Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was in attendance to watch the Denver Nuggets defeat the Miami Heat 104-93 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
After wrapping up the second week of organized team activities, Payton took some friends to the game to “convert” them to being Nuggets fans.
“I’ve got some college friends that are in town,” Payton said after the Broncos’ practice session on Thursday. “All of us played quarterback at Eastern Illinois and we get together once a year. I’m going to take them and convert them to Nuggets fans. It’s exciting for the city.
“When you think of this for a second — in two years, the Kroenkes have won a Super Bowl, have won a Stanley Cup and they’re in a position to win an NBA championship. I think that’s something that — it’s good to be a Kroenke for the last two years. That’s pretty impressive to have that type of success. I’m excited for the city to watch these guys. Yeah, we’ll have a chance to go.”
The Broncos have been all in on supporting the Nuggets.
LET'S 👏 GO 👏 @nuggets! 👏#BringItIn x #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/J2oSEIkFFk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 1, 2023
Before Thursday’s game, Peyton Manning served as the voice for Denver’s hype video.
Peyton Manning narrates the Nuggets hype video…
pic.twitter.com/YRnLWsH53G— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) June 1, 2023
Manning golfed with Charles Barkley before Game 1 — something Barkley predicted would happen when the Nuggets had a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
A deal's a deal. 🤝@nuggets x #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/TG0cwPvR4s
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 2, 2023
Manning was later at the game with his son, Marshall.
Some GOATS. 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/d64I7kxiPS
— MileHighGreco (@MileHighGreco) June 2, 2023
Couple of 🐐s … also how about Marshall with the Iverson jersey ?!🔥pic.twitter.com/qu4G5yJdFC
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) June 2, 2023
Payton caught up with Peyton and introduced him to his friends.
Broncos coach Sean Payton, sitting 4 seats down from me, comes to say hello to 18 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wDRYmQejvv
— Zach Bye (@byesline) June 2, 2023
Wilson also took his son, Future, to the game.
Russell Wilson in the house for the #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/oJhVKksojP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 2, 2023
Ok. Love that Russ took his kid. That’s awesome. What an amazing memory. AWESOME dad move. pic.twitter.com/7XidAwyTwI
— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) June 2, 2023
Broncos defensive backs Justin Simmons and Pat Surtain displayed their support for the Nuggets during their media sessions on Thursday before Game 1.
Justin Simmons AND Pat Surtain II representing the Nuggets as they kick off the NBA Finals tonight. pic.twitter.com/2TnhsFr4Oj
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 1, 2023
Simmons sat near Wilson at the game.
@DangeRussWilson & @jsimms1119 in the building for for game 1. Let’s go @nuggets 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/5M3v2TzwIw
— Orlando Franklin (@OFranklin74) June 2, 2023
The Broncos shared a message of support for the Nuggets from Simmons and Surtain on Thursday afternoon.
#BringItIn, @nuggets! 👊@jsimms1119 x @PatSurtainll pic.twitter.com/cgJ4MUEOT1
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 2, 2023
Best Times. @Nuggets Win! pic.twitter.com/0De7e4rI8P
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 2, 2023
Russ after the dub 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ompJvlIbn5
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 2, 2023
Neighbors always showin' support 🤝#BringItIn x @Broncos pic.twitter.com/tTgOIerKeH
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 2, 2023
Following Thursday’s win, the Nuggets will host the Heat for Game 2 in Denver on Sunday night.
