The Denver Nuggets have managed to get to the NBA Finals this season, with their offense being spearheaded by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The duo clearly have good chemistry, which is needed to win at the highest level.
Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry has recently compared the chemistry of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to that of a legendary star duo, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, noting that they’re “deadly” together. Nikola Jokic has notably gotten Tim Duncan comparisons in the past.
“Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, honestly… Jamal and Jokic, they’re deadly.”
Reporter: "Is there another guard-big combo that you've played against that has the chemistry of [Nikola Jokic] and [Jamal] Murray."
Kyle Lowry: "Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, honestly… Jamal and Jokic, they're deadly."
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/fcQIn4kLxs
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 3, 2023
Even though the Miami Heat have one of the best defenses in the league, they will have trouble stopping Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Though the Heat will be physical and tough on both players, it is hard to see them completely stopping the Nuggets’ duo. Their chemistry was developed through multiple years of playing together, and at this point, they know every single one of each other’s tendencies on the court.
Jimmy Butler Has Been Urged To Guard Jamal Murray
The Miami Heat will need to shut down Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray to win the series against the Denver Nuggets. The easier player to guard is obviously Jamal Murray, so the focus should be on him. Previously, an NBA analyst suggested that Jimmy Butler should take on that defensive challenge.
“Jimmy Butler has to guard Jamal Murray at all times,” Kristian Winfield wrote for Daily News. “It’s the only way the Miami Heat will stand a fighting chance, now down 0-1 in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, courtesy of a 26-point effort from Murray in the Mile High City on Thursday.
“Yet, of Murray’s 22 field-goal attempts, Butler defended only two, and both were misses: a heavily contested stepback 2, and a contested pull-up 3 that clanked off left iron.
“Still, Miami seemed keen on sticking with starting point guard Gabe Vincent as Murray’s primary defender. Murray shot 7 of 9 from the field when defended by Vincent and got to the paint with ease all night.”
It is hard to be a two-way player at all times: guarding an elite offensive player while also giving out superstar production on the other end is extremely difficult. However, Jimmy Butler definitely needs to take on that challenge if the Miami Heat are to make this series competitive.
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