Another dramatic game for Denver, and another victory after overtime, for the second time in three days. This time Portland fell, having led throughout the entire game and starting the last quarter with a 16-point lead, but the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, magically managed to equalize and even take the lead 19 seconds before the end.
The game nevertheless went into overtime, where the more experienced hosts managed to bring it to a close, albeit by the skin of their teeth, but one does not look a gift horse in the mouth regarding a victory, especially one this important in the season’s finish and the fight for the best possible playoff spot.
In the end, 137-132, and Denver managed to knock the Lakers off the 3rd spot in the West, which seemed almost impossible just a few days ago and before Luka Doncic’s injury.
Jokic achieved another triple-double, scoring 35 points, and with 14 rebounds and 13 assists, he made it clear that the MVP title belongs to him, no matter how much journalists, and even the NBA leadership itself, try to award that crown to someone else at any cost, simply because they have grown a bit bored of the Serb and he is not as marketably attractive as some other candidates.
With this game, as well as the previous one against San Antonio where he outperformed the Frenchman Wembanyama in a direct clash of candidates, Jokic seems to be saying: “We’re not done yet!”
Alongside our national team player, good performances in the ranks of the Colorado team were provided by Gordon (23p, 9rb, 5as), Murray (20p, 7as), Johnson (17, 7as), and Jokic’s replacement Valanciunas with 14 points (3rb).
For the visitors, Camara stood out with 30, Avdija with 26 (7as, 4rb), and veteran Jrue Holiday with 19 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds.
The Nuggets are now one victory ahead of the Lakers (50-28) with a record of 51-28, but a difficult schedule awaits them, as in the last two games they play Oklahoma and San Antonio.
Before that, Denver will cross swords with Memphis on Wednesday, in a match that should represent an easier task and preparation for what follows.
Until the end of the season, Portland will fight for the 8th spot, which provides home-court advantage in an eventual match for playoff participation.
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Author: Antonije Kovačević Photo: Ron Chenoy Imagn ImAGES