Heat's Erik Spoelstra Says Nuggets 'Pummeled Us in the Paint' in Game 3 Loss

The Miami Heat struggled in numerous areas in Wednesday's 109-94 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Kaseya Center, but none more prominent than defending the paint.

"They just pummeled us in the paint," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after the game. "They didn't even have to shoot threes."

Denver scored 60 points in the paint but struggled from deep, making just five of 18 three-pointers.

Spoelstra also acknowledged his team's difficulties on offense as Miami has been limited to less than 100 points in two of its last three games, both of which were losses.

"Our percentage at the rim or in the paint was pretty poor. Yes, you do have to credit their size and everything like that, but we've proven we can finish in the paint when we're at our best," Spoelstra said. "But offensively, yeah, there's definitely some things where we got flattened out and they jammed us up in possessions, got us late into possessions."

Jimmy Butler finished with 28 points and Bam Adebayo notched 20 points, but the remainder of Miami's starting lineup was a disappointment on Wednesday as Kevin Love, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus combined for just 16 points.

With Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray both playing at an MVP level, there really wasn't much the Heat could do on Wednesday night.

Jokić became the first player in NBA Finals history to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a game, and Murray also finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. They became the first duo in history to record 30-point triple-doubles in the same game, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

"It's a great duo. Their games really complement each other." Spoelstra said after Game 3. "... You have to expect there to be elite talent in the finals, and both of those guys are elite-level talent.

"At our best version, we find ways to overcome that, make it tough on them, and then certainly not lose the overall majority of those physical battles, 50-50 battles."

The Heat have proven they can beat Denver, having taken Game 2 at Ball Arena, and this series is likely far from over.

Game 4 between the Heat and Nuggets is slated for Friday at 8:30 p.m. in Miami.