[Hoot Gibson]

The Nuggets took a commanding 3-1 lead in the Championship Finals last night with a 108-95 win over the Heat in Miami. Jokic went to the bench with his fifth foul early in the 4th quarter with the Nuggets clinging to a 10 point lead. He returned with under 5 minutes to go, with the Nuggets still holding a 9-point lead. Both Jokic and Murray's scoring was down last night, but Aaron Gordon tossed in 27 points and Bruce Brown came off the bench for another 21 points. Murray had 15 points, 12 assists, and 0 turnovers.

Denver coach awarded Jokic a "chain" to recognize him as the Nuggets' defensive player of the game. Jokic had 23 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals, and numerous deflections and kicked balls that stopped entry passes for layups. Denver forced Miami into 14 turnovers and the Nuggets had only 6.

Game 5 tipoff is in Denver at 8:30 PM. I will be surprised if Denver does not win Monday to for their first championship.