Bam Adebayo
Getty
Bam Adebayo was among the Miami Heat players who sent a message to Nikola Jokic following his injury.
The Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets 147-123, but the outcome of the game was hardly the biggest story.
Nuggets center and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic went down with a scary left knee injury late in the second quarter. In the post-game press conference, Heat center Bam Adebayo sent a positive message to Jokic.
“It’s always fun playing against him. You can see the greatness,” Adebayo said. “He’s one of those guys who doesn’t really foul bait. You hate to see guys go out.”
Another player who was shaken up is fellow Serbian Nikola Jovic. Jovic has talked about his relationship with Jokic in the past and made a point to talk about him after the game.
“(Jokic is) the best player ever to come from Serbia, so that means something to me,” Jovic said. “I want to play well against him, but also show my respect.”
Jokic was in the midst of a vintage performance at the time of his injury. He ended the first half with 21 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.
Jokic did not return following his injury in the second quarter. Despite not playing in the second half, Jokic finished the game as the Nuggets’ leading scorer.
Jokic and the Nuggets have been dominant against the Heat. Before tonight, the Heat hadn’t defeated the Nuggets in their last eight games.
The Heat last defeated the Nuggets at home in 2018, ending a seven-season streak.
The Miami Heat Have Dealt With Their Own Injuries
Tyler Herro
GettyMiami Heat guard Tyler Herro has missed time this season with injuries.
The Miami Heat have battled with injuries to keep players throughout the season.
Bam Adebayo, Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic have all missed significant amounts of time this season.
Heat All-Star guard Tyler Herro has missed the majority of the season and is currently out with a right toe injury.
Injuries can derail any team’s season, and for the Heat, injuries were a large part of why the team has struggled for much of December.
For the Denver Nuggets, losing Nikola Jokic for an extended period of time could have that same effect.
Jokic has been one of the healthiest players in the NBA since being drafted in 2015. The least amount of games he has played in a season is 69.
The Denver Nuggets Need Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic
GettyNikola Jokic is one of the most important players in the NBA and for the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is arguably the most impactful player in the NBA, which was clear following his exit from the game.
When Jokic exited the game at halftime, the score was tied at 63-63. From that point, the Heat outscored the Nuggets by 24, at one point leading by as much as 27.
The full extent of Jokic’s injury is unknown, but any amount of time missed would be detrimental for the Nuggets.
Head Coach David Adelman added that further tests will be run tomorrow to discover the full extent of Jokic’s injury.
In addition to Jokic, the Nuggets have been battling injuries to key players all season.
Forward Aaron Gordon remains out with a hamstring injury and guard Christian Braun remains out with an ankle injury.
The Nuggets will be without at least three of their opening-day starters for the foreseeable future.