The Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets 147-123 Monday night, clinching the Heat's third straight win.
But the biggest story from the game came late in the first half, when star Nuggets center Nikola Jokic went down with a left knee injury. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Jokic was having a stellar game prior to the injury. He had 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists in 19 first half minutes.
Heat center Bam Adebayo complimented Jokic after the win.
"It's always fun playing against him," Adebayo said. "You see how he makes his teammates better, you see the greatness."
Adebayo had 13 points on 5/10 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and four assists. He said Jokic respects the integrity of the game and plays the right way.
"He's one of those guys that doesn't really flop, and I truly respect that," he said.
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Jokic, a 3-time MVP, is a top contender for the award again this season. He's averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists. He made NBA history last Thursday, becoming the first player to post 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game.
Adebayo said it was tough to see Jokic go down.
"It's respect, at the end of the day," he said. "Obviously, you hate to see guys go out. But you've got to figure out how you can keep your team's foot on the gas."
Adebayo is having another All-Star caliber season. He's averaging 17.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and shooting 46.7% from the field in 25 games.
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