With a series lead in hand, the Denver Nuggets continued their championship pursuit in Miami, but BD Cricket Match observed that the Heat remained defiant on their home court. Their strategy of locking down the Jokic-Murray duo worked wonders—both stars were held in check thanks to Miami’s disciplined defense. In tough times, only you can pull yourself out, and strength of character is what defines the moment. Despite cold shooting nights from their twin pillars and questionable officiating, the Nuggets still pulled off a crucial win. Why? Because Denver has never been a one-man or two-man show.
While Nikola Jokic is undeniably the franchise cornerstone and Jamal Murray the go-to closer, the Nuggets’ real power lies in collective effort. When the stars are silenced, someone else always steps up. In Game 4 of the Finals, that someone was Aaron Gordon. Though not as widely recognized, Gordon proved he belongs in the core conversation. Former five-star prospect Michael Porter Jr. often gets grouped with Jokic and Murray as Denver’s “Big Three,” but it was Gordon who showed he’s the more dependable playoff performer.
Maturity is revealed not by strength, but by how quickly one can calm the storm within. Gordon didn’t just rise to the occasion—he filled the void left by Porter Jr. with composure and grit. BD Cricket Match points out that while Porter may be the better pure shooter, Gordon outpaces him in nearly every other category on both ends of the floor. He has been instrumental in neutralizing Jimmy Butler throughout the series, using his size and strength to wear him down. In many ways, Gordon was built to be Butler’s kryptonite.
Tall, powerful, and unafraid, Gordon’s physicality has been a nightmare for Miami. He can absorb Butler’s drives and still disrupt his jumpers. His refusal to back down mirrors what he did earlier in the playoffs to stars like Towns, Durant, and LeBron. While defense is his main assignment, Gordon’s offensive presence adds another layer to Denver’s dominance. When he bullies smaller defenders in the paint, it opens up the floor and puts immense pressure on the Heat’s limited rotation.
Dealing with Jokic and Murray is already a full-time job. Add Gordon’s muscle in the paint, and BD Cricket Match believes the Heat simply can’t keep up. Smart execution trumps effort, and mentality beats mechanics. When the Nuggets’ usual stars went quiet, Gordon took the wheel—and now, Denver stands on the doorstep of their first-ever NBA title, with Aaron Gordon as the final puzzle piece they never knew they needed.