Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Jimmy Butler delivered a masterclass in leadership Saturday, expressing optimism, calm, direction and perspective before Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Caleb Martin is just one of Miami’s undrafted players who was overlooked, cast off and used the G League to improve and land an NBA deal.

Michael Porter Jr. is an underappreciated part of the Nuggets’ success, bringing a gifted offensive game and improved defensive routine to NBA Finals.

The Heat can allow one of those Nuggets players to have a breakout performance but not both − at least if they want a chance at winning the NBA title.

Who wins the NBA Finals? Miami is trying to make history as the first No. 8 seed to win an NBA title. Denver is going for the franchise’s first title.

The Miami Heat like their stars, no question. They also like their hidden gems and finding players who fit their system. How were the Heat built?

The Nuggets are in the NBA Finals for the first time and it’s thanks in large part to their success in the draft.

Twelve NBA teams have never won a championship, including the Nuggets. We rank those squads by closest to winning first title.

A No. 8 seed winning the NBA Finals? Most would say no way, but with the Heat, Spoelstra and Butler, you have to leave room for the possibility.

With Game 7 win over Celtics, Heat escape ignominy and avoid becoming first team in NBA history to lose series after building a 3-0 lead.