Michael Porter Jr. led the Denver Nuggets (41-19) to a hard-fought 103-97 win over the Miami Heat (33-26). Porter’s 30-point performance helped fill the void left by Jamal Murray’s early departure due to a sprained ankle.
Porter’s efficient shooting, including four 3-pointers, and dominant rebounding with 11 boards, proved instrumental in Denver’s victory.
Despite a late rally from Miami in the fourth quarter, Nikola Jokic’s clutch free throws secured the win for the Nuggets, who never trailed throughout the game. The Serbian superstar finished the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Aaron Gordon contributed 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler led Miami’s scoring efforts with 22 and 21 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s resilient performance.
Miami’s absence of key players like Kevin Love, Tyler Herro, and Josh Richardson due to injuries hindered their efforts to extend their five-game winning streak.
