We are finally here, and not June either. The 2023 NBA Finals are upon us and it features two teams that have been doubted throughout the playoffs. The Denver Nuggets host the Miami Heat in game one for a rare first versus eighth seeded NBA Finals.

The two teams arrived to finals but on different paths. The Denver Nuggets dominated their way through the playoffs, with only one series going to six games. They have won every game on their home court, Ball Arena, and won at least one game on the road in every series. This team locked down Anthony Edwards/Karl Anthony Towns, the odds favorite of Kevin Durant/Devin Booker, and the top 75 all-time players combination of Lebron James/Anthony Davis. They achieved at least three franchise goals with the win of the Western Conference; First time to beat the LA Lakers, the first playoff series sweep (winning without a loss), and the first conference championship.

The Miami Heat took the path less traveled, yet arrived at the same destination. The Heat (along with the 2023 Lakers) were the first play-in teams to win a playoff series. Interestingly enough both of these teams met in the 2020 NBA Finals, and both made it to the conference finals… However Miami advanced. They did so under the outstanding leadership of Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra. They took down the team with the best record, the Milwaukee Bucks. They proceeded to dismantle the New York Knicks in the semi-conference finals. Then Miami gained a 3-0 lead on the defending Eastern Conference Champions. Only to watch it dissolve to a 3-3 tie, and a winner take all game seven. Behind excellent play from Caleb Martin and Jimmy Butler the Heat won easily. Their lead never got below five points in the second half.

There are many differences in this matchup; first against a last seeded team, one city at 5,280 feet the other at sea level (O feet), one franchise’s first finals appearance-to another’s seventh in sixteen years, one team’s star duos are USA born players (Butler/Adebayo) compared to the Serbia/Canada connection of Jokic and Murray… and more.

The common theme is the disregard and disrespect shown to both by major media outlets, fans of other NBA teams, and social media. According to several of those outlets neither were suppose to be in the conference finals, much less the NBA Finals. Most of the country hasn’t had the fortune of watching the Denver Nuggets, and there was a large population of people that did not believe Nikola Jokic nor Jimmy Butler were superstars prior to this finals appearance. Jamal Murray is an elite top ten draft, and Miami’s ‘role players’ Robinson, Martin, and Vincent are playing better than most stars on other teams, yet they receive little praise or attention from the national media.

Jamal Murray will put his stamp on the 2023 Finals, and it could come in several games or a half. But his ability to make consecutive baskets can happen at any time, and regardless of how the game goes until that moment.

Coach Mike Malone and Erik Spoelstra are some of the best in the league, and have been for half a decade. There are several predications in this game, from the Nuggets will come out cold, to Heat will be exhausted. The truth is, most of these players are the happiest they can be in their career, at this particular moment. They are in the finals, they are undefeated, and they both had hard fought battles to be here. Both coaches will have their players focused and a game plan.

BET OF THE NIGHT:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) OVER 10.5 Points (-105). Outside of Denver Nuggets fans and media, very few know how much of a leader KCP is. He is the starting shooting guard, and won the NBA Finals with the 2020 LA Lakers… He’s been here, his nerves will be less rattled, and Jokic trust him. Trust this line to cover at Ball Arena.
Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) OVER 2.5 Threes made (-145). This bet has been known as ‘The Well’ since mid January. The odds have shifted, but they are still favorable. Bet and trust The Well to keep providing.

The Golden Triangle:
Center – Nikola Jokic. He’s the best center in this match, a triple double is within grasp, and he will not be denied. He’s a must in any winning lineup.
Forward – Michael Porter Jr. He has an advantage over any wing in the NBA and has fresh legs to launch it from behind the arc. Get him and enjoy what could be a 20 point game.
Guard – Kentavious Caldwell Pope. He has gone over his point projection in his last three of four games, he will want to shoot early to take pressure off of his teammates, and this offense allows for the shooting guard to be an involved passer. A bargain of deal for a guard.

An NBA finals unlike any other begins today! Find a good spot and enjoy the game!

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy