The Denver Nuggets turned a 10-point first quarter deficit to a 5-point lead at halftime and then dominated the third quarter, 28-17 to hack out a 111-107 victory over the Miami Heat.

The defending champions are now reeling having lost five of six games including back-to-back at home—a first since 2011. With the skid, the Heat couldn't gain ground on the Indiana Pacers (48-17) which still holds the best record in the East. Miami (44-19) is now full three games back off their rivals.

The surprising road win improved Denver's record to 29-36, which is ways off a spot in the playoff picture. Denver is 9 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final slot in the West.

View the slideshow for more stats and facts of the Nuggets-Heat game.

NBA Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
Kenneth Faried led the game in scoring pouring in 24 points. "The Manimal" also added 10 rebounds and 3 steals Reuters
NBA Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
Miami had 20 turnovers and shot just 7/24 from behind the arc. Reuters
NBA Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
Denver ruled the hustle board in this game. They had more rebounds (41-35) and steals (13-8) against the hapless Heat. Reuters
NBA Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
James/Wade combined for just 40 points on 16/35 shooting with 6 turnovers. Reuters
NBA Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
Ty Lawson finished with 13 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for Denver, which had five players in double-figure scoring; three of which came off the bench (Darrel Arthur, J.J. Hickson and Evan Fournier) Reuters