Denver has struck first in the 2023 NBA Finals.
The Nuggets held off a late surge by the Heat on Thursday night, securing a 104-93 win to take a 1-0 series lead. That victory kept their perfect home playoff record intact and left Miami facing a series deficit for the first time this postseason.
Nikola Jokic posted his ninth triple-double of this year's playoffs, finishing with 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. Jamal Murray was also a standout performer, totaling 26 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
Despite an uncharacteristically poor performance by Jimmy Butler, the Heat can take solace in the fact that they fought until the very end. A fourth-quarter rally cut the deficit to single digits, but it was a case of too little, too late.
Now, Miami will look to bounce back with a win to even the series before it shifts to South Beach.
The Sporting News has you covered with all of the key info ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
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What time is Nuggets vs. Heat today?
- Date: Sunday, June 4
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
Game 2 of Nuggets vs. Heat will tip off slightly after 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 4. The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver.
What channel is Nuggets vs. Heat on?
- Date: Sunday, June 4
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling TV
The matchup between Denver and Miami will air on ABC. Viewers in the United States can also live stream Nuggets vs. Heat on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Finals on Sling TV, which is now offering half off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $20 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on ABC.
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Nuggets vs. Heat odds
The Nuggets enter Game 2 as an 8.5-point favorite over the Heat.
| Nuggets | Heat | |
| Spread | -8.5 | +8.5 |
| Moneyline | -400 | +300 |
Odds courtesy of BetMGM, an authorized gaming operator of the NBA. Click HERE to sign up.
Nuggets vs. Heat schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the 2023 NBA Finals:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| June 1 | Nuggets 104, Heat 93 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| June 4 | Game 2 | 8 p.m. | ABC |
| June 7 | Game 3 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| June 9 | Game 4 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| June 12 | Game 5* | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| June 15 | Game 6* | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| June 18 | Game 7* | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
*If necessary