Facing the last undefeated team in the Western Conference, the Nuggets Nikola Jokic hit hard by winning narrowly against the Thunder (124-122), despite the absence of two starters (Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon). A victory sealed by a last-second counter from Peyton Watson in front of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The locals, however, came a long way against “SGA” and his gang who had a lead of up to 16 points in this game. Much too incisive in his penetrations, although also clumsy with the ball in hand (8 turnovers), the Thunder leader showed the way at the end of the first period, to give his team an 11-point lead at the break (55-66 ).
The lieutenants respond
We had to wait a few minutes after going to the locker room for the seriously battered locals to wake up. More active defensively, the Nuggets regained control of the pace by running as soon as they had the opportunity. In this register, Russell Westbrook is rather comfortable. And as Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and himself had a good 3-point night, the Nuggets went 24-6 in four minutes to get back in front.
The only player on the productive bench, Julian Strawther also had a favorable impact in this sequence. Just like the inevitable Nikola Jokic who enjoyed the post in front of Chet Holmgren and resisted the latter's numerous non-whistled contacts. The Serbian recorded his 134th career triple-double. With a perfect tie at the start of the fourth (95-95), the two teams continued to respond to each other, until a shift three minutes from the end, when Peyton Watson gave his team a three possession lead ( 117-110).
Using his physique, Jalen Williams, who failed to pass a triple-double, was responsible for bringing his team back. Then the Nuggets played to scare each other on the free throw line. Peyton Watson missed both attempts, giving SGA the chance to tie the game at the buzzer. But the same Watson redeemed himself: he sprang and touched the shot of the star opposite with his fingers.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The best of Russell Westbrook. The playmaker set a record this season (29 points) and a third outing with 20 points or more, synonymous with victory each time. Against his former team, the former MVP showed incredible efficiency, near or far from the circle, from where he was again invited to shoot. Seeing that his youngsters were doing well, Mike Malone nevertheless preferred to do without him for most of the fourth quarter.
– Holders in good shape. Besides Westbrook, three other Nuggets starters finished with 23 points or more, while Watson, even while scoring less, was decisive. Each member of the five played 32 minutes or more of play while Julian Strawther was the only one to contribute something from the bench despite his clumsiness behind the arc. The “divide” between the bench and the five is still relevant in Denver, even if Mike Malone can be delighted to see other players emerge in the absence of executives.
– First defeat for the Thunder. Coming to win on the same floor during their first match of the year, the Thunder had activated the steamroller mode so far with seven victories in a row on an average difference of… 17 points, notably impressing in defense. OKC now returns home for a series of six games only against Western teams (Rockets, Warriors, Clippers, Pelicans, Suns and Mavs).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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