The altitude in Denver has been a known fact around the NBA for years. Some road games are harder than others, and Denver, along with Utah, have been a troubling spot for away players due to the altitude.
For NBA players, it makes playing here harder, not impossible. But the climate is of concern to retired players like Charles Barkley and Grant Hill, who were seen using oxygen masks before their coverage of Game 1 of the Finals.
The altitude in Denver 😳
(h/t @ClutchPointsApp ) pic.twitter.com/e178qylbDb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 1, 2023
The Heat have looked out of gas from the opening tip against the Nuggets, clearly bringing in weary legs from their brutal seven-game series win against the Boston Celtics. They had won Game 1 in every series they played so far in the playoffs, but it looks like the Nuggets will maintain home-court advantage in the series for now.
Miami Looking For A Response In Game 2
Players often downplay the conditions of playing in Denver. As the highest caliber of athletes, nobody will want to make excuses about the altitude after a loss, so the Heat will be looking to respond in Game 2. They’ll be more used to the air as well, so if that impacted their performance in Game 1, it should be less of a factor in Game 2.
The Nuggets’ movement and offensive style is challenging to stop, especially when you don’t have size and length on your team. The Heat’s tallest starter is 6’9″ Bam Adebayo. That will be a challenge especially given how bad backup center Cody Zeller played in Game 1. Adebayo had a solid game, but the defensive pressure required to limit Denver may be hard for Miami to give after a grueling run through the East.
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