Game 3 was a historic, once-in-a-lifetime game. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray became the first teammates to score 30-point triple-doubles in the history of the NBA, playoffs or regular season. That’s a feat that took 77 years to happen… Let that sink in.


The Miami Heat had the momentum, and the odds for Denver to win the NBA Finals dropped to -250, the lowest point in four games. However, the Denver players answered the call of their head coach for more effort. They controlled almost the entire game. Jamal Murray came out hot and earned 20 points before halftime, 8 before 8 minutes in the first quarter too.


Jamal Murray is the emotional leader of the Nuggets, and he sent the message early and often in game 3. He was the highest scorer of the game, and earned the best statistical performance of his career. Nikola Jokic is finally receiving attention from the national media, and deservingly so. Jamal Murray is the catalyst for the Denver Nuggets success though. The Heat know this and have doubled him the past two games, it worked one and the failed the other. Nikola Jokic had 41 points and 11 rebounds in the game two loss above or near his average. Murray had his lowest minute total (39), point total (18), and rebound total (4) of the Finals, directly correlating with the loss. The both must be great for their team to have success. Jokic and Murray are truly valuable players.


Tonight will be a prototypical NBA Finals game. There will be tough defense, great passing, and high percentage shots. The Miami Heat have shown they can defy the odds of history. The Denver Nuggets are living proof that not all that glitters is gold.


BETS OF THE NIGHT:
Race to 10 points: MIA Heat (+105). The Heat will come out fast, likely driving into the paint for easy points, and playing like their season depends on it. The Nuggets have several games starting slow this season and this bet favors the Heat.
Aaron Gordon OVER 6.5 Rebounds (-115). This is the same angle as game three, but Gordon’s line is up one. He had a double-double game 3 and seven rebounds in game 1. Gordon has been playing the center when Jokic goes to the bench, and attacking the glass for defensive rebounds.
Jamal Murray OVER 25.5 Points (-120). He has gone over this line in two of three games, and he was double-teamed in his game 3 34 point performance. He’s one of the greatest playoff performers of his generation, and is almost match-up proof.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE:
CENTER -Bam Adebayo will need to play a solid game for the Heat to have a chance. A double-double with 5 assists is well within reach.
FORWARD – Christian Braun has earned 17.3 and 23 fantasy points in his past two games. He should see more minutes and is playing with tenacity. Put him in to balance a lineup.
GUARD – Jamal Murray is on a roll. He will see more one-on-ones and has been the Nuggets’ best three-point shooter. Put him in the line up.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy