After an alarming last-minute injury scratch from the lineup on Wednesday, Nikola Jokic was able to play with a sprained right elbow in Miami. It did not seem to bother him. He completed his 16th triple-double of the season late in the third quarter with one of his most delicious highlights of the year.

The Denver Nuggets (25-16) routed the Miami Heat (20-20) and ruined Jimmy Butler's return in a 133-113 finish Friday night. Here’s a look at four major takeaways from the matchup: 1. Jimmy Butler was much more engaged It was not difficult for Butler's return from his seven-game suspension to be a massive improvement over his previous two starts.

The Heat are trying to stay level-headed while their star is suspended and seeking a trade. But Saturday's loss to the Jazz was troubling.