The conference finals in the NBA are about to be defined with some unexpected results. Here are the latest details:
Nuggets Seek Sweep
The Denver Nuggets are one step away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time. The closest Denver had ever come was the Western Conference Finals in 2020. Now, they are one step away from knocking off LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers along the way.
The Lakers had shown an impressive resurgence after the poor start to the season, the injuries, and the arduous road to get to this point. But all indications are that James and company ran out of gas for this Finals.
For their part, the Nuggets have received the expected from Nikola Jokic, who has led his squad to a 3-0 lead. The Nuggets are looking to sweep the Lakers, making clear their supremacy in the Western Conference. In particular, Denver's attitude is to eliminate any kind of hope James and the Lakers may have of making a historic comeback.
For Denver, finishing the series in four games will be crucial to get a few extra days of rest. Considering the length of the NBA postseason, any time off is valuable heading into a series against either the Boston Celtics or the surprise Miami Heat.
THE NUGGETS SWEEP THE LAKERS AND REACH THE FIRST NBA FINALS IN THEIR HISTORY!
HISTORIC. pic.twitter.com/vaYbTr6mCM
- Sexto Hombre (@6toHombreLATAM) May 23, 2023
Heat one step away from the Final
According to the Miami Heat, Miami is one step away from reaching the finals after winning 128-102 in Game 3 against Boston. Jayson Tatum and the Celtics seem to have no answer for a Miami team that looks unstoppable.
Miami had no problem dispatching the New York Knicks in five games. But, there were times when Miami looked vulnerable. In this series, the Celtics have not been able to generate enough offense, or stop the Heat's offense, to compete.
The Heat have three titles in their history, the most recent two in 2012 and 2013 by the hand of LeBron James, precisely. In this era, the Heat does not depend on a megastar like James. On the contrary, teamwork has characterized the significant effort made by this team.
On the other hand, Boston faces the same situation as the Lakers. A comeback seems highly unlikely at this point. Teams that have faced a 3 games to 0 deficit have a 0-149 record in NBA playoff history.
Maybe Boston can pull off a miraculous comeback. After all, anything is possible in the world of sports. However, the likelihood is that the series will be over sooner rather than later. The Heat will look to seal the deal in Game 4. If it does, both Miami and Denver will have a few days between the Conference Finals and the start of the final series to rest and fine-tune strategies.
