Nuggets move within one win of first NBA title

The Denver Nuggets have moved within one win of their first NBA title, beating Miami 108-95 to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

Aaron Gordon starred for Denver, putting up 27 points. Nikola Jokic added 23 for the Nuggets, who can secure the championship with a home victory in game five today.

It was a convincing victory for Denver, who were superior in every aspect and had key contributions from across the court, this time by no means reliant on Jokic and Jamaal Murray with Gordon in particular a thorn in Miami's side throughout.

As well as his 11 for 15 shooting, Gordon claimed seven rebounds with six assists and two steals.

The eighth-seeded Heat have made a habit of comebacks and upsets during their run to the finals, but they again looked clear second best against Michael Malone's outstanding team.

Questions had been asked of the Nuggets after they lost game two on their home court, but they leave Miami with two road victories and need one win from three games to clinch the crown.

Denver were up by four at the half, but as in June 7's encounter they took a firm of grip of proceedings during the third quarter where they moved 13 points ahead.

The Nuggets got a scare when Jokic tweaked an ankle in the first quarter and had to cope without the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player for a five minute spell in the fourth when he was benched by Malone after picking up a fifth foul with 9:23 left.

But Miami failed to take advantage, continuing to miss baskets on transition plays and unable to exploit the lack of the Serbian's presence in the paint.

The Heat closed to within 86-81 before Murray drained a huge three and when Jokic came back with 4:09 left, the Nuggets were up nine.

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