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Nuggets roll past Heat in Game 1 of NBA Finals

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Nuggets roll past Heat in Game 1 of NBA Finals

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DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets were facing some questions going into their first NBA Finals, and their answers came in resounding fashion.

No, a week and a half off didn’t hurt them.

And no, the NBA’s biggest stage isn’t too big, either.

Jokic got a triple-double in his finals debut, Jamal Murray scored 26 points and the Nuggets had little trouble with the cold-shooting Miami Heat on the way to a 104-93 win in Game 1 on Thursday night.

The two-time NBA MVP finished with 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who waited 47 years to make the finals and didn’t disappoint.


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“The most important thing is to win a game,” Jokic said after his ninth triple-double of this year’s playoffs — his sixth in his last seven games. “I’m trying to win a game in any possible way.”

Aaron Gordon added 16 points and Michael Porter Jr. scored 14 for Denver, which trailed for all of 34 seconds and eventually led by as many as 24.

Bam Adebayo finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, which shot 41% for the game — 33% from 3-point range. Gabe Vincent scored 19, Haywood Highsmith had 18 and Jimmy Butler added 13 for the Heat.

Game 2 is in Denver on Sunday night.

Full recap to come. Check out photos from Game 1 in the slideshow below.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler stands on the court during warmups before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro warms up for Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, sits on the bench during warmups before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin, right, warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray warms up before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to reporters before Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)A Denver Nuggets fan takes a photo before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)A Denver Nuggets fan poses for a photo before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic takes the court before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Fans stand courtside before Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats sing the national anthem before Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat players huddle before Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, rear, jump for the opening tip in Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, left, and center Bam Adebayo, right, defend against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) dunks next to Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (2) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent, left, shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic tries to shoot while defended by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, right, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts during the first half of Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, tries to get past Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots from between Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., left, and center Nikola Jokic during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray dunks next to Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, center, dunks against the Miami Heat during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, shoots while defended by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, back right, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks to pass while defended by Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray reacts during the first half of Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, shoots over Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone gestures during the first half of Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra watches during the first half of Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) is defended by Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, is defended by Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, passes the ball next to Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, center, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, blocks a shot by Miami Heat center Cody Zeller during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) tries to shoot while defended by Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, blocks a shot by Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, maintains possession of the ball while defended by Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon shoots against the Miami Heat during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, Pool)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, lower left, shoots while defended by Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. At right are Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, Pool)Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, left, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic compete for possession of the ball during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, Pool)Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, center, shoots while defended by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) and center Nikola Jokic during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, right, reacts after making a 3-poiunt basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray reacts during the second half of Game 1 of the basketball team’ss NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, right, reacts after making a 3-poiunt basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, and Miami Heat center Cody Zeller (44) compete for possession of the ball during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., left, and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo reach for the ball during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, right, watches during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Peyton Manning, center right, watches during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent, right, shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, shoots over Miami Heat forwards Duncan Robinson, left, and Haywood Highsmith during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., center, shoots a 3-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic compete for possession of the ball during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, and forward Aaron Gordon, front right, celebrate after Game 1 of the basketball team’s NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, center, talks to a reporter after the team’s 104-93 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, gestures to fans after the team’s 104-93 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Miami opened the fourth quarter on an 11-0 run, cutting an 84-63 deficit to start the final period down to 84-74. The Heat actually got within nine on a 3-pointer by Highsmith with 2:34 left, but no closer and there wasn’t any doubt, either.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone gave his team a pop quiz in shootaround Thursday morning, peppering them with questions about the game plan and what had to be done in the most important game to date in franchise history.

They had all the answers then. Had them all at game time, too. They were the team with minimal NBA Finals experience, only two players having been to the title round before, and yet they looked right at home before the home crowd in Game 1.


Photos: 40 years of Nuggets jerseys

Jokic became the second player in the last 25 years — LeBron James was the other, in 2017 — to have 10 assists by halftime of a finals game. He had 10 points and 10 assists by the break, and Denver was up 59-42 after the first two quarters.

That wasn’t good for Miami. Nor was this: The Nuggets were in full control and Jokic had taken only three shots.

“I don’t need to shoot and I know I don’t need to score to affect the game,” Jokic said.

And this part was worse for Miami: The Heat just couldn’t shoot. At all. Or at least, not until Denver was too far ahead to catch. Max Strus was 0 for 10 through three quarters, 0 for 9 on 3-pointers. Caleb Martin — who narrowly missed out on winning the MVP award of the Eastern Conference finals — was 1 for 7.

TIP-INS

Heat: Miami fell to 1-6 all-time in Game 1s of the NBA Finals. The Heat lost the series opener in each of their title years — 2006, 2012 and 2013 — and the only win came in 2011, a series they eventually lost to Dallas. … Adebayo’s 25 shots were a career-high. He became the third player to score at least 24 points for Miami in Game 1 of a finals. James did it three times for the Heat and Dwyane Wade did it in 2006.

Nuggets: Jokic became the eighth player to have a triple-double in Game 1 of a finals matchup. None of the others were accompanied by 27 points; Dave Cowens had a 25-point triple-double to open the 1976 finals. … Bruce Brown, who played his college ball at Miami, scored 10. … Denver got to the foul line 20 times to Miami’s two.

CELEB WATCH

Among those in the sellout crowd: Grammy winner H.E.R., NFL legend and former Denver quarterback Peyton Manning, current Denver quarterback Russell Wilson, Broncos coach Sean Payton and actor-comedian Ken Jeong.

Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals schedule

All times are in Mountain Daylight Time:

Game 1 in Denver – Thursday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 2 in Denver – Sunday, June 4 at 6 p.m.

Game 3 in Miami – Wednesday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 4 in Miami – Friday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 5 in Denver- Monday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 6 in Miami – Thursday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 7 in Denver – Sunday, June 18 at 6 p.m. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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