Nikola Jokić triple too strong for the Heat

The years definitely pass, and the heat still can’t slow down Nikola Jokic, and generally win against Nuggets. For the 11th straight regular season, the Nuggets imposed their law, methodically, against the Heat, who were without Bam Adebayo very early with a foot injury.

Denver hit hard from the start, surprising everyone with a zone defense on their first possession. A rare strategy to counter the Heat’s new offense, focused on penetration and speed. Miami did well in the beginning thanks to Norm Powell, skilled behind the arc, and took a 7-point lead (27-20). And then the rotations took over and the Nuggets’ game plan quickly took effect: With the racket clogged, drives became increasingly complicated for Miami. With a nice pass by Tim Hardaway Jr., the author of a three-pointer at the buzzer, the Nuggets then took control: 36-33 after twelve minutes.

Jokic then took complete control, distributing the game as he wanted and using the exit of Adebayo to do what he wanted. Despite a mediocre 3-point percentage, Denver dominated the interior (28 shots at halftime, compared to 13 for Miami) and led 68-60 at the break.

Jokić takes care of everything

Without Adebayo back from the locker room, Miami tried to counter with Jaime Yaquez Jr. (21 points) and Andrew Wiggins (22 points), aggressive against the zone, but Denver continued to develop, relentless. Even when the Heat recovered a little (82-77), Jokic brought everything to an agreement, regained control as soon as he returned to the floor. Score, 10-0 for a 15-point lead (92-77).

The same scenario in the 4th quarter with the Heat approaching -8 in the last minute, before Jamal Murray confirmed the success of the Nuggets with free throws (122-112).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Jokic continues his streak… The three-time MVP finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds and 16 assists, his fifth triple-double since the start of the season. Everything seems so simple with him, whether it’s driving to push his defender into the circle, or distributing the play.

Denver as a pet. In the regular season, the Heat haven’t beaten the Nuggets since August 1, 2020, and that was in the Orlando bubble. A streak of 11 losses in a row, and if you only count the games in Denver, Miami has not won there since 2016!

Concerns for Bam Adebayo. More than the defeat, the Heat especially remembers the exit due to the injury of Adebayo, affected by the left foot. In a hand-to-hand move, the All-Star pivot lost his balance and twisted his leg. A priori, it is not about a sprained ankle, and after the meeting the player announced that he is going for exams.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.