Nikola Jokic had 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his 15th triple-double of the season to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat 123-106 on Wednesday night.
Michael Porter Jr. added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Six Denver players scored in double figures in the team's first game without Jamal Murray, who is out for the rest of the season.
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Nikola Jokic had 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his 15th triple-double of the season to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat 123-106 on Wednesday night.
“Jamal’s devastated, understandably so,” coach Michael Malone said before the game. “I think the team is also a little. We understand the importance of Jamal Murray. We’re a better team when Jamal’s healthy.”
Green finished with 17 points, Aaron Gordon added 16 points and Dozier scored 15.
Nuggets: G Shaquille Harrison was inactive for the fourth straight game due to health and safety protocols. ... Denver is 10-2 in its last 12 home games after starting the season 9-8 at Ball Arena.
“There’s not a lot of practice time, because it seems like we play every day, every other day,” he said. “It makes it challenging to bring anybody in at this point.”
Nuggets: At Houston on Friday.
Murray was hurt in the final minute of Monday’s loss at Golden State when he planted his left foot to go up for a layup. An MRI confirmed an ACL tear and dealt Denver’s title hopes a serious blow.
Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson, left, drives past Denver Nuggets guard PJ Dozier during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)
“Jamal’s devastated, understandably so,” coach Michael Malone said before the game. “I think the team is also a little. We understand the importance of Jamal Murray. We’re a better team when Jamal’s healthy.”
Jimmy Butler had 13 points and nine assists for the Heat a night after he rolled his right ankle in a loss at Phoenix. Bam Adebayo led Miami with 21 points and Kendrick Nunn added 16 points.
The Nuggets led by 11 at halftime and stretched it to 15 late in the third quarter. JaMychal Green and P.J. Dozier made 3-pointers early in the fourth to open up a 20-point lead.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, back, looks to pass the ball as Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, front left, and center Bam Adebayo defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)
Green finished with 17 points, Aaron Gordon added 16 points and Dozier scored 15.
TIP-INS
Heat: G Goran Dragic was unavailable so he could rest with Miami playing on consecutive nights. “This situation is just something we want to monitor and be smart about,” coach Erik Spoelstra said before the game. “He’s feeling great. Our schedule is pretty busy, and we think this will help.” ... G Victor Oladipo (right knee soreness) is not on the road trip.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, front, is fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)
Nuggets: G Shaquille Harrison was inactive for the fourth straight game due to health and safety protocols. ... Denver is 10-2 in its last 12 home games after starting the season 9-8 at Ball Arena.
WEIGHING THE OPTIONS
Malone was asked before the game about the possibility the team will sign guard Austin Rivers to a 10-day contract. Malone said it will be difficult to integrate a new player with just 17 games left in the regular season.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, pursues a loose ball with Denver Nuggets forward JaMychal Green in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)
“There’s not a lot of practice time, because it seems like we play every day, every other day,” he said. “It makes it challenging to bring anybody in at this point.”
UP NEXT
Heat: At Minnesota on Friday to wrap up a four-game trip. The Timberwolves have won four straight over Miami.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, right, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets forward JaMychal Green defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)
Nuggets: At Houston on Friday.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic argues with referee Pat Fraher for a call during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP PhotoDavid Zalubowski)