Denver Nuggets dominate Miami Heat in Game 1 of 2022/23 NBA Finals

The Denver Nuggets took no notice of the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the 2022/23 NBA Finals. Playing at home, at the Ball Arena, Nikola Jokic’s team prevailed against the rival and triumphed by 104 to 93 this Thursday. The next match takes place on Sunday at 9 pm, again in Denver. With 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds, Jokic had another triple-double in the season, being the great individual highlight of the night.

Author of 26 points, Jamal Murray shared the status of second highest scorer in the match with rival Bam Adebayo. The coincidences don’t stop there. Both left the court with a double-double as Murray had 10 assists while Adebayo had 13 rebounds.

Other luxury supporting players in the Nuggets’ victory were: Aaron Gordon (16 points) and Michael Porter Jr (14 points and 12 rebounds). For Miami, Gabe Vincent scored 19 times, one more than Haywood Highsmith.

The game started balanced and, with two running minutes, the score pointed to 7 to 6 for Miami. At four, Gordon made it 14 to 9 for Denver. A minute later it was Murray’s turn to score 16 to 11. Gradually the Nuggets took over the match, and, at eight, Murray increased it to 24 to 16. With no strength to react before the end of the quarter, the Heat ended the partial losing 29 to 20.

The match continued with the same panorama in the second quarter and, at two minutes, Porter Jr hit the ball with three, leaving the home team with 11 points ahead: 35 to 24. Inspired, Porter Jr made it 39 to 27 at four. At six, Jokic – hitherto discreet – was fouled and converted both free throws, scoring 47 to 37.

Making a lot of mistakes, especially the three balls, Miami saw Gordon increase to 52 to 37 at nine. It was easy. 37 seconds into the break, Murray hit another triple ball, making it 57 to 42. There was still time for Jokic to set the first-half score at 59 to 42.

With four points from Adebayo and three from Vincent, the Heat opened 7-0 early in the third quarter. Denver only woke up after three minutes, when Murray was fouled and converted two free throws, scoring 62 to 49. The move was the password for the Nuggets to return to control the game. At five, Porter Jr expanded to 67 to 51. Seconds later, it was Jokic’s turn to make 77 to 51 in a triple ball.

At five, Adebayo reduced to 74 to 57, giving the Heat hopes again. At six, it was Martin’s turn to reduce to 74 to 60. The Nuggets responded with baskets by Porter Jr and Brown, cooling the rival’s reaction. At 10, Jokic made 82 to 60. Controlling the match well, Denver closed the fourth winning by 84 to 63.

The last quarter started with baskets by Highsmith and Vincent for Miami. Shortly after, at two minutes, Lowry reduced to 84 to 71, forcing coach Michael Malone to stop the game. The scolding took effect and, at three, Green scored 86 to 74. At four, Jokic increased to 90 to 74. Playing his final card in the match, the Heat reduced to 92 to 80 at seven minutes, after Butler’s basket. Seconds later, Highsmith cut the gap to 10 points: 92 to 82.

Packed, the visiting team reduced to 96 to 87 after 10 minutes thanks to another basket by Highsmith. However, Denver tried to contain the momentum of the opponent in the last minutes, winning the game by 104 to 93.