Nikola Jokic became only the second player to post a triple-double on his NBA Finals debut as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in Game 1 at Ball Arena.
The Western Conference champions ran out 104-93 winners on home territory, as Jokic ended the night with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists to his name.
The 28-year-old's triple-double was his seventh from his last nine playoff games, and the only previous player to make a triple-double on their NBA Finals inauguration was Jason Kidd.
Fellow Finals debutant Jamal Murray also contributed to the cause with a double-double, recording 26 points and 10 assists, as well as six rebounds.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 26 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, but there was no quelling the Nuggets, who were behind for a mere 34 seconds in total during their first NBA Finals game in 47 years.
Ball Arena will also host Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Sunday night before Michael Malone takes his side to Kaseya Center next Wednesday.
Ben Knapton
