Sixers rival watch: Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets over Heat in Game 1
While the Philadelphia 76ers are out of the playoffs, now is the time to look around the playoff action as the NBA Finals began on Thursday night in the Mile High City.
The Denver Nuggets, in the finals for the first time in franchise history, and the No. 8 seed Miami Heat led by former Sixers star Jimmy Butler matched up. The Nuggets were the well-rested team and they put on an offensive clinic in Game 1.
Nikola Jokic had an easy night out on the floor as he had 27 points on 8-for-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 104-93 win in Game 1. Jamal Murray also had a big night for Denver with 26 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds while Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Bruce Brown all scored in double-figures.
Whata sequence of events. pic.twitter.com/zE70KTQWc0
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 2, 2023
The Heat will need to shoot the ball much better moving forward. Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Duncan Robinson combined to shoot a miserable 2-for-16 from deep. Bam Adebayo had 26 points and 13 rebounds to lead Miami.