The Denver Nuggets opened the finals with a statement win, taking the first game in a best-of-seven series with a clear 104-93 triumph over the Miami Heat. The result set the tone in the arena as Denver asserted its presence on the big stage and showcased depth across the roster in a matchup that fans had awaited all season.
Denver rode a balanced attack that featured five players in double figures, highlighted by Nikola Jokic, whose all-around mastery turned the game into a showcase of control. Jokic finished with a triple-double, totaling 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists as he directed plays with poise and precision, turning the court into an extension of his vision and decision-making. His performance echoed a historic cadence, joining a select group of players who have delivered a triple-double in their Finals debut while also steering the Nuggets toward the opening victory.
Ball Arena in Denver thrummed with anticipation as the Finals tipped off. The arena carried the energy of a team that had navigated a demanding path to the championship stage, and the Nuggets responded with composure and cohesion. The night was marked by sharp defense in the early quarters, a disciplined offensive approach, and a willingness to execute late in the game without overextending. After a grueling Eastern Conference final that stretched to seven games against the Boston Celtics, Denver appeared rested and ready to press forward in this new chapter of the season.
With nine days to prepare after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0, Denver displayed balance across the lineup. Jokic produced a masterclass in game management, taking intelligent shots and finding teammates with precision. He went 8-for-12 from the field and converted 10 of 12 free throws, setting a tone that the Nuggets would ride throughout the night. The performance also placed Jokic among the elite in Finals history, as he matched a notable benchmark by becoming one of the few players to post a triple-double in their first Finals appearance. The team’s early edge was built on a stifling defense and a relentless offense, with Jamal Murray finishing with 26 points and 10 assists, Aaron Gordon chipping in 16 points, and Michael Porter Jr. contributing 14 points along with 13 rebounds. Bam Adebayo accounted for 26 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, while Jimmy Butler added a steady 13 points, though the Heat struggled to find consistent momentum from their supporting cast. Caleb Martin and Max Strus, however, provided glimpses of resistance, fighting through a difficult stretch to keep Miami within reach for stretches of the game.
The Heat roared back in the final quarter, trying to erase the early deficit, but the Nuggets leveraged home-court energy and continued to execute under pressure. Denver did not allow the game to slip away, maintaining a comfortable lead that required persistent effort from Miami to create a genuine challenge. Even as some late-game slack appeared at times, the Nuggets steadied themselves and preserved the result, underscoring the advantage of playing in front of their home fans and the impact of a well-balanced roster on both ends of the floor.
Gordon drew attention early with a physical assault on the paint, testing Miami’s interior defense. His early burst created a problem for the Heat, as he attacked the rim with power and force, contributing 12 points in the first period and setting a tone that Miami could not easily answer. Jokic followed with a first quarter that displayed his intelligence and efficiency; he scored sparingly from the field but distributed the ball with accuracy, grabbing teammates into sequences that kept the Nuggets ahead and balanced. Butler and Adebayo produced 15 points between them, but Denver’s offense clicked ahead of them, creating a lead that grew as the period progressed. Murray and Porter Jr. provided timely three-point shooting that punctuated Denver’s advantage and kept Miami on its heels as Jokic’s influence grew on the floor.
As the game moved forward, Jokic’s vision and playmaking continued to dictate the flow. He compiled a double-digit assist total while maintaining a steady scoring presence, and his leadership helped the Nuggets sustain momentum during critical stretches. The team’s defense limited the Heat’s best options, forcing Miami into tougher looks and fewer clean opportunities. Adebayo battled through an efficient first half with 16 points, but the Heat’s overall rhythm lagged behind Denver’s efficiency, and the halftime margin reflected that disparity. Butler endured a tougher night, finishing with limited production, while Strus and Martin struggled to produce consistent offense, underscoring the challenge Miami faced in matching Denver’s depth and execution. Denver finished the first half with a strong cushion, aided by Murray’s 18 points and a shooting rate hovering around an impressive mark, as Jokic accumulated a 10-point, 10-assist first half without requiring a heavy offensive workload from him in every possession.
Entering the second half, the Nuggets remained in control, extending their lead to the edge of the 20-point mark for a stretch as they applied continued pressure. The Heat attempted a late surge, briefly reviving with a 0-for-7 run, but Denver answered decisively, reasserting its advantage and sealing the game with a display of composure and precision. The final minutes found Jokic orchestrating from the frontline while teammates contributed to a balanced, effective finish that emphasized teamwork over individual heroics. The outcome left little doubt about the Nuggets’ readiness to compete for the championship and signaled a challenging road for Miami as they sought to rebound in Game 2 in Denver.
Game two of these Finals is scheduled to take place in Denver on Sunday, as both teams prepare for another high-stakes matchup that will test adjustments, resilience and the capacity to execute under pressure in this championship series.