No surprise to Torontowhere the hierarchy was quite logically respected between the Nuggetsdefending champions and firmly clinging to third place in the Western Conference this season, and the inconsistent Raptors (113-104).
Without delivering their best match, far from it, the players of Denver nevertheless effectively dominated their subject without particularly forcing. Obviously in the spirit of Jamal Murray (20 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists), warmly greeted by the public at the Scotiabank Arena for his annual visit to his native lands, and Nikola Jokic (31 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists), whose automatisms ended up making the Raptors crack.
The locals had however managed, at the start of the fourth quarter, to instill a slight doubt in the minds of the 2022 champions. By coming back to 5 points, after being 21 behind. But the hope was only short-lived, the “one-two punch” of the Nuggets quickly took charge of calming everyone's enthusiasm, in a Scotiabank Arena which only asked to continue to rise in decibels in the last act.
As often this season, the Canadian club has sorely lacked creativity in attack and alternative options to an excellent Scottie Barnes (30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists), who has tried everything and continues to build a serious case for the next All-Star Game, for which the votes have started.
To remember
– We must save Private Barnes. Author of a copious “double-double”, the third in the last four matches, Scottie Barnes nevertheless witnessed, helpless and alone, the defeat of his team. An all-too-recurring observation in the Raptors' season, whose disappointing results tend to spoil the XXL productivity of the young winger, who confirms game after game that he is a serious candidate for a first selection in the All-Star Game next February. After a lackluster sophomore season, the former Florida State player is off to a much better start for his third campaign, but he needs help.
– The Peyton Watson Spark. Without making any noise, Peyton Watson is establishing himself this season as an important element of the Nuggets' rotation. Mobilized on average for 17 minutes per game this season, the young winger, still very raw but brimming with energy, actually shone in relay for Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, compiling 11 points and 4 rebounds. Tall, athletic and fast, he especially did damage in transition, or by swallowing up spaces on half court, for aerial finishes in the circle.
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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.
