Many rightly doubted the Denver Nuggets last weekend when they lost to Washington, even though Nikola Jokic scored 56 points. But it seems that it was precisely that game, or rather a conference between coach Mike Malone and the Serbian center, that awakened the Nuggets, who first defeated Atlanta and now beat the Los Angeles Clippers – 120:98.
What is interesting, but also commendable, is that finally Denver didn’t need a historic Jokic game, but even the three-time MVP showed that he is made of flesh and blood and has the right to a “weaker” game. He finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 29 minutes on the court, and it should be said that he didn’t even play in the fourth quarter.
The Clippers entered this game as one of the biggest surprises this season. Tyronn Lue’s team is playing really well, but tonight there was no salvation for them. It was only tense for the first six minutes, after which Denver pulled away and, after Peyton Watson’s points, reached a double-digit lead.
The Nuggets had a +12 lead in the middle of the second quarter, only for the Clippers to go on an 18-0 run and take the lead – 38:44. Malone returned the starters, and with points from Christian Braun and Jokic, the Nuggets had a half-basket difference at halftime.
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The key difference for the home team from Colorado was made in the third quarter when, with the score 55:55, they went on an 18-2 run. Thus, Denver established control which they didn’t let go of until the end. With a powerful dunk by Julian Strawther with seven minutes to go, they reached +22, and by then, the question of the winner had already been resolved.
Besides Jokic, Jamal Murray stood out for the Denver team with 20 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 17, Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson had 14 each, while Julian Strawther collected 12 points.
On the other hand, Kevin Porter stood out with 16 points, as did Norman Powell. James Harden stopped at 15, while Ivica Zubac recorded 13, along with the same number of rebounds.
The Nuggets will face Sacramento in three days, and that will be an opportunity for Denver to string together three wins, while the Clippers will also measure their strength against Utah in three nights, which will be an ideal opportunity to break a three-game losing streak.
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Source: Mozzartsport, Photo: AFP