The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in a fiercely contested rematch of the NBA Finals from the previous season.Notwithstanding Jamal Murray’s ankle sprain, the Nuggets showed tenacity and depth, led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 30 points, to win 103-97.
NEW DELHI: The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in a hard-fought 103-97 victory, extending their winning run to five games in a repeat of the NBA Finals from the previous season. Leading the way for the Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. put on a strong showing with 30 points and 11 rebounds, displaying his ability to score and influence on both sides of the court.
The Nuggets held their nerve and won even though the Miami Heat mounted a late comeback, in large part because of big plays from Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Particularly important was Jokic, who finished with eighteen points, eleven rebounds, and seven assists, just missing out on a fifth straight triple double. Caldwell-Pope and Gordon contributed significantly to the Nuggets’ victory with 18 and 16 points apiece, respectively, as scoring support.
Denver had to play the whole second half without one of its key players, Jamal Murray, who left the game late in the second quarter due to a sprained right ankle. This was an unpleasant turn of events for the Nuggets. The Nuggets showed resiliency and depth in spite of Murray’s absence, coming together to win against a tough foe.
