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A rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals took place on Thursday when the Miami Heat visited the Denver Nuggets in Mile High City. The two have not met since the Nuggets lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in South Beach back in June last year. Miami hoped to get a little payback this time around.
Denver, however, had other plans. It stormed to a 36-20 lead after 12 minutes passed. Like in the Finals, the Nuggets’ size and chemistry remained problems the Heat still don’t have an answer for. Nikola Jokic had only two points, but the defending champs had already roared.
Miami's defense bared its teeth starting the second quarter. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson began making shots. The Heat played with more sense of urgency and focus to cut Denver's lead steadily.
Michael Porter Jr. was firing on all cylinders for the Denver Nuggets in the first half. He had a game-high 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Defensive ace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope backed him up with 13 points to push Denver to a 56-51 halftime lead over the Miami Heat.
The third quarter was a defensive struggle between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. continued to pace Denver with 12 third-quarter points and 30 for the game. Nikola Jokic had 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Denver's 18-7 run to end the said period gave the Nuggets an 83-70 advantage leading into the fourth quarter. Miami couldn't hit its shots and fell into a hole. The Heat were only 7-for-22 from deep after the third period.
Terry Rozier, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo refused stubbornly refused to go away easily. They led the Miami Heat to a big fightback in the fourth quarter. Rozier scored several crucial baskets late to nearly overtake the Denver Nuggets.
Butler's short stab made it 99-97 before Nikola Jokic added to the lead after hitting two free throws. Following Miami's timeout, Rozier lost the ball, giving Denver a game-changing possession. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was fouled and made two more free throws to hand the Nuggets a 103-97 win.
The rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals lived up to the hype, with both teams exchanging blows, particularly late in the game. Denver eked out a win but will face Miami again in South Beach on Mar. 13. The Nuggets extended their winning streak to five while the loss broke the Heat's string of five straight victories.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets game player stats and box scores
Miami Heat game player stats
Denver Nuggets game player stats
