WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- LeBron James celebrated his 29th birthday with 26 points, six rebounds and ten assists on Monday, helping the Miami Heat win over the Denver Nuggets 97-94.
Chris Bosh and Ray Allen had 17 and 13 points respectively.
Miami shooting guard Dwyane Wade got 12 points before leaving the game for back spasms. The Heat also lost back-up point guard Norris Cole in the third quarter.
It was the eighth victory in last nine games for the reigning champion, who handed the Nuggets their seventh straight loss through Monday's win.
Ty Lawson had team-high 26 points for the Nuggets.