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
