3. 2023 Game 5 vs Nuggets
After two deflating losses at home in Games 3 and 4, the Miami Heat battled the Nuggets tooth and nail to the end but fell flat in the final seconds in a 94-89 defeat, resulting in their second Finals loss.
With the Heat losing handily at home, it would have been fair to say that the Nuggets were going to win convincingly on their home court in Game 5. But the Heat came out swinging, and with a strong start from Bam Adebayo, Miami built a lead as big as 10 in the first half and held the Nuggets to one 3-pointer. But even with the Heat defense forcing turnovers and putting together their best defensive effort of the series, the Heat could not pull away in large part due to Jimmy Butler having a horrible night from the field, shooting 5-18 for the game and making only two field goals through the first 3 quarters.
It wasn’t until late when Butler hit two clutch threes and a floater over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to give the Heat an 89-88 lead. From that point on, the Heat failed to score another point, with Butler having a crucial turnover on one possession and missing a heavily contested 3-pointer moments later.
Miami had a great opportunity to send the series back to Miami for Game 6 in hopes of forcing a Game 7, but the lack of scoring was highlighted more than ever and Tyler Herro’s absence was definitely felt.
To even add more salt to the wound, the Heat attempted to address that issue by attempting to trade for Damian Lillard, but two words can sum up that saga: Joe Cronin.