NBA FINALS Nikola Jokic has monster triple-double as Denver Nuggets beat Miami Heat to take Game 1

Nikola Jokic's spectacular season continues as the Denver Nuggets win Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. The Denver Nuggets made a statement early on Friday, June 2, 2023, defeating the Miami Heat 104-93. Jamal Murray had 26 points and 10 assists, while Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists for another triple-double. While Jokic finally took the lead, the Nuggets were able to win the first game of the series without relying heavily on him, courtesy to Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon. Jokic finished 8 of 12 from the floor for his fourth triple-double of the playoffs despite taking only five shots in the first three quarters. Denver, the Western Conference's top seed, moved to 9-0 in the playoffs at home by shooting 59.5 percent from the field in the first half and 50.6 percent overall. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler was held to 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting. The Eastern Conference's eighth-seeded club lost the series opener on the road for the first time in four attempts. Gabe Vincent scored 19 points and Haywood Highsmith added 18 for the Heat, who shot 37.5 percent in the first half and 40.6 percent overall. The Miami Heat had the opportunities, but they were unable to take advantage of them, which cost them dearly. With Max Strus going 0 for 10 and Duncan Robinson going 1 for 6, the Heat were far from having a shooting clinic.  The impact of playing at an altitude in the Mile High City might have been to blame, but occasionally shots just don't fall. On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Nuggets will host Game 2, and the Heat will now try to get back on track.