Three keys for Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals

Murray's explosion came after he started the game 5-17. But like Jimmy Butler on the other side, Murray's misses don't seem to affect his self-confidence. (Butler was 3-18 in Game 6 of the Heat's series against Boston before scoring 13 points in the final four minutes). As Mike Malone told reporters about Murray, "He just has to see one go in. That's all he needs. And after that, he's shooting into a hula hoop."

Denver may need a confident Murray late. Ted Lasso calls it a "goldfish" memory, although goldfish actually have good memories. All it means is that Murray needs to continue to shrug off his misses, because when he heats up, he's virtually unstoppable.

3. Don't foul Jimmy Butler

One way Miami can combat its apparent talent deficit against the Nuggets is to lean on Butler's uncanny ability to draw fouls. He's taking a stunning 9.1 free throws per game in the playoffs, dwarfing Jokic's 6.8 per game. And Jokic gets hit a lot - just look at his arms in the second half.

Butler's foul shots are valuable in different ways for the Heat. First, it's easy points. Free throws have accounted for 26 percent of Butler's points in the playoffs. The fouls also slow down the pace of the game. The Heat played at the league's second-slowest pace this year, so they prefer getting the game in the mud, so to speak. 

It's also a way to get some of the Nuggets' excellent starting five off the floor. Beyond Bruce Brown, Coach Michael Malone hasn't trusted his bench options, so any minutes from Jeff Green and Christian Braun are a positive for Miami.

It took Boston four games to stop going for Butler's shot fakes - and then they still fouled him three times down the stretch of Game 6. If they can keep Butler off the line, the Nuggets are one step closer to their first championship.