Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray dominate as Denver takes Game 1 of the Finals 104-93

The Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets will meet for Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals Thursday, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Heat enter this matchup as a No. 8 seed, while the Nuggets come in as a No. 1 seed. This is Denver’s first Finals appearance, while Miami is making history as the first team to reach the Finals from the play-in tournament.

The Nuggets are 8.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the total comes in at 219. Denver is -360 on the moneyline while Miami is +295.

Here we’ll have the latest updates from the game, relevant odds information and video highlights.

Heat vs. Nuggets Game 1 live updates

End of Game 1 - The Nuggets win Game 1convincingly behind a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, defeating the Heat 104-93. Nuggets -8.5 hits, as does the under on 219. If you had Nuggets moneyline, you’re a winner as well. The Nuggets were able to maintain their offensive efficiency for four quarters, while the Heat couldn’t get to the free-throw line or hit enough threes. It’s a 1-0 lead for Denver heading into Game 2 Sunday.

Fourth quarter - The Heat got the deficit to single digits at one point but the Nuggets once again responded to create some separation late in Game 1. Miami simply doesn’t have enough time or consistency right now to pull this one off. It looks like Denver will take Game 1 and maintain its perfect home record in the playoffs.

Fourth quarter - The Nuggets have responded slightly to Miami’s run, as they have a double-digit lead once again. Jokic is still one rebound away from a triple-double but he’s now up to 19 points for the game. The Heat have still not played. Butler in this quarter, and we’ll see if they opt to go to him with this game slowly starting to slip out of reach.

Fourth quarter - The Heat have cut into the deficit with an 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter, which was headlined by two made triples. If Miami’s three-point shooting can show positive regression, there’s a chance the Heat can keep eating into this deficit. They trail Denver 84-71 with just over 10 minutes left in Game 1.

End of the third quarter - This has been all Denver in Game 1, with the Nuggets holding a massive 21-point lead. It feels larger given Miami’s inability to hit any sort of shot. Jokic is one rebound away from a triple-double, while Murray, Porter Jr. and Gordon have combined for 52 points. Nuggets -8.5 is looking like a lock. The under on 219 is looking solid as well, especially if the Nuggets ease off with a big lead.

Third quarter - The Heat continue to struggle offensively, and Denver has now opened up a 19-point lead as the third quarter winds down. Jokic, Murray and Porter Jr. are all locked in, while the Heat can’t get much out of anyone other than Adebayo. Unless Miami is able to clean some things up defensively, this one is going to be a slow bleed the rest of the way.

Third quarter - It’s been all Jokic and the Nuggets in the third quarter after a quick spurt from Miami. Denver is back up by 16 points, with Jokic up to 14 points and 11 assists. Murray has 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. On the flip side, Strus hasn’t made a single triple in 10 attempts. The Heat have shot 5-21 from behind the arc. That’s not going to win you many games, and it certainly isn’t going to win you games against this Nuggets team.

Third quarter - The Heat had a quick 7-0 run going to start the second half but Murray made a key play on both sides of the ball to quickly put the Nuggets back up by double digits. The Heat have been unable to string together good offensive possessions consistently, and Butler has struggled to get going.

Halftime - Here are some more halftime stats for Game 1. The Nuggets posted 59.5/45.5/100 shooting splits in the first half, while the Heat posted 37.5/23.5/100 splits. Denver won on the glass and had more assists, and it makes sense why the Nuggets have a 17-point lead. We’ll see if Miami can make some dents into this deficit over the second half or if Denver keeps building on this advantage.

Halftime - It’s been a dominant first half for the Nuggets, who hold a 59-42 lead over the Heat in Game 1 at halftime. Jokic leads the way with 10 points and 10 assists, while Murray has poured in 18 points. Adebayo has 16 for the Heat, who have gone 4-17 from behind the arc so far. It’s been all Nuggets and them winning with the cover is looking great right now. The under on 219 is also looking excellent.

Second quarter - The Heat have not been able to connect from behind the arc in this game, shooting 3-13 from the perimeter so far. Jokic has been phenomenal as expected with eight points, eight assists and three rebounds while Gordon and Murray have combined for 25 points. The Nuggets have opened up a 50-37 lead with just over three minutes to go in the first half.

Second quarter - Porter Jr. took a shot from Adebayo on a loose ball but the play was not blown dead and the Heat were able to get an easy layup. The Nuggets still hold a 39-31 lead.

Second quarter - Michael Porter Jr. has hit his second triple of the game as the Nuggets have opened up a double-digit advantage. Murray has also hit a triple in this quarter as Denver tries to break Miami’s zone defense. The Heat had success zoning the Celtics but the Nuggets might have better overall shooting to beat it.

End of the first quarter - The Nuggets hold a 29-20 lead over the Heat at the end of the first quarter, so there’s been little rust despite having more than a week off. Miami has missed some easy shots, but has not done well defending Denver in the halfcourt. At the moment, Nuggets -8.5 is looking solid. The under on 219 is looking promising as well.

First quarter - It’s 27-20 Nuggets with just under two minutes left in the first quarter. Gordon has been cooking with 12 points, and the Heat simply don’t have an answer for him in the paint. Nikola Jokic already has five assists but hasn’t taken a shot yet. Murray has eight points early. For the Heat, Butler has seven points and Bam Adebayo has come alive with eight points.

First quarter - We’ve hit the first timeout of Game 1 and it’s been the Aaron Gordon show so far. He’s got eight points on 4-6 shooting as the Nuggets have jumped out to a 14-9 lead. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with five points.

First quarter - Jamal Murray turns the corner on a screen and makes a tough contested shot for the first bucket of the 2023 NBA Finals.

Pregame - We’ve got the starting lineups for both sides and they are going to be unchanged entering Game 1. The Heat will start with Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. The Nuggets will start with Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic.

Pregame - The outcome of this Finals series will be determined by plenty of matchups, but there are five in particular to highlight. The team which wins more of these matchups is more likely to win the series and the title.

Pregame - Here’s what DK Nation has surrounding Game 1 for those who haven’t had a chance to look at the lines or make bets. We’ve got game picks, Heat and Nuggets player props, DFS lineup advice and Same Game Parlays. We’ve also got a look at how the public is betting on tonight’s game and the series as a whole.