Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to an emphatic 133-113 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night, spoiling Jimmy Butler’s return to the lineup. Murray scored a game-high 30 points, while Jokic extended his NBA-leading triple-double tally to 17 this season with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.Â
The victory pushed the Nuggets to a 25-16 record at the midway point of the season, keeping them on pace to win at least 60% of their games for the sixth time in seven seasons. Denver’s offensive execution was sharp, with contributions across the board. Aaron Gordon chipped in 16 points, and the team maintained a consistent scoring effort throughout the game.Â
Jokic’s impact was particularly evident in a pivotal sequence late in the third quarter when he sank a 3-pointer with four seconds remaining. The shot extended Denver’s lead to 12 points and sparked a 14-2 run that effectively put the game out of reach as the Nuggets cruised through the fourth quarter.
The Heat, who have now dropped three straight home games—all by double digits—were unable to contain Denver’s well-balanced attack. Tyler Herro led Miami with 22 points, while Butler, returning from a seven-game suspension, contributed 18 points. Bam Adebayo added 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Nikola Jovic scored 16 points off the bench, but the Heat’s defensive struggles proved too much to overcome.
Jokic’s dominance against Miami continued, as this game marked his eighth triple-double in matchups with the Heat. The Nuggets remain undefeated in those games, with Jokic’s all-around brilliance serving as a constant thorn in Miami’s side.
Denver’s victory not only snapped Miami’s home-court woes but also showcased why they remain a formidable force in the Western Conference. With Jokic orchestrating the offense and Murray providing explosive scoring, the Nuggets continue to position themselves as a serious contender as the season progresses and we grade every player his performance tonight.
Nikola Jokic: A+
Stats: 24 PTS, 12 REB (2 OREB, 10 DREB), 10 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 9-12 FG, 1-2 3PT, 5-5 FT, +6, 31 MIN
Jokic once again displayed his MVP-caliber form, recording his 17th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His efficient 9-of-12 shooting and perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line underscored his offensive mastery. Jokic’s pivotal three-pointer late in the third quarter sparked a decisive run, highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Jamal Murray: A+
Stats: 30 PTS, 7 REB (2 OREB, 5 DREB), 8 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 12-24 FG, 2-7 3PT, 4-4 FT, +19, 37 MIN
Murray led all scorers with 30 points on 12-of-24 shooting while adding 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. His ability to score and distribute was instrumental in keeping Denver’s offense flowing, and his +19 plus/minus reflected his significant impact. Murray’s performance cemented his role as a reliable second star for the Nuggets.
Aaron Gordon: B
Stats: 16 PTS, 6 REB (0 OREB, 6 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-5 FT, +8, 22 MIN
Gordon contributed a solid all-around game with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. His efficiency (5-of-8 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from the line) helped Denver maintain its offensive rhythm. While he wasn’t flashy, his steady presence and physicality were key to the team’s success.
Julian Strawther: B
Stats: 14 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 5-9 FG, 4-7 3PT, 0-1 FT, +9, 26 MIN
Strawther provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. While he didn’t contribute much in other areas, his scoring efficiency helped the Nuggets stretch the floor and keep Miami’s defense off-balance.
Russell Westbrook: B-
Stats: 11 PTS, 0 REB, 7 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 4-7 FG, 3-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 26 MIN
Westbrook played a controlled game, contributing 11 points and 7 assists without committing a turnover. He showed his veteran poise, knocking down 3-of-4 from three-point range, which helped Denver maintain its momentum. His limited rebounding and defense, however, slightly diminished his overall impact.
Christian Braun: B-
Stats: 12 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 6-10 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 27 MIN
Braun scored 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting and grabbed 2 rebounds. While he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, his energy and movement off the ball added value to Denver’s offense. His +10 plus/minus reflected his solid contribution in limited minutes.
Michael Porter Jr.: C+
Stats: 14 PTS, 9 REB (1 OREB, 8 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 4-13 FG, 4-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, +19, 29 MIN
Porter struggled with his shot, going 4-of-13 from the field, but his 14 points and 9 rebounds helped bolster Denver’s overall effort. His 4-of-7 three-point shooting was a bright spot, though his inefficiency inside the arc and defensive lapses left room for improvement.
DeAndre Jordan: C+
Stats: 6 PTS, 2 REB (2 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 3-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +15, 15 MIN
Jordan made the most of his 15 minutes, scoring 6 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting and grabbing 2 offensive rebounds. While his role was limited, his efficiency and physicality in the paint helped Denver maintain control during his time on the court.
Peyton Watson: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 1-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT, +6, 18 MIN
Watson had a quiet night, scoring 3 points on 1-of-4 shooting while adding a rebound and 2 assists. His defensive activity, including a steal, was notable, but his offensive struggles limited his overall impact.
Hunter Tyson: N/A
Stats: 3 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 2 MIN
Tyson hit a three-pointer in his two minutes of play, making the most of his brief opportunity. His performance was too limited to assess further.
Zeke Nnaji: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 2 MIN
Nnaji did not record any stats during his two minutes of play, making it difficult to evaluate his contribution.
PJ Hall: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 2 MIN
Hall grabbed a rebound and dished out an assist in two minutes but also committed a turnover. His limited minutes provided little opportunity to influence the game.
Jalen Pickett: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 2 MIN
Pickett missed his only shot attempt in two minutes of action and did not contribute in other statistical categories, making his impact negligible.
