Winners 141-111 a month ago in Atlanta, the Nuggets did it again at home with a new offensive festival (139-120) to celebrate the new year in front of their audience. In the wake of yet another triple-double from Nikola Jokic, Denver signs a third victory in a row.
The Nuggets got off to a great start, still driven by the energy of Russell Westbrook. The former MVP has found his feet, and his percussion allows him to find Michael Porter Jr at 3-points or Nikola Jokic near the circle (17-10). On the Hawks side, Trae Young is having a good night, and Zaccharie Risacher is showing off his technique and opportunism to slalom through the middle of the Denver defense. The Hawks equalize (19-19) but Jokic is in MVP mode, and Jalen Pickett's great comeback offers a seven-point lead after twelve minutes (40-33).
The Hawks crack in five minutes
The Hawks held on and Quin Snyder's players even went ahead (59-55) thanks to long-range missiles from De'Andre Hunter then Vit Krejci. Jokic's return to the game is needed to calm Atlanta's enthusiasm. His agreement with Westbrook did great damage, and a 7-0 allowed the Nuggets to take back control (64-62). The Hawks clearly cannot slow down “Brodie”, and at the break, Denver remains in front (74-71).
It's upon returning from the locker room that everything will get complicated for the Hawks… After a festival of “floaters” from Trae “TP” Young, the Atlanta machine breaks down. Denver took the opportunity to go 14-4 to take a 12-point lead (91-79). Snyder's timeout had no effect, and the Porter-Braun duo signed a 9-2 to increase the gap (100-81). Risacher's partners are knocked out, and Nikola Jokic takes care of keeping them on the ground to give them a 26-point lead (113-87). Only Young survives, but the Nuggets easily manage this lead with Braun then Jamal Murray (127-102). The last quarter went so well that Jokic, Porter Jr and Westbrook remained seated, and the Nuggets ultimately won 139-120 for a third victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
Jokic wasted no time. One day, Nikola Jokic will achieve the feat of signing a triple-double in the first quarter… It seems crazy, but last night, he wasn't that far away with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists! Upon arrival, he scored a 144th career “TD” with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists in 30 minutes.
A busy month for Denver. The month of January will undoubtedly leave its mark on the Nuggets' bodies since they will play 17 matches in 31 days!
The fuck series of Trae Young. Best player for the Hawks this night, Young finished the game with 30 points and 9 assists. The best passer in the NBA signs a 193rd game in a row with 5 or more assists. Only John Stockton and Isiah Thomas have done better in history.
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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.
