-
-
by
Sebastian C.
With game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals taking place tonight in Denver, it is high time we listed the biggest surprises of this series while also explaining how they impacted the outcome of the first four games and whether they can still be a factor in tonight’s match. Let us find out.
Jamal Murray
![image-11 | Sideline Cue Biggest Surprises Of the 2023 NBA Finals So Far. Jamal Murray](https://i0.wp.com/sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/image-11.png?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1)
Even though he is known for being an amazingly consistent player throughout his career, he has blown out initial expectations of him in this series. He has increased his versatility on both sides of the court, significantly improving his shot selection, off-ball movement, and playmaking.
2023 Finals Stats (Per Game): 23.3 PTS, 5.8 REB, 10.5 AST, 1 STL
Jimmy Butler
![image-12 | Sideline Cue Biggest Surprises Of the 2023 NBA Finals So Far. Jimmy Butler](https://i0.wp.com/sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/image-12.png?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1)
He started the postseason with an INCREDIBLE individual basketball level and was the main reason why the Miami Heat began this historic run in the first place. However, his performance has decreased in the Finals, which is quite surprising at this point. If the Heat wants to even have a shot at bouncing back in the series, he needs to step up.
2023 Finals Stats (Per Game): 21.8 PTS, 5 REB, 6.8 AST
Nikola Jokic
![image-13 | Sideline Cue Biggest Surprises Of the 2023 NBA Finals So Far. Nikola Jokic](https://i0.wp.com/sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/image-13.png?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1)
By now, we are accustomed to seeing Nikola Jokic put up UNREAL numbers every single game. Nevertheless, that does not mean it is not surprising by any means. The Nuggets’ best player is dominating this Finals series, as no opposing player can come close to stopping him, especially on the offensive side. We are witnessing one of the most impressive individual performances in NBA History.
2023 Finals Stats (Per Game): 30.8 PTS, 13.5 REB, 8.0 AST, 1.5 BLK
Rebounds
![image-14 | Sideline Cue Biggest Surprises Of the 2023 NBA Finals So Far. Aaron Gordon.](https://i0.wp.com/sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/image-14.png?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1)
The rebound difference is substantial between Denver and Miami. With almost EIGHT more rebounds per game, Miami has squandered more opportunities, especially when it comes to offensive rebounds. This has resulted in more offensive second chances for the Nuggets, who have effectively made the most of them.
Field Goal Percentage
![image-15 | Sideline Cue](https://i0.wp.com/sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/image-15.png?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1)
Again, Denver has been the superior team in terms of shot consistency. 50.8%, compared to Miami’s 42.4% per game. This massive difference means that the Nuggets have managed their possessions in a much better way, which ultimately allows them to score more points, resulting in three victories so far in the series.
We can only wait for game five to take place tonight. Every single one of these five surprises will definitely be a decisive factor when deciding the winner of this NBA Finals. Can the Heat survive, or will the Nuggets finally achieve their first ring in franchise history?
Text sources: nba.com
![](https://sidelinecue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sidelinelogo1.jpg)
Must See
-
NFL
/ 6 days ago2024 NFL Breakout Star Candidates from Skill Positions
The NFL preseason is about to be upon is in a few weeks and...
By Sheikh U. -
NBA
/ 1 week agoMost Underrated Basketball Teams in the Olympics
Having spoken about the 2024 USA Men’s Basketball Team, it would be appropriate now...
By Sebastian C. -
NBA
/ 1 week agoWill Team USA be Dominant in the Olympics?
With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games starting in less than 10 days, we cannot...
By Sebastian C. -
NBA
/ 1 week ago2024 Free Agency Winners and Losers
We’re over two weeks into the 2024-25 NBA free agency period, and while there...
-
NBA
/ 2 weeks agoThree Important Things I learned from NBA Free Agency
The NBA Free Agency period always has a way of keeping us on our...
-
NBA
/ 3 weeks agoTop 5 Big Threes After 2024 NBA Free Agency
For a while now, the NBA has been all about big threes that are...
By Sheikh U. -
NBA
/ 4 weeks agoFive Things The 2023/24 Boston Celtics Taught Us
The 2023/24 NBA season is officially complete, and while we have already turned the...
-
NBA
/ 4 weeks agoBOLD Predictions For 2024 NBA Free Agency
Free agency starts in less than 24 hours and we could see some massive...
By Sheikh U. -
Joey's Draft Stuff
/ 4 weeks agoTop 5 Winners of the 2024 NBA Draft
The NBA draft is in the books and although it is not known as...
By Joey Barrett -
NFL
/ 4 weeks agoTop 10 Wide Receivers for the 2024 NFL Season
Arguably the most entertaining position in football, the wide receiver position is the most...
By Jacob Nguyen