2023 cbhsports NBA Finals Preview

Image Courtesy: NBA.com

2023 NBA Finals
1.Denver Nuggets
8.Miami Heat

Schedule
*If necessary*
Game 1: June 1, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Denver; Ball Arena)
Game 2: June 4, 8 PM ET, ABC (Denver; Ball Arena)
Game 3: June 7, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Miami; American Airlines Arena)
Game 4: June 9, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Miami; American Airlines Arena)
*Game 5*: June 13, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Denver; Ball Arena)
*Game 6*: June 15, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Miami; American Airlines Arena)
*Game 7*: June 18, 8 PM ET, ABC (Denver; Ball Arena)

The one seeded Denver Nuggets ran through the Western Conference playoffs with relative ease. They beat the Timberwolves in five games in the first round, took care of the Suns in six games in the conference semis, and swept LeBron James and the Lakers in the conference finals. Big man Nikola Jokic should have won a third consecutive NBA MVP with his playoff numbers because he has averaged a triple double with almost 30 points, over 13 rebounds, and over 10 assists a game. In addition, star guard Jamal Murray has heated up from the field, averaging over 27 points a game as well. In addition to Jokic and Murray, wings Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon help lead a tremendous defensive squad. The Miami Heat almost blew a 3-0 lead to the Boston Celtics but will appear in their second NBA Finals in the last three seasons. Playoff superstar Jimmy Butler has been at the forefront for the Heat, averaging almost 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Center Bam Adebayo has been up and down in the Boston series but he has been huge for Miami when he’s been lights out, averaging over 17 points, 9 rebounds, and a steal a game. Guards Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin (13 points per game each) have each shined in their roles in the playoffs. When it comes to the coaching match up this series, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has won two NBA championships in five Finals appearances while this will be the Nuggets’ Mike Malone first opportunity to win a championship. The coaching edge here has to go to Miami with their experience in the finals but the dynamic duo of Jokic and Murray will be hard for the Heat to handle. Spoelstra will have to decide who will match up with the talented pair defensively. That decision will determine the outcome of this series.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets in 6

I hope everyone enjoys the 2023 NBA Finals :).