Denver Sweeps Old Foe Miami, Regains Lead in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 14 Mar 2024
Denver defeated Miami 100-88, extending their winning streak against their last year's Finals foe to five games and, more importantly, securing the solo lead in the Western Conference.
The Nuggets have now beaten the Heat three times in a row, twice at home, including their victory in last season's NBA Finals. They also secured the win in their first matchup of the current 2023-24 season, defeating Miami 103-97 at home.
The Heat aimed to even the season series by winning on their home court, but they fell short in a game where the superstars from both teams seemed hesitant to unleash their full potential.
A fierce battle between the duos of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray against Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler was anticipated. However, the expected showdown didn't materialize as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon led the charge for the Nuggets.
Porter tallied 25 points and 7 rebounds, while Gordon contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds. This compensated for the relatively "low-scoring" performances of Jokic (12 points) and Murray (14 points). Notably, Jokic still led the Nuggets in rebounding (12) and rim protection. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson added 9 points each.
Adebayo and Butler remained the leaders of the Heat's offense and defense, but their contributions were somewhat subdued at 17 points and 13 rebounds for Adebayo, and 15 points and 5 rebounds for Butler. Only Terry Rozier (14 points) and Duncan Robinson (11 points) managed to score in double digits for Miami after the duo. Caleb Martin and Thomas Bryant each chipped in 9 points.
This win propelled Denver to the sole first-place position in the West with a 46-20 record. They are now ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder (45-20) who lost to the Indiana Pacers yesterday.
In other Western Conference matchups relevant to the playoff race, the #7 Sacramento Kings defeated the #9 LA Lakers 120-107. Additionally, the #8 Dallas Mavericks pulled off a victory against the Steph Curry-less #10 Golden State Warriors, winning 110-99.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025