How Miami Heat’s Twitter Reacted To The Loss Against The Denver Nuggets Thursday Night

The Miami Heat’s start to the NBA Finals wasn’t what fans hoped.

The Denver Nuggets took command early and never let up. The Heat were down 17 at the half, with many fans turning their heads to Max Strus and Cody Zeller.

DID WE LEAVE STRUS IN BOSTON OR SOMETHING??? And WHY DOES ZELLER STILL HAVE A JOB
— ♛𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓕𝓛♛ (@CamCWFL) June 2, 2023

pic.twitter.com/yE5eQdpB9n
— 𝑧𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑢 (@zeekuyg) June 2, 2023

Kevin Love should be getting these Zeller minutes.

Size is overrated
— Silas P. Silas (@KennySpenceNBA) June 2, 2023

They cut the lead a few times but never got close enough to take the lead. Strus and Caleb Martin went a combined 1 of 17 for just three points.

Heat role players tonight pic.twitter.com/DhncBmuhNU
— 💜 (@thefutxre) June 2, 2023

Jimmy Butler wasn’t exempt from criticism, having another lackluster night with just 13 points on 14 shots.

I wonder if Jimmy butler will laugh after this game pic.twitter.com/4OIfzDvKfh
— 𝙅𝙖𝙮𝙓𝙘𝙚 🗡️ (@Jayxce) June 2, 2023

At least Bam Adebayo got to the rim consistently for 26 points. He had his highest scoring performance this postseason, which is necessary for success going forward.

pic.twitter.com/iF324vPaGa
— 𝑧𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑢 (@zeekuyg) June 2, 2023

Some are optimistic the team can bounce back. Haywood Highsmith had 18 points and Gabe Vincent contributed 19. Nearly every Nugget had a peak performance, while many on the Heat just underperformed. If Strus, Martin and Butler play better, this is arguably a closer result. With this in mind, in addition to Tyler Herro’s possible return in Game 2, there was a lot for the fanbase to be positive about.

“This was a winnable game,” user HeatCulture said. “Strus/Caleb started the game shooting 1/17 which isn’t normal, Love or Highsmith needs to start to match the Nuggets size and Jimmy HAS to be more aggressive and attack the paint. Shoutout Bam for playing great. Game 2 is a must-win for us, be ready.”

This was a winnable game. Strus/Caleb started the game shooting 1/17 which isn’t normal, Love or Highsmith needs to start to match the Nuggets size and Jimmy HAS to be more aggressive and attack the paint.

Shoutout Bam for playing great.
Game 2 is a must-win for us, be ready🗣
— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) June 2, 2023

Lots of good things to take away from this game pic.twitter.com/SQ8vK72iCG
— 🔥Heat Culture🔥 (@Heatvstheworld_) June 2, 2023

The Heat return to Denver for Game 2 Sunday night.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.