Denver Takes Game 1: NBA Finals 2022-23 Thriller

Denver Takes Game 1 - NBA Finals 2022-23

It is that time of the year, NBA Finals - Denver Nuggets v/s the Miami Heat, Denver chasing their 1st ever NBA Title and Miami, one of the biggest underdog stories of the NBA Season is on its route to clinch the NBA Championship.

On Thursday night at Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets easily defeated the Miami Heat to win Game 1 of the NBA Finals. With another triple-double effort and 27 points on the night, Nikola Jokic helped his team win the first game of the series 104-93 for Denver. The Nuggets got off to a strong start because of two-time MVP Nikola Jokic's efficient scoring performance and assistance in creating opportunities for his teammates. Jokic scored 27 points on 12 shots, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds to notch his tenth postseason triple-double this year. He now ranks third all-time in postseason triple-doubles with 15, behind Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).

Denver, which trailed for only 34 seconds before leading by as many as 24, also had 16 points from Aaron Gordon and 14 from Michael Porter Jr.

On the opposite note, Miami, apart from Bam Adebayo struggled to get off on the game. Miami Heat had no offensive options against a Denver squad that isn't well-known for its defensive prowess. Jimmy Butler only scored 13 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals from the Mile High City while Adebayo had 26 points after a terrible past few games. 

Bam Adebayo led Miami, which shot 41% overall and 33% from 3-point range, with 26 points and 13 rebounds in the contest. For the Heat, Gabe Vincent had 19 points, Haywood Highsmith had 18, and Jimmy Butler had 13.

Caleb Martin went 0 for 7, falling just short of claiming the MVP honours for the Eastern Conference playoffs. And Max Strus was just the second player in the previous 45 years to attempt so many shots in a finals game without succeeding (he was 0 for 10 overall and 0 for 9 on 3-pointers).

As Nikola Jokic secured a late rebound to earn his eighth triple-double this postseason with 27, 10 and 14 assists, Miami went on an 11-0 run to start the fourth but couldn't get closer than nine points. Murray finished with 26 points, Gordon scored 15, and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 14 more. 

As the NBA Finals looking to be a one-sided affair, the Miami Heat has been successful in a comeback and silencing the doubters, let us tune on to Game 2 to know the outcome