Nuggets Hailed as NBA Favorites by Fans as Jokić Keys Finals Rematch Win vs. Heat

The Denver Nuggets aren't messing around.

The Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 103-97 on Thursday night in a rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena in what was yet another impressive performance from MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokić.

Jokić notched 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and two blocks to help propel the Nuggets to victory and improve to 41-19 on the season.

Michael Porter Jr. also stepped up and put together one of his best games of the season after Jamal Murray was ruled out of the matchup with an ankle injury. He posted 30 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

After the win, NBA fans were quick hail the Nuggets as NBA title favorites once again despite the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves sitting above them in the standings:

Jokić continues to impress as the Nuggets aim to defend their title. He entered Thursday's game averaging 25.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists in 57 games while shooting 58.3 percent from the floor and 35.1 percent from deep.

The Nuggets will arguably face a tougher challenge in the Western Conference playoffs this season than during the 2023 postseason. The standings are tight, and the Thunder, Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers look like legitimate threats to make a run to the Finals.