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Denver Nuggets snap 3 game losing streak in win vs. Heat

ByKevin Oestreicher|
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets fouls Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 11, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets fouls Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 11, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets needed a win after losing three straight games. They had an impressive performance at home on Monday night.

The Denver Nuggets seemed to be limping into the All-Star break after losing three straight games. However, they picked up a big win on Monday night, beating the Miami Heat 103-87.

Denver didn’t start the game well, as the Heat forced two turnovers on the Nuggets’ first two possessions, forcing head coach Michael Malone to call a time out less than a minute into the game. However, after Malone talked to his team, Denver never looked back.

There wasn’t much separation between the two teams going into halftime, as the Nuggets lead 54-49. However, the second half was all Denver, as they pushed out a 16-0 run en route to their 16 point victory.

Monte Morris starred, as did Malik Beasley and Mason Plumlee. Morris finished the game with 17 points on 7-11 shooting while also adding in seven assists. There is no reason why Morris shouldn’t be in the conversation, if not the front runner for sixth man of the year and most improved player.

Beasley should also be in those two conversations. The former Florida State Seminole poured in 23 points, as he shot 5-7 from three point range. He’s burst onto the scene and is developing into the Nuggets top three point score.

Mason Plumlee added in 11 points and eight rebounds. However, most importantly he provided great defensive energy, as he had three blocks including this emphatic rejection:

Denver needed to have a strong defensive performance after the way the last three games prior to the Miami contest had gone. The Nuggets gave up over 115 points in those three games, raising questions about their ability to play defense.

The Nuggets got Paul Millsap back tonight, and his presence was felt on the defensive end. He is an extremely important part of their success, and although he has struggled on the offensive end this season, his defensive value is irreplaceable.

The Nuggets have one more game before going into the All-Star break. If they can win that game, they can enter the break with some momentum, something that’s needed after some lackluster performances.

With all of that being said, this was an impressive win. The Nuggets played a strong game at home, and now sit at 38-18.

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