Nuggets’ Bruce Brown and Heat’s Gabe Vincent Share Their NBA Finals Mindset

As the highly anticipated NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat approaches, Bruce Brown of the Nuggets and Gabe Vincent of the Heat took some time to join Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson on SiriusXM NBA Radio. In their conversations, Brown and Vincent provided insights into their mindset, the challenges they face, and the respect they have for each other’s teams.

Denver Nuggets’ Bruce Brown:

When asked if the Nuggets finally feel they have gained respect from the outside world, Brown responded with a resounding “No.” He explained, “Nobody’s watched us the whole year. [They’re] only watching us now because we are in the finals. But we still got something to prove.” Brown’s words reflect the Nuggets’ unwavering determination to silence the doubters and show their true worth on the grandest stage in basketball.

The Nuggets’ path to the finals has been riddled with skepticism and underestimation. Brown acknowledged that the Miami Heat, their upcoming opponent, have also faced similar doubts. He emphasized the importance of respecting the Heat, stating, “We’re playing against a great Miami Heat team. They’ve been doubted too. We’ve been doubted. So, it’s gonna be a fun series.” This mutual understanding of the challenges they both face sets the stage for an intense battle between two resilient teams.

Termine mentioned that on paper, the Nuggets seem to have the advantage over the Heat, to which Brown responded, “They got dogs. They got people who are gonna play hard every possession, do all the little things to win games. So, we got the utmost respect for them.” Brown’s acknowledgment of the Heat’s tenacity highlights the Nuggets’ awareness that talent alone won’t guarantee victory in the finals.

Miami Heat’s Gabe Vincent:

Reflecting on their unconventional journey to the finals, Gabe Vincent acknowledged the Miami Heat’s resilience and perseverance. He said, “We’ve had definitely an unconventional route to get here… but we’ve shown a lot of resilience, showed a lot of perseverance, and we’re looking forward to the test.” Vincent’s words capture the Heat’s locker room spirit, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and thrive in high-pressure situations.

Vincent praised coach Erik Spoelstra‘s competitiveness and attention to detail, stating that every aspect of the game matters to him. This relentless focus on preparation and game planning has been a driving force behind the Heat’s success. Vincent also acknowledged Duncan Robinson’s growth and contributions during the playoffs, emphasizing his ability to rise to the occasion and make a significant impact.

When asked about the challenges posed by the Nuggets, Vincent acknowledged their ball movement and the exceptional playmaking ability of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. He stated, “They do a lot of great cuts, and Jokić is a hell of a passer when he’s playing in that position.” Vincent acknowledged the importance of controlling the Nuggets’ offensive focal points and stressed the need for the Heat to be prepared for a tough battle.

Following the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets will face off in the NBA Finals beginning on June 1 at 8:30pm ET. Listen to every game live on SiriusXM NBA Radio (Ch. 86).