Miami 93-104 Denver: player ratings from Game 1 of the NBA finals

Jimmy Butler (SF) Bottom line: the Heat are going to need much more from their best player. Butler didn’t get to the free-throw line once as the Denver defense did a great job of forcing tough two-pointers without fouling. 6

Caleb Martin (SF) The undrafted 27-year-old was arguably the best player in the Eastern Conference finals but a complete non-factor in Game 1. He had some good looks early that didn’t fall and without seeing the ball go in, he was unable to impact the game. 6

Bam Adebayo (C) Adebayo had great energy and a regained confidence in his shot. He made the Nuggets pay in their drop ball screen coverage as he showed a great touch in the mid-range. He must do a better job of pressuring the passer (Jokić). 8

Schedule

Best-of-seven series. All times Eastern. 

Thu 1 Jun Game 1: Nuggets 104, Heat 93 

Sun 4 Jun Game 2: Heat at Nuggets, 8pm (ABC) 

Wed 7 Jun Game 3: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC) 

Fri 9 Jun Game 4: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC) 

Mon 12 Jun Game 5: Heat at Nuggets, 8.30pm (ABC) * 

Thu 15 Jun Game 6: Nuggets at Heat, 8.30pm (ABC) * 

Sun 18 Jun Game 7: Heat at Nuggets, 8pm (ABC) * 

* if necessary

Gabe Vincent (PG) Vincent made Denver pay for packing it in the paint as he shot it well from the perimeter. Miami will need him to not only hit the open ones, but create a few shots for himself and team-mates to take some pressure off of Butler. 7

Max Strus (SG) The 27-year-old wing had a game to forget. He missed all 10 of his field goal attempts, most of which were open looks. When Denver are forced into rotation, Miami need to convert and Strus was unable to make them pay all night. 3

Duncan Robinson (F) The Miami sniper never got in a rhythm offensively and was a liability on the other end of the