The following comes courtesy of Bard, Google’s AI platform except where bold.
Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals was a close and exciting contest. The Nuggets led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but the Heat rallied to take a 59-57 lead at halftime [In fact, the Heat had a 10 point lead in the first half. That was the largest lead either team had. Unfortunately for the Heat, it did not last]. Denver regained the lead in the third quarter, but the Heat tied the game at 81 with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets then went on a 13-0 run to close out the game and win 94-89.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jamal Murray added 14 points and 8 assists, and Michael Porter Jr. had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 21 points, but he shot just 7-of-22 from the field [Everything here was perfect, until the end. It’s worth noting because it was in these details that Bard would go off the rails earlier. AI is clearly learning and getting better! While Butler scored 21 points, he did it while shooting 5-of-18].
The Nuggets’ victory was a historic moment for the franchise. They had not won an NBA championship since 1975, and they were the first team to win the championship after finishing the regular season in the 6th seed [Wrong on both counts here. The Golden State Warriors were led by MVP Rick Barry when they won the NBA World Championship series in 1975. The 2023 Denver Nuggets were not a 6th seed, but the best team out of the Western Conference. Now, they are the best in the world!]
The Nuggets’ victory was also a personal triumph for Nikola Jokic. He was named the NBA Finals MVP, becoming the first player from a non-playoff team to win the award. Jokic averaged 28.1 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in the Finals [Jokic averaged 30.2 points, 14 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Amazing Finals MVP numbers].
The Nuggets’ victory was a surprise to many, but they were able to overcome their underdog status and win their first NBA title in franchise history.
Calling the Nuggets an underdog is wrong. They came into the series as the #1 seed and showed they deserved it. Now, was their win a surprise to many, yes. The Denver Nuggets were overshadowed coming into these playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and others. But all of those teams are at home while the Bucks are parading in downtown Denver! Congratulations to the NBA’s best in 2023, the Denver Nuggets!
