The Denver Nuggets were shooting into a flaming net tonight against the Miami Heat, winning 135-122 in an impressive offensive performance.

Nikola Jokic was tremendous tonight as always, logging 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists in his 40 minutes. He consistently went to work against Heat center Bam Adebayo, often dictating terms and creating good shots for himself and teammates every trip down the floor. Jokic shot 11-of-13 from the field, 1-of-1 from three, and 7-of-7 from the free throw line.

“They’re a good defensive team, and Bam’s a very good defensive player,” Michael Malone shared postgame about the Miami Heat. “But that just kind of speaks to Nikola’s greatness and how effective he can be every single night regardless of who we’re playing, regardless of the coverage, regardless of who he’s on the court with. He’s gonna find a way.”

Jamal Murray made his return from concussion protocol after missing three games. Murray was ultimately cleared to return and had 28 points and six assists in 35 minutes. He was +28 in those minutes, leading all Nuggets. It was a strong return to form for Murray, though the Nuggets were noticeably slower with their regular starting point guard in place of Russell Westbrook.

“I like how aggressive he was,” Malone said of Murray’s game. “I mean, he didn’t try to ease himself back in. I thought he came out, and I was just telling him that in the locker room. I think an aggressive Jamal Murray is an effective Jamal Murray.”

Murray managed to attempt 10 three-pointers, many of which happened early in the game for him. Murray shot 4-of-10 from three, something Nuggets fans will be happy to see.

“I was just playing my game and they went under a couple of times and I shot it. I mean, some games I don’t shoot any threes, so it’s just, today was vice versa,” Murray shared postgame. “Just kinda reading the defense. Obviously, fresh legs, I had a ton of energy, excitement today, so maybe that played a part. But no, I was just trying to play aggressive and that was what opened up.”

Denver built a bit lead in the first quarter with some impressive shotmaking from Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson. Jokic was distributing everything. Unfortunately, in the three minutes he sat, the Heat effectively tied the game up after Denver by 16 early.

So, when Jokic came back in, he restored order. Jokic and Westbrook did a great job of facilitating. Murray also started letting it fly from three. Christian Braun got in on the action and was perfect from the field and the free throw line in the half. It was an impressive showcase by the entire Nuggets starting group.

Braun finished the game with 21 points on nine shots. He was absolutely sensational tonight on both ends of the floor, and the confidence he continues to showcase is legendary stuff. He’s evolving before our eyes into something extremely impressive.

In the second half, the Nuggets went on another 15-4 run and looked like they were about to break the game wide open. Denver’s overall shotmaking and ball movement was tremendous with the starting group, though they grew a bit lax in the middle of the quarter which kept the Heat in the game. Denver’s defense struggled for much of the evening on the communication front.

“I’m definitely happy that we won another home win,” Malone shared postgame. “I think we’re 6-1 now in the last seven games. But right now we’re winning with our offense. At some point, that’s gonna stop. Our defense must improve.”

Still, the Nuggets were able to stay consistent, hitting enough shots to stay ahead of the Heat. Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson even spent some time at the power forward and center spots against the Heat, and it didn’t hurt Denver.

When Jokic got back in, he helped close the deal as he often does.

The Nuggets are now 6-1 in their last seven games as Malone noted above. Things have been trending in the right direction for Denver since getting off to a slow start, but tonight was just another game in a growing list of strong performances.

Many fans were worried about Murray’s return and whether the Nuggets would be able to keep up the momentum the team had generated. As it turns out, they were just fine. Murray played aggressively. Jokic was awesome. Christian Braun was dynamic once again. Michael Porter Jr. hit the shots he needed to hit. It was a truly impressive performance from Denver.

The 0-2 start will always be in the back of the minds of many because Denver was on national TV in both games. That was the first impression they left, and it’s hard to overcome a bad first impression.

But since then, the Nuggets are a different team, a better team. The young guys are learning on the fly. Russell Westbrook, who had 10 assists tonight in a bench role, continues to look pretty good after a slow start himself.

Really, the Nuggets are rediscovering how to play, which buttons to push, and what they can expect from different elements of the team.

Tonight, we saw the firepower. And it looked overwhelming.

Final Rotations