--After playing 370 minutes this season without a free throw, including 12 starts, F Quentin Richardson finally got to the line when he was sent to the stripe by coach Erik Spoelstra following a technical foul on Nuggets coach George Karl with 3:11 to play in the first quarter. Richardson missed the attempt.

--The Heat was close to clueless during G Carlos Arroyo's stint at point guard at the top of the second quarter in Denver, including a 24-second violation that came with the ball in Arroyo's hands. Arroyo's non-guaranteed contract soon could be in jeopardy.

--When you're down 42-28 midway through the second quarter and shooting 11 of 34, isn't that when you take another shot with G Daequan Cook? Nope. Not even a sniff in the first half. Instead, more of F Dorell Wright.

--F James Jones nearly had another trademark four-point play in Denver, hitting a three-pointer with 4:24 to play in the opening period, only to miss the ensuing free throw after he was fouled by Chauncey Billups.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Quentin Richardson (back) is back after missing four recent games due to back spasms sustained during last Wednesday's game in Atlanta.

--G Chris Quinn (bruised foot) is out of his walking boot and available for his first action of the season. He has yet to make it off the inactive list.