Joy Taylor Says The Nuggets Have More Pressure Than Heat In Game 1

The Denver Nuggets will get their very first taste of NBA Finals action on Thursday night.

And even though they’re heavily favored ahead of this game — and rightfully so — NBA analyst Joy Taylor believes they’re under more pressure than the Miami Heat right now.

Taylor explains that this is unexplored territory for the Nuggets — both the players and the organization.

.@JoyTaylorTalks explains why the Nuggets have more pressure than the Heat to win Game 1. pic.twitter.com/24qowRY4df

— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) May 31, 2023

The David vs. Goliath status only puts more pressure on them as they hit the floor tonight, as the Heat are “planning” on dropping two games on the road anyway, and they have nothing to lose and only need to steal one road game to be in control of the series.

Game 1 could lead to plenty of overreaction, and the Nuggets have done a great job of shutting down the outside noise, but it’s the NBA Finals we’re talking about; it means more this time.

That’s one interesting way to put it, and truth be told, the Heat have fully embraced that underdog role, so it’s not like this will be anything new for them.

Erik Spoelstra’s side has beaten the odds night in and night out, barely making the playoffs and then going all the way to the biggest stage in the game.

Of course, all that rest should work in the Nuggets’ favor, as getting a full week to restore their bodies is something not many teams can afford this deep into the season.

But others may argue that rest could lead to rust, whereas the Heat have been forced to keep that high intensity and energy going after that epic Eastern Conference Finals series vs. the Boston Celtics.