Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland on Monday returned from a two-game absence and produced a career-high to help lead the Denver Nuggets to a 120-111 win over the Miami Heat.
Hyland finished with 19 points and three assists as the Nuggets snapped a six-game losing streak. He went 6-of-9 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 20 minutes to become the first Nuggets rookie to hit five or more 3s in fewer than 21 minutes.
The effort earned high praise from Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.
Bones was great. I’ve said it the last couple of days: During our five-game homestand, Bones Hyland was a huge part of that. I think that there were three games within that five where he was creating a new career-high game after game.
He got hobbled with the ankle (injuries) and he got right. Last night at practice, he was flying around. I was excited about the possibility of him coming back because with his speed and quickness, and shooting ability, he is always a threat.
Hyland missed the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. He attempted to return on Friday but was ultimately held out of action in order to rest for a few more days. He was quite excited once the training staff cleared him to return to play.
It felt really good! I was smiling the whole way putting my clothes on. I was smiling because I wanted to get out there so bad and pull out a win. This was a must-win for us to get off this losing streak. Like I said, I was just smiling putting my clothes on.
The 26th overall pick gives the Nuggets an immense amount of energy and effort off the bench and his presence was greatly felt versus the Heat. He gave the Nuggets a floor spacer during his return, and often pulled up from well behind the 3-point line.
Bones Hyland from DEEP 😳 #CenterCourt pic.twitter.com/ywlyOexV6V
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 30, 2021
Denver, who is without Jamal Murray this season, recently suffered huge setbacks following season-ending injuries to PJ Dozier and Michael Porter Jr. They will need to continue to rely on players like Hyland to step up as they move forward without those key players.
The Nuggets began a crucial stretch as the contest on Monday marked the first of seven upcoming road games. They travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday and will be hoping to turn things around after their recent losing streak.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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