The Miami Heat escaped with a 111-108 come-from-behind win over the Denver Nuggets, evening the NBA Finals at a game apiece while also tying a remarkable NBA record.
The Heat posted their seventh double-digit comeback win of the postseason equaling the mark set by the Golden State Warriors (2022) and Heat (2012, 2011). The Warriors and 2012 Heat eventually hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Game 2 was the Heat's 7th double-digit comeback win of this postseason.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 5, 2023
That's tied for the most such wins in a single postseason in the last 25 years, joining the Warriors last season and the Heat in 2011 & 2012. pic.twitter.com/zFzonB0dEB
Miami showed its trademark resiliency on Sunday, coming away with a three-point win in a game where both teams led by double-digits at some point.
The Heat showed up ready to play, gaining an early 11-point advantage in the first quarter. However, Denver would respond before halftime, earning their double-digit advantage, taking a six-point lead into the break.
In the second half, the two teams traded punches, but the Heat came away with the win, avoiding a 2-0 hole heading back to Miami.
Miami shot 48.7% from the floor, nailing 17 threes in the win. Gabe Vincent led the Heat effort, scoring 23 points, including four three-pointers. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo ended the night with 21 points.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo pour in 21 PTS each as Miami wins Game 2 to even the series!
— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2023
DEN/MIA Game 3: Wednesday, 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/IMmCFLizkq
On the Denver side, Nikola Jokic pulled most of the weight, scoring 41 points with 11 boards and four assists. In the loss, Jokic became only the third player in NBA history to post 500 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists in a single postseason, per ESPN Stats and Info.
The Heat broke two of Denver's playoff streaks in Game 2; the Nuggets had yet to lose at home or in a game where they led by more than 10 points or more. They'll look to keep that momentum going as the series shifts to South Beach for Games 3 and 4.
Miami will host Denver for Game 3 Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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