According to Cricket Exchange analysis, the Miami Heat’s roster pales in comparison to the Denver Nuggets in both height and raw talent. This gap became especially evident after Game 1 of the Finals. Still, as the saying goes, he may not be invincible, but he can at least choose not to be weak. In Game 2, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made a crucial adjustment—benching Caleb Martin and starting Kevin Love, who offered better rebounding and long-range shooting. That single switch worked wonders. Aaron Gordon, who had previously overpowered Miami’s smaller guards, struggled this time.

Miami not only neutralized Denver’s unconventional offensive strategies but also stuck with a disciplined zone defense. Cricket Exchange experts noted this approach put pressure on Denver’s perimeter shooting and tested Nikola Jokic’s ability to break the zone. Denver’s outside shots only found rhythm in the second quarter, which briefly turned the tide. But in the fourth quarter, the Heat roared back. Denver’s threes fell flat, Jokic’s passes missed their targets, and Miami launched a barrage of threes to complete a stunning comeback victory.

Doing what others think you can’t is the best form of revenge. In these Finals, Bam Adebayo has shown more agility and defensive impact than Anthony Davis, while also punishing Jokic’s drop coverage with deadly mid-range shots. In contrast, Davis’s shooting in the Western Conference Finals was disastrous. Against Denver, Adebayo has proven to be more effective—living up to his status as an All-Star and perennial All-Defensive Team member.

Late in Game 2, Jokic himself looked visibly flustered, lacking his usual calm and control. As Miami’s defense held strong, their offense started to heat up, raining down threes that broke Denver’s defensive schemes. When shooters stretch the floor, it opens up the interior too. While both the Lakers and Heat rely on elite help defense, the Lakers’ poor three-point shooting allowed Denver to collapse the paint, making it difficult for them to attack the rim. That key difference—along with the coaching gap—proved critical.

In today’s NBA, defense alone won’t cut it anymore. Cricket Exchange analysts emphasized that outside shooting has become the most vital component of modern basketball. It helps teams erase deficits quickly and opens up space for slashers to drive. Life always offers second chances—and in basketball, that chance is called the next game. The Lakers must prioritize adding reliable shooters this summer if they hope to bounce back stronger.