Michael Porter Jr. Leads the Denver Nuggets to Victory

Nikola Jokić – C+

Jokić shot only eight times as the Denver Nuggets beat the Heat in Miami. We can start by giving Bam Adebayo and the Heat some credit. This is the second time since leap day that Miami has limited Jokić’s production as a scorer. They’re physical with him on the catch, put the onus on the officials when he’s in the paint, and are unafraid to junk things up on defense. But it’s also Denver’s second win over the Heat since leap day. Jokić and the Nuggets are in complete control of this matchup. He can get more than eight shots up if needed, and it was a balanced effort from the defending champions—led by Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. – A

Porter led all scorers with 25 points. He was the only player on either team to crack 20. He shot 9/16 from the floor, 5/9 from deep, and 2/2 from the line. It wasn’t a perfect performance—notably, his loose grip on the ball reared its ugly head. But the results speak for themselves. He shined in a matchup defined by physicality, defense, and execution. It’s the second time he’s played at a high level against the Heat this season.

We’ve also seen Porter scale up with more success since the All-Star break, performing well as a second option when needed. There will always be a ceiling on his contributions behind the most important two-man game in the league. Still, he’s flashing signs of growth in these categories. There are more boxes he can check off within his role, and performances like this one are encouraging.

Jamal Murray – C+

The Heat made life difficult for Murray, who spent some time spearheading an otherwise all-bench lineup. He drew a lot of attention, and a handful of his good reads were wasted as his teammates missed open jumpers. He did register five assists without turning the ball over. And he played quality minutes in the fourth. Still, it was a rough night in terms of shotmaking.

Michael Malone’s postgame press conference revealed the most important takeaway from Murray’s night. Reggie Jackson got hot in the fourth quarter, right around when Murray was set to check back in. But as Murray and KCP sat at the scorer’s table, they encouraged Malone to close with Jackson and Christian Braun in their stead. That’s excellent leadership, and it’s also revealing. That’s who the Nuggets are.

Coach Michael Malone sounds off on Denver's unselfish culture after their win in Miami 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/T6A2R5vB50

— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2024

Aaron Gordon – A-

Gordon’s most significant obstacle was early foul trouble. But the whistle was all that could stop him in Miami. He went to work in the first quarter, exploiting the Heat’s inability to match up with him alongside Jokić and Porter. He’s far too strong for young Nikola Jović, and we learned the same about Caleb Martin back in the Finals. He’s also an excellent option for defending Jimmy Butler, who was a non-factor.

AG scored 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four assists, and only turned it over once. He was ever-useful, starting at power-forward and subbing in at center. He finished a game-high +17.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – C+

The Denver Nuggets held the Heat to 88 points in Miami, and it wouldn’t have happened without KCP on the floor. He’s been Denver’s best defender all season, and he turned two steals into four points in the latest win. Related: his fast breaks still look like a disaster waiting to happen, but he’s dunking virtually every time these days. What a world of difference.

Reggie Jackson – A-

Jackson scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter, and he did it in under seven minutes. That’s who Jackson is at his best—a microwave scorer who doesn’t rely on anyone else to find a rhythm. And, frankly, Jackson hasn’t been at his best for quite some time now. That’s to no one’s enjoyment. He is well-liked in Denver, and many are eager to see him succeed. He did in Miami.

Christian Braun – A-

Braun loves playing against these guys. Who could forget his brief appearance on NBA.com’s Finals MVP ladder last season? He turned in another strong performance as a two-way havoc wreaker off the bench in Miami. Like Jackson, he warmed up late. All seven of Braun’s points came in his final 9:44 on the floor. He shot 3/3 in that stretch, including a timely three.

Peyton Watson – B-

Jackson and Braun stole the bench-related headlines. But Watson had something to contribute as well. He scored six points, grabbed three rebounds, recorded two assists, blocked a shot, and didn’t turn the ball over. He was unlucky from the field, missing two 3s and two of his beloved mid-range shots. He did get one mid-ranger to fall, though. That’s where he wants to score these days unless he’s in transition.

Justin Holiday – D+

Holiday missed three 3s in under two minutes during his first stint. That stands out in memory, but he provided some utility. At the start of the fourth, Denver rolled out a lineup featuring him and the two kids, plus Murray and Gordon. They got things moving in the right direction before Denver ultimately pulled away.