The Denver Nuggets took their talents to South Beach and came away with two wins and a commanding 3-1 lead over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Now the scene shifts back to Denver where the Nuggets have a chance to close out the Heat and win their first-ever NBA title. Tipoff for Game 5 is Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver.

Miami faces elimination

The Miami Heat have shocked the world with their run to the NBA finals as an 8 seed and a play-in team that lost its first play-in game. But that ride is nearing its end as they face an elimination game on Monday, down 3-1. The last time they faced an elimination game on the road was game 7 in Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they won easily. But this is a much tougher order as they are down 3-1 and they face 2 more elimination games after this one if they somehow manage to win it.

They were simply outclassed on Friday night in Denver as the Nuggets embarrassed them in front of their home crowd, winning 108-95. Miami turned the ball over 14 times, to 6 for Denver, and made just 8 of 25 from three. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while Bam Adebayo added 20 points and 11 rebounds. “Now we’re in a must-win situation, every single game — which we’re capable of,” Butler said, reported ESPN. “It’s not impossible.” Tyler Herro remains out with a broken hand. Will he play in this do or die game? They will need him or someone to step up, as his replacements, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, have been terrible.

Denver can taste it

After a disappointing loss in game 2, Mike Malone, maybe the most underrated coach in the NBA, admonished his team for not playing hard enough and matching he Heat’s intensity. Well, I think his message got through as the Nuggets went to Miami and won two games to take a 3-1 lead. And both wins were relatively easy, as both were in double digits, including Friday night’s 108-95 win. But Malone knows what the Heat are capable of and how they never give up, and he’ll have his team ready.

“We haven’t done a damn thing yet,” Malone said, reported ESPN. “We have to win another game to be world champions. Our guys are locked in, man. We’re focused.” They showed that mettle on Friday night, winning easily in hostile territory, as they shot 49% from the floor and made 14 of 28 from long range. they also had 11 steals and turned Miami over 14 times. Nikola Jokic did his thing with 23 points and 12 rebounds, but it was Aaron Gordon who really stepped up, tossing in 27 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Bruce Brown was also huge with 21 points off the bench, while Jamal Murray had 15 points and 12 assists.