Nikola Jokic Dominates as Nuggets Stay Perfect at Home
The Denver Nuggets maintained their dominance over the Miami Heat, securing a 122–112 victory on Wednesday. The team remains undefeated at Ball Arena this season, advancing to 4–0. The Nuggets haven’t lost a regular-season home game to Miami in nine years, and the altitude in Denver continues to serve as a strong advantage.
Jokic Leads the Way
Nikola Jokic recorded another triple-double by the end of an experimental third quarter, finishing with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists. His performance guided the Nuggets as they capitalized on Miami’s loss of Bam Adebayo, who exited early due to a foot injury.
“Bam, me personally, I have huge respect for him,” Jokic said. “Every possession, playing 100%. Even sometimes more than that. So they definitely needed him on both sides of the floor.”
Team Effort and Tactical Dominance
With Kel’el Ware and Keshad Johnson sharing center duties, Denver out-rebounded Miami 68–44. The Nuggets also led in second-chance points 22–8 and controlled the paint 62–42, exploiting the Heat’s smaller lineup.
“That’s how we’re gonna play against those teams,” coach David Adelman said. “What we give up in some of the quickness part of it and trying to guard some of these positions, we can dominate the paint like we have over the years.”
High-Tempo Execution
Despite shooting just 43% from the floor and 26% from three-point range, Denver’s pace allowed them to post 68 points in the first half. The Heat’s track-style tempo played into the Nuggets’ hands, who turned the game’s chaos into control.
Author’s Summary
Jokic’s triple-double and Denver’s interior presence propelled the Nuggets past Miami, highlighting their undefeated home streak and renewed dominance at altitude.