Nuggets Move Step Closer to NBA Glory After Beating Miami in Game 4

• The Denver Nuggets took a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals after beating Miami Heat in Game 4
• The Nuggets had to make do without Nikola Jokic, who was in foul trouble in the fourth quarter
• Denver have a chance to win their first NBA title at home in Game 5

The Denver Nuggets took a giant step toward the NBA championship after beating Miami Heat 108-95 in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead.

The Nuggets will go back home for Game 5 and will look to secure their first-ever NBA title.

The Nuggets were forced to sit Nikola Jokic early in the fourth quarter after the two-time MVP picked up his fifth foul. That was a perfect opportunity for the Heat to even the series.

However, Nuggets players stepped up. In the five minutes, Jokic sat on the bench; the closest the Heat got was six points. Jeff Green's three and then a layup and a free throw from Bruce Brown destroyed any hopes of the Heat coming back.

7 memorable moments from the 2023 NBA playoffs so far

NBA

Jokic returned with 4:09 remaining; the Nuggets had a 96-87 lead. With 1:21 remaining, they had extended their lead by 17 points.

The Serbian finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes; Jamal Murray had a rough shooting night but finished with 15 points and 12 assists and zero turnovers.

Brown stepped up and finished with 21 points off the bench -- 11 of them in the fourth quarter, the Athletic.

Aaron Gordon had his best game of the Finals with 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists

Jokic coy after Nuggets take 3-1 lead

Speaking after the game, Jokic played down Denver's massive win on the road.

"It's still one win," Jokic said. "We need to win one more. I like that we didn't relax. We didn't get comfortable. We were still desperate. We still want it. That's what makes me happy, that guys didn't relax," via ESPN.

Celtics' Derrick White reacts after sinking last second game-winner to force Game 7

NBA

Murray said the Nuggets are locked in ahead of a huge Game 5 in front of their fans.

"We're just ready to win a championship. We have the tools to do it. It's been on our minds for a while. We're just locked in. I don't think you've got to overthink it. We're just dialed in, ready to win."

The Heat have shown this postseason that they can't be written off easily, so it will be interesting to see if they can win three straight games to win the title.

Nowitzki lauds Jokic

Sports Brief earlier reported on NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki expressing his admiration for Jokic as he continues to make history

One thing that caught Nowitzki's eye was Jokic's one-legged high-arching unorthodox shots that he made in the Western COnference finals.

"I'm happy for him. He's amazing, one of the best players in the world," Nowitzki said. "And he's showing that right now on this stage."