Nuggets vs. Heat: The NBA Finals Matchup Nobody Expected

The stage is finally set to see who will win the Larry O’Brien trophy.

For the first time in the franchises 47 years the Denver Nuggets are going to the NBA Finals.

For the second time in four years, seventh time overall, the Miami Heat are in the NBA Finals.

Both teams have went through the fire to get to the big stage. The Nuggets held down Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the second round. They shut down Lebron James, Anthony Davis and the L.A. Lakers in the Western Conference finals.

For the Miami Heat they were the ultimate survivor.

Literary.

The Heat survived the "Play-In," and proceeded to stun the Association by beating down the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, stunning the New York Knicks in Round Two, and avoiding total infamy by surviving a blown 3-0 series lead to beat the Boston Celtics in seven games in the Eastern Conference finals.

So here we are with an NBA Finals nobody expected. I know, you were expected Lakers-Celtics? Maybe Warriors-Celtics? Perhaps Suns vs. Knicks? Nope. Nope. And, nope again!

This postseason has shown how tough and evenly matched these teams are, especially when teams knock down their shots and play a little bit of defense.

There are a lot of questions that will be answered throughout this series.

Can Bam Adebayo prevent Nikola Jokic’s triple doubles?

Who can slow down Jamal Murray?

Do the Heat have enough to win?

If Tyler Herro comes back, how will he affect the series?

The Nuggets are in a tough position going against the Heat. Jimmy Butler is a matchup nightmare; he is too big and strong for guards and too fast for forwards. The Nuggets will more than likely call on Aaron Gordan to try and contain Butler. Gordon is the Nuggets best defensive player he has guarded Lebron James, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Durant. He did well against them in his own right. Now an advantage he will have is that Butler is not known for three point shooting but it’s the Finals he will shoot them with a hand in his face. The Nuggets will try to throw Jimmy off by throwing multiple bodies at him.

The Heat are the best at developing talent as we have seen. Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Duncan Robinson have been instrumental in helping the Heat get to the finals. They are all undrafted players who keep outplaying their competition who is usually more talented than them. This will be the toughest stage to play on but with Butler leading them and coach Erik Spoelstra on the sidelines they will be put in the best position to win.

Speaking of coach Spoelstra, if he is not considered one of the best coaches ever, he should be. To take an eighth seed to the finals will the talent he has is more than amazing. He is not afraid to switch up his line-ups and is one of the best at in game adjustments. Spoelstra can be the X-factor and can test Nuggets coach Mike Malone in ways he has never been tested.

A player to watch for is Jamal Murray for the past few years we kept hearing about “bubble Murray” and that has been put to rest. His play in the Western Conference finals was a reminder that he can play with the best of them. Murray is averaging 27.7 points per game and his shooting splits are 48-40-92. He is comfortable all over the floor and can score in multiple ways. His chemistry with Jokic is one of the best their give-and-go is some of the best in the league. Expect Murray to have a big series, he may not be the most talented in the series, but he can be the best.

Here are some numbers to know going into the matchup: the Nuggets have scored 119.7 points per 100 possessions over their 15 playoff games. The most efficient team in the playoffs in the last six years. They have done all of this against defenses ranked 10^th, seventh and 12^th in the regular season.

The Nuggets are ranked third in effective field goal percentage in the playoffs (55.9%). They are first in turnover rate only committing 11.7 over 100 possessions, different from the regular season at 14.7. They have the second-best assist/turnover ratio with at least 10 games played over the last 25 years (2.27).

The Heat are ranked sixth defensively in the playoffs allowing 111.5 points per 100 possessions. They played two teams that were ranked in the top five in offense in the regular season (Knicks and Celtics). Jimmy Butler has 35 steals that is 10 more than the next player.

This will be a hard-fought series, but the Nuggets are too good and too complete of a team. They will win and Nikola Jokic will win Finals MVP.

CAM'S CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: Nuggets in 6.

With the Jersey Shore packed with weekend visitors, it's once again getting harder to travel. For those of us who like to eat that can be a major problem especially when we love going to our favorite spot just to find it overbooked with tourists.

Well, have no fear if you're in the mood for some delicious barbeque this summer we've got you covered. We took a look at Yelp and found some of the best smokehouses offering prime BBQ right here in Central New Jersey. So you hopefully won't need to get stuck on the GSP for this list.

I really do this to myself though first best pizza places, then ramen shops, and now Barbecue I think I'm just looking for an excuse to go eat out.

So let's see what you and your local community consider to be the seven best places in New Jersey if they're looking for some BBQ to enjoy this summer.

First up is Pork Chops BBQ right of NJ 31 North in Flemington. They offer a wide variety of your favorite barbeque foods from Ribs to Pork Belly. And if you're hungry for it they even have some deliciously sounding and even more delicious looking Portuguese and Filipino menu items.

Reviews say your mouth will start watering at the door and with big portions and friendly staff, you can feel like you're in your own backyard. If you can't make it to Flemington they have two other locations In Middlesex and Ewing. See their full Menu by Clicking Here.

Our next stop to flavor town takes us to Mercer County where Mission BBQ in Hamilton is doing things the American way. They've got all the meat you can eat and more all for affordable prices.

I personally love my turkey I mean who doesn't!? So I might have to take the trip to Hamilton just to give it a try. Though they do offer take-out pick-up packs which is awesome! Check out the full menu on their Website.

Now Boss Hog Barbeque is a bit different in that they are closed on Monday and Tuesday, however, that certainly makes it feel like a middle-of-the-work-week treat when they do open up. So if you're craving a more southern type of BBQ then this South Plainfield location may be your spot.

I stopped at their first menu time. Memphis-styled ribs oh lordy. Customers say they are treated like family by the staff and owners. The meat is tender and charred to perfection. You had me at tender, but if you're not sure what to try they even give you a sampler combo. See their full menu on their Website.

Well now for Somerset County they've got Red and White & Que Smokehouse, it's Veteran family owned which is already a win, but they have decent prices for the quality you're getting. Nothing gets better than tender brisket and delicious mac and cheese. I'd go as far as to say that right there is a perfect combo. Though patrons agree that the food is well cooked and made with love. I wouldn't exactly call it a hidden gem, as it's not so hidden anymore. See their full menu by Clicking Here

Next up this location was featured in an episode of Diners, Drive-in, and Dives. Where we got the full story of how a broken-down food truck became a hot spot in Bridgewater. I'm adding this place to my must-visit as it's simple, easy, and most importantly delicious looking.

Reviews say the service is great and it's nice to take the family and enjoy BBQ outside. This makes sense to me, Barbeque really is an outside food. Though even Guy Fieri called their food a win. See what this food truck can offer you by Clicking Here.

Most of this sums it up a nice Jersey Shore BBQ is what I need in my life. That and a million dollars, but we can stick with the BBQ for now. Right in East Brunswick, you can grab all your favorite Barbeque and more. They even have weekday specials for those looking to take an extended lunch break.

Reviews say when you're on the outside this spot is unassuming, but once you enter the magic begins. What's not to love about that, well you can see why you should skip the Parkway and hop on Route 18 instead by checking out the Website.

Now we've reached the end and if your stomach isn't growling at you then congrats. Mine however practically has a megaphone.

Mostly Smoked is located right in Manalapan and has only been established since 2020. So if they could survive the pandemic then they must be worth every bite. Some say the BBQ game in New Jersey has been on the rise, well this spot is game-changing.

According to the reviews the owner is kind and the staff makes you feel welcome. I have to add this spot to my list and see what real New Jersey Barbeque is like. See their full menu by Clicking Here.