The Denver Nuggets (25-16) rode a balanced offensive effort and handed the Miami Heat (20-20) their third consecutive loss with a 133-113 rout on January 18.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
Jamal Murray 30 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 62.4 FPS
Murray has shown incredible resilience this week, battling through knee inflammation to average 32.3 points and 3.6 threes while shooting 59.3% from the field. He’s also contributed good numbers in the other four major categories and is poised to keep the momentum going with a lighter schedule ahead.
Nikola Jokic 24 PTS | 12 REB | 10 AST | 54.4 FPS
Jokic missed a game due to elbow inflammation but returned with a bang, registering his 17th triple-double of the season. His point total has seen a slight decline lately as he’s been taking fewer shots, but his overall contributions remain intact.
Michael Porter Jr. 14 PTS | 4-7 3PT | 9 REB | 26.8 FPS
Porter’s offensive production has been on a steady decline over his last seven games. His contributions in other areas have also been inconsistent, but the next few games should allow him to rebound.
Aaron Gordon 16 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 26.7 FPS
Gordon has been productive in scoring and rebounding despite not being fully healthy. He’s expected to play in the next six games, barring any setbacks.
Julian Strawther 14 PTS | 5-9 FG | 4-7 3PT | 16.7 FPS
Strawther has logged significant minutes this month and has been a decent contributor from three. He’s also scored in double digits seven times.
Miami Heat Top Performers:
Bam Adebayo 16 PTS | 11 REB | 4 AST | 34.2 FPS
Adebayo continues to score in double figures, but his percentages have seen a decline in his last four games. He has maintained his rebounding and playmaking, but his declining defensive stats have been a source of frustration.
Tyler Herro 22 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 32.0 FPS
Herro maintained his offensive role but saw his streak of three consecutive 30-point games come to an end. He still notched his 28th game this season with 20+ points, despite struggling from deep after averaging 6.0 threes during the streak.
Terry Rozier 13 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 28.9 FPS
Rozier hasn’t lived up to expectations this year. He’s shooting a frustrating 16.2% from three this month and has scored 13 points or less seven times in his last eight games.
Nikola Jovic 16 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 22.8 FPS
Jovic has maintained his role and contributions across multiple categories, even with Butler’s return. He’s scored in double digits seven times and is averaging two three-pointers in his last eight games. But his percentages and turnovers remain a work in progress.
Kel’el Ware 9 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 21.9 FPS
Ware has been a revelation despite limited minutes. He’s shooting efficiently from the field, recording at least two stocks in seven games this month and grabbing solid rebounds in recent games.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Jimmy Butler 18 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST
Butler saw significant minutes in his return from a seven-game suspension, but his production has been fairly limited. He’s likely to continue scoring around 10-15 points and maintaining his shooting percentage, but little else.
