Who will have the biggest impact? Jamal Murray vs. Jimmy Butler
This may be the most intriguing matchup in the NBA Finals because these two players have so many similarities and their teams depend on them. Both of them can come through in clutch situations, volunteers, and embraces guarding the opposing team’s best player and both are probably the players who everyone wants to see win a ring the most after all the challenges and struggles they endured throughout their careers.
Butler has been rock solid throughout another epic playoff run and he has proven time and time again that he is built for these moments. As he has literally carried the Heat on his back at times, it has to be concerning with the heavy workload.
It’s a good thing that the Heat have Butler to depend on but if the Nuggets are able to wear him down before the 4th quarter, then the Heat may be in trouble. The entire Heat team must be assertive and try to keep Butler as fresh and energized as possible. If the Heat can keep the game close until the 4th quarter, a composed and rested Butler can carry them home.
Murray is just as lethal as Butler and gives the Nuggets the best offensive 1-2 punch in the league alongside Jokic. Murray knows when to attack and knows how to pick his spots. He can score at all 3 levels effectively and is like a shark who smells blood in the water if he realizes he has a mismatch.