Millsap lifts Nuggets over Heat 95-94
DENVER (AP) - Paul Millsap had 27 points, including three straight free throws with 11.9 seconds remaining, and the Denver Nuggets topped the Miami Heat 95-94 on Friday night.
Nikola Jokic added 19 points and 14 rebounds as the Nuggets shook off some late struggles at the line to win their second straight on a six-game homestand.
Millsap delivered at a key moment. After missing three of his previous four foul shots, the Nuggets' big offseason acquisition was fouled at the 3-point line by James Johnson and sunk each of his free throws, delighting a lively crowd at the Pepsi Center.
Dion Waiters nearly won it for Miami on the other end with a 3-pointer that rattled in and out in the final second.
Goran Dragic scored 23 points for the Heat. Waiters and Johnson each had 15.
Denver didn't have a lead until midway through the third quarter when Jokic swished a short jumper to make 65-63. The Nuggets kept the lead until late in the fourth.
In the final minute, Waiters had a driving layup with 30 seconds remaining and Dragic made 1 of 2 from the line to give the Heat a 94-92 lead.
TIP-INS
Heat: Dragic and Whiteside both started a perfect 4 for 4 from the field as Miami led 37-28 at the end of the first. The Heat were 15 of 19 from the field in the quarter.
Nuggets: F Juan Hernangomez missed a seventh straight game with mononucleosis. Coach Michael Malone said Hernangomez has taken part in limited work at practice but won't return for a few weeks. ... Emmanuel Mudiay had 12 points and Wilson Chandler had 11. ... The Nuggets outscored Miami 25-13 in the third quarter to take a 76-71 lead.
UP NEXT
Heat: Visit Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
Nuggets: Wrap up a home back-to-back with Golden State on Saturday.