Things are heating up in the NBA and Stanley Cup finals

June 5, 2023
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year, with both the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final underway simultaneously.
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Things are heating up in the NBA and Stanley Cup finals
SOURCE: MARK J. TERRILL - POOL/GETTY IMAGES

The GIST: It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year, with both the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final underway simultaneously. Here’s where things stand in both championship series.

NBA Finals: The Miami Heat handed the Denver Nuggets their first postseason home loss and evened the series with last night’s stunning 111–108 come-from-behind Game 2 victory. Miami’s team effort, which featured five players scoring double-digit points, dwarfed a massive offensive showing from Denver’s Nikola Jokić, who led all scorers with 41.

  • And now, the Nuggets may have Tyler Herro to contend with. The Heat’s three-point king did not return from a broken hand last night, but could make his postseason debut when the series shifts to the 305 for Game 3 Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET. This one’s just getting started.

Stanley Cup Final: The Vegas Golden Knights struck first, claiming a series-opening 5–2 win over the Wild Card Florida Panthers on Saturday, as Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud notched his first NHL goal, the ultimate game-winner. Wow, indeed.

  • The Knights have a chance to protect their fortress again when the puck drops for Game 2 tonight at 8 p.m. ET.