The Denver Nuggets are awaiting their NBA Finals opponent. But they have to wait one more game for the outcome of the series between Miami and Boston. Here are all the details.
Denver Swept Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Lakers' magical postseason came to an end with a 113-111 win over the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers had defied the odds to make it all the way to the conference finals. In reality, no one expected much from the Lakers after the start of the season they had, injuries to key players (especially LeBron James), and their qualification to the play-in tournament.
Despite the circumstances, the Lakers made it this far. All indications are that they ran out of gas against the mighty Denver juggernaut. Denver, on the other hand, has had no problem showing why they finished first in the Western Conference. Now, Denver awaits its opponent for the finals.
Will it be Miami or Boston?
The truth is that the longer the Eastern Conference Finals series drags on, the better it is for Denver. Whichever team wins, it will reach the NBA Finals with more wear and tear than Denver. In the meantime, Denver is taking advantage of the rest days while fine-tuning its strategy.
Tatum Gives Celtics One More Day of Life
The Miami Heat hoped to close out the Eastern Conference Finals series in Game 4. However, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics were not about to sit idly by. Their 116-99 win, with 34 points from Jayson Tatum, prevented a sweep by the Miami Heat.
Now, the series between Boston and Miami will go to a fifth game. Boston holds out hope for a historic comeback as the Heat look to close the deal once and for all. But Boston's victory has opened a small gap, sowing doubt.
The Nuggets made history last night by qualifying for their first NBA Finals after sweeping LeBron James' Lakers, but have you wondered how this great team was built?
Follow the thread and I'll tell you about it. pic.twitter.com/CEFcwDQ8DN
- Dunk N'Out (@Dunkn_Out) May 23, 2023
Is Boston capable of a historic comeback?
In fact, no team has ever been able to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs. For now, Jimmy Butler and the Heat will do everything they can to end the series in Game 5. Butler's 29 points were not enough in Game 4 so the entire Heat cast will need to step up their game to avoid Game 6.
It's worth noting that every additional game the Heat require to close out the series is a game of unnecessary attrition. In a way, Denver will be happy with the series going to seven games, regardless of who wins. Ultimately, the attrition between the two clubs would leave whoever wins at a disadvantage.
For now, we will have to wait one more game to find out the other NBA finalist in 2023.
