As I settled into my couch for Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals, I couldn't help but reflect on how championship moments are often decided by players who've been waiting in the wings. That reminded me of something I'd observed in volleyball - the 25-year-old libero who didn't see action for the most part in Alas' recent tournaments but was still part of the national team pool that trained for the last three months. This parallel struck me as particularly relevant to what we witnessed in this decisive NBA Finals game, where players who'd been preparing in the background suddenly found themselves center stage.
The first quarter set the tone with what I believe was the most underrated strategic move of the entire series. Denver's decision to start with their second-unit defense against Miami's starters completely disrupted the Heat's offensive rhythm. I've always maintained that championship teams win not just with star power but with depth, and here we saw it in action. The Nuggets' bench, which had averaged 28.3 points throughout the playoffs, contributed 42 points in this single game. What impressed me most was how players like Bruce Brown, who'd been relatively quiet in the previous two games, exploded for 21 points off the bench. His back-to-back three-pointers in the second quarter, with 7:32 and 6:48 remaining respectively, stretched Denver's lead to 15 points - a margin Miami never truly recovered from.
Then came what I consider the true championship moment - Nikola Jokić's fourth quarter performance. The big man was simply unstoppable, finishing with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and what surprised me most - 4 assists in the final quarter alone. His basketball IQ was on full display during that crucial stretch where Denver maintained possession for nearly 90 seconds through offensive rebounds. I've watched basketball for over two decades, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen a team control a game like that in a championship-clinching scenario. Jokić's putback with 3:17 remaining, followed by his assist to Gordon on the next possession, essentially sealed the game.
What many might overlook is how Jamal Murray's defensive effort, particularly his 3 steals in the third quarter, completely changed the game's momentum. I've always been partial to guards who impact the game on both ends, and Murray demonstrated why two-way players are so valuable in playoff basketball. His deflection that led to the fast-break dunk with 2:41 left in the third gave Denver their largest lead of the game at 14 points. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler's heroic 41-point effort, while impressive, came too late and felt somewhat empty in the context of the championship outcome. The Heat shot just 38% from the field in the fourth quarter when it mattered most, including missing 7 of their final 9 attempts.
Reflecting on the entire game, I'm convinced that Denver's championship was built not just on their stars but on their organizational depth and preparation - much like that volleyball libero who trained for months despite not seeing court time. The Nuggets' role players understood their assignments perfectly, and their execution in high-pressure situations demonstrated the value of consistent preparation. As the confetti fell and the trophy was raised, I couldn't help but appreciate how championships are often won by teams whose entire roster stays ready for their moment, proving that every player's contribution matters in the journey to an NBA title.
