MIAMI — The Denver Nuggets showcased a strong performance on Friday night, overcoming the Miami Heat with a score of 133-113. Jamal Murray was the standout player, contributing 30 points to the team’s success. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic solidified his position as the league leader with his 17th triple-double of the season, boasting a stat line of 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Aaron Gordon supported the effort with an additional 16 points for Denver.
On the Miami side, Tyler Herro led the way with 22 points in the contest. Jimmy Butler made his return after serving a seven-game suspension and added 18 points. Bam Adebayo contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Nikola Jovic also chipped in 16 points for the Heat.
The Nuggets are now at the halfway mark of the season with a record of 25-16, positioning them on track to achieve a winning percentage of at least 60% for the sixth time in the last seven years. This marks a notable improvement, considering they had only six seasons above .600 in the previous 31 years before this recent success.
Conversely, the Miami Heat are experiencing difficulties at home, having lost three consecutive games, the longest streak of this nature for them this season. Each of these losses came by double digits, including a 13-point loss to Indiana and a staggering 36-point defeat to Utah before this latest 20-point setback to Denver.
A crucial moment in the game occurred when Jokic sank a three-pointer just before the third quarter concluded, widening the lead to 12 points. Had that not gone in, the Heat would have been within nine points and had possession to begin the fourth quarter. However, Jokic’s three triggered a 14-2 run that effectively sealed the game for the Nuggets.
Notably, Jokic has shown a remarkable affinity for performing well against the Heat, recording eight triple-doubles in games against them, with the Nuggets maintaining an undefeated streak of 8-0 in those matchups, including two during the NBA Finals.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will conclude their two-game road trip on Sunday in Orlando, while the Heat will remain at home to take on the San Antonio Spurs and their rising star Victor Wembanyama.
