Versatile big man Nikola Jokic and sharpshooter Jamal Murray have combined to lift the Denver Nuggets two wins from a National Basketball Association title, adding to the pressure on the Miami Heat.

Jokic had 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists while Murray had 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 109-94 Nuggets' victory that gave Denver a 2-1 lead entering Friday's fourth game in the best-of-seven championship series.

Jokic has defied defensive matchups for years, passing to teammates when rivals deny him good shots, and his versatility allows him to set up Murray for scoring chances as well.

"They're a dynamic duo. We got to bring our best effort," Heat guard Gabe Vincent said.

"Jokic is a pretty good screener. He typically makes contact with the primary defender pretty well. Jamal can score in a number of ways. He puts pressure on guys immensely."

For Jokic, thwarting rivals has become like moving pieces on a chessboard.

"It's just like bringing a chess game. They are one move, we are another move. I think this is the time where the players show what they've got," Jokic said.

"It's cool just to see different solutions, how different players think and how some players are reacting a certain way."

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has some new moves in mind to checkmate the Nuggets and their deadly duo.

"Those two guys can manipulate your defense in different ways," he said. "Whatever you do, you just can't do it all the time.

"Understanding what they're trying to get to, we try to get them out of their comfort zones as much as possible. They really got to that two-man action quite a bit."

"Game 4 could be different. They may go to a different part of their menu. Whatever it is, we have to find a way to get the job done."

That puts the load on Heat stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.