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DENVER GOES TO PLAYOFFS WITH A WIN: Serbian derby awaits in the first round, Jokić goes against Bogdanović! (VIDEO)

by Antonije Kovačević14. April 2025.14. April 2025.

The Denver Nuggets easily defeated the Houston Rockets team 126:111 and secured fourth place in the Western Conference. David Adelman’s team recorded three consecutive victories, enters the playoffs as the fourth seed, and in the Western quarterfinals will meet the Los Angeles Clippers team, which defeated Golden State on the road after overtime today.

The match started at a very good pace and with an exchange of points. Alperen Şengün somehow stood out the most in the first quarter for the home team. The Turk had two very attractive dunks in this part of the game, which woke up the sleepy audience in the “Toyota Center”. However, baby Jokić had the real one opposite him, and this one was 100 percent focused. Nikola Jokić scored three three-pointers in this part of the game and was the most deserving that the Nuggets had the lead after the first 12 minutes in Texas.

When he went out, Denver needed to defend the most. And they did. Christian Braun played very well, as did Peyton Watson. Russell Westbrook orchestrated the team nicely, while Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet pulled the strings on the other side. However, Denver was great and did not deviate from the game plan, which was to speed up whenever possible. Therefore, at the end of the first half, Dena Adelman’s players were leading with a score of 65:52.

Four seed & home court secured 🔒
#MileHighPlayoffs | #KeepClimbing pic.twitter.com/XxD3bIDXGs
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 13, 2025

In the middle of the third quarter, Jokić suggested to Adelman to ask for a challenge, and in a specific way. The son of the legendary Rick finally listened to him. The challenge was unsuccessful, but everything was beautiful in the Nuggets’ game in the third quarter. They played brilliantly, especially Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets played as if in a trance, and Jokić didn’t have to lift a finger in this part of the game. He scored 12 points, and the Nuggets had more than a 30-point difference in their pocket.

In the last quarter, we watched the reserves of both teams, and everything was decided after only three quarters. No one wanted to force the starters, and the Rockets shot better, but that was not of great importance, as the game had long gone in the other direction.

Jokić had 18 points, seven rebounds, and as many assists. He didn’t force it too much. Michael Porter followed with 19 points. On the other side, Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson each scored 15. The Nuggets are waiting for the outcome of the Warriors-Clippers game to find out their opponent in the playoffs.