The Denver Nuggets continued their defending NBA Finals world tour with a return to the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado on Thursday. Aided by two-time NBA MVP Center, Nikola Jokic, who would put up a commanding 32 points, 11 for 19 in field goals, alongside a perfect 10 for 10 on free throws in the Nuggets 115-109 victory. Alongside another dominating performance from The Joker, the Nuggets captured their 43rd win of the season. Currently sitting in third place in the Western Conference, Denver now only trials the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder by one game and half games total.
In Joker, We trust
Last night’s victory comes with a major NBA standing implication. The Boston Celtics, aided by players such as Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 48-14 record after the fall to the Nuggets. The Nuggets would enter the game coming off a 117-107 loss at home against The Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, March 5.
Nuggets faithful would say that watching Joker and his crew go to work on the court is pure magic. Others would say it is unforeseen worldly abilities, as Jokic was able to earn his 30th career 30-plus point triple-double. This accomplishment would place Joker sixth all-time in the NBA to achieve such a stat.
Depth Matters Most
Along with great side character performances from Point Guard Jamal Murray who would go on to earn 19 points while going four for four from the field, and that of Power Forward Aaron Gordon, who would see 34 minutes of total playing time, capturing 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Not all things were sunshine and rainbows for this Nuggets squad on Thursday night. The first quarter would see a spectacular and exciting back-and-forth game up and down the court. Luckily, Denver was able to outscore the Celtics 30-28.
To round out the first half, the Celtics would come calling. But, the Nuggets were not answering the phone. Becoming more focused on offensive production, the Nuggets found a way to hold a 62-54 lead at the half. The second half would prove itself to be just as exciting as the first. The Michael Malone lead team would be able to again outscore the Celtics 28-26 in the third quarter. The Celtics, however, were able to push the limits of the Mile Highs team late in the game, outscoring Denver 29-25. Despite the late-game comeback, the Nuggets were still able to capture the win 115-109.
Aaron Gordon, Superstar
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25:
With only two minutes left to play, a rare occurrence, where Joki?, the Joker, would miss a two point layup. As mentioned above, Aaron Gordon, being an important building block piece to Denver’s success, would rebound the ball with his right hand. This lead to a stunning and impressive display of skill, as Gordon would windmill the ball right into the basket in a dominating fashion. Just another reason, that not only depth matters as the previous section mentions, but also, your key players create key moments. “It was a bad miss, but a great dunk.” Said Jokic postgame when questioned about the specific play.
In closing, The Denver Nuggets are an impressive 7-1 since returning from the NBA All-Star Break earlier last month. A quick turnaround for the defending champions will take place tomorrow night, March 9 at 9:00 p.m. The Nuggets will hit the home court once again against the struggling John Collins and Collin Sexton-led Utah Jazz squad. The Denver Nuggets will enter the game as an -11.5 point favorites, alongside a 233 over/under betting line odds.
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