MIAMI (AP) — No staff arrived into Monday night time having authorized less factors in the paint for every video game this time than Miami.
Nikola Jokic was not bothered.
The two-time reigning MVP built the most of each possibility, finishing with 27 factors on 12-of-14 taking pictures and major the Denver Nuggets previous the Warmth 112-108 — snapping Miami’s 8-activity dwelling successful streak.
“Nikola did what he does,” Denver coach Michael Malone explained.
Jokic also experienced 12 rebounds and 8 assists for Denver, which shot 58%. The Nuggets moved five games ahead of idle Memphis atop the Western Conference standings and joined Boston as the only groups to reach the 40-earn mark this season.
“He’s a fantastic participant. He can make everybody all around him much better,” Miami’s Max Strus reported. “They stepped up and made shots. Tricky team to conquer. Certainly, they are No. 1 in the West for a reason.”
The Nuggets had been 29 of 40 inside of the paint, superior for 58 factors. Miami arrived into the evening making it possible for an common of 44.9 paint factors.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 17, Bruce Brown extra 16, Jeff Environmentally friendly scored 12 and three Nuggets — Vlatko Cancar, Christian Braun and Thomas Bryant — just about every finished with 10 points.
“It speaks to the good quality of our depth,” Malone explained.
Jimmy Butler had 24 points, nine helps and eight rebounds for the Warmth. Strus scored 23, Bam Adebayo had 19, Gabe Vincent 15 and Jamaree Bouyea additional 10 for Miami.
Denver was with out its second- and third-main scorers — Jamal Murray (suitable knee inflammation) and Aaron Gordon (left rib contusion). It was the fifth consecutive game missed for Murray, and the 3rd in a span of five games for Gordon.
Malone claimed “hopefully, maybe” they could return in Denver’s match towards Dallas on Wednesday, the team’s finale right before the All-Star break.
Brown, who played his higher education ball at Miami, produced a 3-pointer with 9:07 remaining in the 3rd to set Denver up 70-69 — and the Nuggets held the lead the relaxation of the way. Denver eventually led by as a lot of as 10. Miami bought inside one position on 3 instances from there.
“People really don’t win below a lot, specifically since there is a large amount of festivities, certainly,” Brown stated. “But they’re also a good staff … happy we obtained the win.”
It was the 40th double-double of the year for Jokic. Only Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, with 44, has additional.
Tip-INS
Nuggets: Denver’s 40-18 history matches the finest 58-match commence in franchise history. The Nuggets also ended up 40-18 in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. … Jokic acquired a specialized with 16.7 seconds remaining in the fifty percent, arguing that he was fouled as he scored. It was his 3rd technological of the time.
Warmth: It was one more shut recreation for Miami. The Warmth fell to 20-12 in games made the decision by 5 details or fewer. … Miami Dolphins mentor Mike McDaniel was at the activity. … The Heat do not enjoy at dwelling again until finally March 1. That’ll start a extend exactly where 12 of the closing 20 Warmth game titles are at house. … Kyle Lowry (still left knee soreness) and Victor Oladipo (ankle) remained out. Tyler Herro also missed the sport with a left knee bruise, endured in Saturday’s win at Orlando.
BAM’S Mom
Marilyn Blount, Adebayo’s mom, presented her two-time All-Star son with a ball commemorating the accomplishment in a quick pregame ceremony.
JOKIC VS. JOVIC
Barring an NBA Finals conference, the entire world will have to hold out right up until upcoming season for a Jokic vs. Jovic matchup. Warmth rookie Nikola Jovic did not enjoy in possibly Miami-Denver video game this period. He’s at this time out with a worry reaction in his reduce back again.
UP Up coming
Nuggets: Host Dallas on Wednesday.
Warmth: Visit Brooklyn on Wednesday.
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