Why Game Three of the NBA Finals is Important

The Larry O'Brien Trophy. Credit: NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA Finals are tied at one game apiece as the series shifts to South Beach. The Denver Nuggets took home the victory in Game One with a 104 – 93 win over the Miami Heat. Miami took Game Two by a score of 111 – 108, handing the Nuggets their first home loss this postseason.

Without question, Game Three becomes crucial as this game could decide who takes home the Larry O’Brien trophy.

When a series is tied 1-1, the winner of Game Three wins it all 32 out of 40 times, or 80 percent. However, that trend has hit a roadblock as Game Three winners have a .500 record (4 –4) since the Finals in 2010. Jimmy Butler and the Heat are 3 – 0 in Game Threes in these playoffs, all of which have been at home.

Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets are 2 – 1 in Game Threes, all on the road. Their lone loss in a Game Three came against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. Also, both teams have scored plenty of points in this pivotal game.

Miami has averaged 118 points per game, while Denver has averaged 115.6 points per game in Game Threes in the playoffs.

Which team has the advantage in Game Three of the NBA Finals?

Jimmy Butler (L) and Nikola Jokić (R) Credit: Getty Images

In all honesty, this is a toss-up as both teams understand the urgency of winning this game. The Heat seemed to have found the formula in stopping Jokić in Game Two, limiting him to just four assists. That was the fewest he’s had in these playoffs and the third-fewest in 86 total games.

In this case, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra started Kevin Love in place of Caleb Martin and got the Game Two win.

For Denver, stopping the three-point shot could prove key as the Heat were on fire from beyond the arc. Eight players hit at least one three-pointer as six others made two or more. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus each had four.

Butler, Love, Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson drained two as Martin hit one. On the other hand, Jamal Murray is the Nuggets most consistent option offensively outside of Jokić. All things considered, Game Three at Kaseya Center might make the difference come Wednesday night.