Miami HeatOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Denver defeated Miami 122–112 on November 5 at Ball Arena, with Nikola Jokić leading the Nuggets with 33 points and Aaron Gordon adding 24 in a balanced offensive attack. The Nuggets' depth proved decisive as they shot 42.6 percent from the field while connecting on 11 three-pointers, and their 33 assists reflected crisp ball movement that overwhelmed Miami's defense. Despite the Heat's strong perimeter shooting—14 three-pointers on 44.2 percent accuracy—and Norvel Powell's 23 points alongside Andrew Wiggins' 22, Denver's rebounding advantage (61 to 38) and defensive rating of 105.7 versus Miami's 112.6 created the margin. The Nuggets controlled the middle quarters, outscoring Miami 32–27 and 33–26 in the second and third periods to build separation that the Heat could not fully recover in a fourth quarter where Denver held Miami to just 26 points. Denver's turnover discipline (16 turnovers versus Miami's 14) remained a minor concern, but the home team's offensive efficiency and depth scoring proved sufficient to secure the win and strengthen their position atop the Western Conference standings.
