Jeremy "the Joker" J Rock cheers in Ball Arena and wishes victory for the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fan Victor Lozano ties his Buzz Jokic necklace around his beck in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Basket ball fans walk past a large banner with Denver Nuggets players on it before Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Face painting artist Ann Lykins, left, holds up a mirror to show Denver Nuggets fan Joe Huerta, 10, the painting of Rocky the Mascot on his face outside of Ball Arena in Denver on June 4, 2023. Activities and booths, such as the face painting booth, photo booths and music booths were set up for fans arriving at the arena to see the Nuggets take on the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Caiden Albright, 11, is in Ball Arena to cheer on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Fans cheer on the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets takes the court to face the Miami Heat during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets wears his wedding ring on his shoelace before Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets makes the first Nuggets basket of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat, and teammates Max Strus (31) and Kevin Love (42) at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets works gainst Kyle Lowry (7) of the Miami Heat in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets gets blown up by a pick set by Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler (22) in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets passes as Caleb Martin (16) and Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat defend in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets great Alex English sits with his son, Joseph in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Fans cheer the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets scores against Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts as Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat stiff arms him in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and players huddle during a time out in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates his three point basket with teammate Christian Braun (0) in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets controls the ball against Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat in the first quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets steals the ball from Duncan Robinson (55) of the Miami Heat in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Adrian Mendoza, 7, is in Ball Arena to cheer on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets slam dunks over Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat and is fouled in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets gestures to Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat after Murray slam dunked over him and was fouled on the play in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets growls after posterizing Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Fans cheer on the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Jeff Green (32) of the Denver Nuggets holds his form as he makes a three against the Miami Heat in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets rebounds and looks for an open player against Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat, center, and Cody Zeller (44) of the Miami Heat, right, in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach looks proudly at Christian Braun (0) in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nuggets fans watch Game 2 of the NBA Finals on a large-screen television at Brooklyn's Bar next Ball Arena in Denver on June 4, 2023. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Nuggets fans Chris Paul Rivera, 3, sits on the shoulders of his father Christian Jose Rivera as they watch the Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on a large screen television at Brooklyn's Bar next Ball Arena in Denver on June 4, 2023. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets works as Jimmy Butler (22) and Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat defend in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets hustles to secure a loose ball as Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat reaches in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets defends Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat as he scores in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat strips Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hits a rebound out of bounds as Max Strus (31) and Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat apply pressure in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts after possession was granted to the Miami Heat for a play in which the Miami defense ripped the ball from Jokic’s hands and sent it out of bounds in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets argues with referee Zach Zarba (15) after the Miami Heat were granted possession upon Jokic being stripped sending the ball out of bounds in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Max Strus (31) of the Miami Heat strips Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets as Gabe Vincent (2) helps defensively in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cody Zeller (44) of the Miami Heat reacts to fouling Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets passes as Kevin Love (42) of the Miami Heat defends in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets goes hard inside against Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets looses the ball to Caleb Martin (16) of the Miami Heat while Kyle Lowry (7) of the Miami Heat chases the play in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kevin Love (42) of the Miami Heat locks down Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - JUNE 4: Jamal Murray (27) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets stand behind Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets lost control of the ball between Kevin Love (42) and Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets scores over Cody Zeller (44) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Max Cron, 9, cheers on the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul as head coach Erik Spolestra speaks to referee Courtney Kirkland (61) in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals agains the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts as the Miami Heat battle in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets gets stuffed by Kevin Love (42) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat tries to lay up a shot against Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Platinum recording artist Lil Wayne aka Weezy F. Baby enjoys the action in the fourth quarter of the Miami Heat’s 111-108 win over the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets upends and fouls Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael stands in disbelief after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) was called for a defensive foul upon being kicked in the face by Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of Miamia’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat slam dunks over Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets and gets fouled on the play in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Duncan Robinson (55) of the Miami Heat flexes after a strong finish as Nikola Jokic (15) and Denver Nuggets teammates head to the bench for a timeout in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat blocks a shot by Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena June 04, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets guards Duncan Robinson (55) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat, bottom, is fouled by Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Duncan Robinson (55) of the Miami Heat makes a basket against Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets grabs the ball away from Kyle Lowry (7) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets defends Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat shoots over Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets fouled by Kevin Love (42) of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to fouling Kyle Lowry (7) of the Miami Heat in the process of shooting a three in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets handler as Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat guards tightly in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets drives against Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Caleb Martin (16) of the Miami Heat steals the ball from Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets goes hard inside against Gabe Vincent (2) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat shoots, scores against Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. Butler got fouled on the play. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets fouls out as he hammers Bam Adebayo (13) of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 111-108 win during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets handles as Cody Zeller (44) of the Miami Heat defends in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets attempts a three point basket, but doesn't make the basket against Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat in the last seconds of the game during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on June 04, 2023. The Nuggets lost, 111-108. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fan Cole Caremark holds head after Nuggets lost to the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after losing Game 2 of the NBA Finals against Miami Heats at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Scrappy and relentless, the Miami Heat came to Denver and did what no other team this postseason has done: win.
Jamal Murray missed what would’ve been a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer, and the Heat hung on, 111-108, to seize Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night and even the series at 1-1.
“I think you guys have seen me hit that shot enough,” Murray said when asked whether he liked the look he got.
The Nuggets nearly stormed back from a 12-point deficit with only a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, but their defense betrayed them. The Heat outscored Denver 36-25 in the fourth quarter.
Beyond Nikola Jokic’s 41-point night, Murray was the Nuggets’ second-leading scorer with 18 points. Michael Porter Jr. struggled mightily on both ends, finishing with just five points, while Aaron Gordon added only 12.
“Let’s talk about effort,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after the game, perplexed that it was even a talking point at this stage of the season.
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AAron Ontiveroz | Photographer
Andy Cross | Photographer
Hyoung Chang | Photographer
