NBA; Nuggets Advance To Conference Finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) – The Denver Nuggets have advanced to the NBA’s Western Conference finals by storming back from a three-games-to-one deficit for the second straight series.
The Nuggets trailed by two before allowing just 33 points in the second half of a 104-89 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Denver’s comeback follows its rally against Utah in the first round and puts the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2009.  Jamal Murray poured in 40 points and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 22 rebounds, 16 points and 13 assists. Gary Harris and Jerami Grant each had 14 points in the win.  The Nuggets limited Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to a combined 24 points, with Leonard scoring 14. Montrezl Harrell had a team-high 20 points off the bench for the Clippers, who were trying to reach the conference finals for the first time in franchise history.  The Nuggets now prepare for the Lakers. Los Angeles comes off a five-game series win over the Rockets.  Earlier Tuesday, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have helped the Miami Heat take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston.  Butler converted a three-point play with 12 seconds left in overtime to put the Heat ahead for good in a 117-114 triumph over the Celtics. Adebayo blocked Jayson Tatum’s dunk attempt in the final seconds to seal the win.  Goran Dragic had 29 points, Jae Crowder scored 22 and Butler finished with 20 for Miami. The Celtics outscored the Heat 27-10 over the final 8:17 of the third quarter and led by 14 early in the fourth. Tatum scored 30 points and Marcus Smart had 26 for Boston.