The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Miami Heat, 103-97, at Ball Arena on Thursday.

Denver kickstarted this victory with a 9-0 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. Miami actually got the game down to a two-point margin in the final minute but never attempted a game-tying shot after the opening minute of play. It stayed within an 11-point margin for the closing 35 minutes. The Nuggets shot 35 percent from three-point range and 91 percent from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 27 percent from long range and 83 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also recorded eight blocks, while Miami had just one.

The Heat (33-26) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Butler tallied 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier registered 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Duncan Robinson had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Caleb Martin led the bench with 13 points and nine boards.

The Nuggets (41-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 30 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 18 points, and two rebounds and two assists. Nikola Jokic collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Aaron Gordon generated 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jamal Murray suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Miami returning home to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.