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3 Series-defining takeaways from Game 1 of the NBA Finals

By Xaiver Aguiar

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 01: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets sets a screen for Jamal Murray #27 against Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena on June 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 01: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets sets a screen for Jamal Murray #27 against Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena on June 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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In game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Denver Nuggets’ wire-to-wire victory could spell the beginning of the end of the Miami Heat’s magical run.

The Denver Nuggets quickly put to rest any thoughts of coming into the series sluggish after a nine-day layoff Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Denver’s only deficit came two minutes into the first quarter, and they never looked back, leading by as much as 24 and closing out a dominant 104-93 victory to take a 1-0 series lead over the Miami Heat.

The box score only tells part of the story, and there are plenty of intriguing storylines to divulge into. Here are my three main takeaways from Game 1:

1. Caleb Martin might not be the second coming of Klay Thompson

Boston Celtics fans are still having nightmares about Caleb Martin catching lightning in a bottle and having one of the most unlikely conference finals performances in league history. His numbers resembled a video game, scoring 135 points on 60% from the field, a line only seven players have achieved in the last 40 years. Add in the fact he was vital as a switchblade defender, and you have the best Klay Thompson impression in recent memory.

It was hard to expect a guy who averaged under 10 points per game in the regular season to continue this incredible run, but I wasn’t expecting such an immediate regression. Martin tallied just three points in his finals debut, hitting just one of his seven attempts, and never seemed to get into a rhythm. The defensive intensity wasn’t there either, and he was a liability for a large part of his 25 minutes on the floor.

Erik Spoelstra saw enough, and Martin got benched in the fourth quarter in favor of Haywood Highsmith. If Martin continues to put in these kinds of shifts, you mine as well hand the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the Nuggets. Even if guys like Highsmith or Duncan Robinson get it going, the ability to create his own shot and defensive intensity has made Martin so invaluable to this playoff run.