“ We can surprise you in both a good way and a bad way! », blurted after the match Nikola Jokic asked about what he has learned from his Nuggets (11v-8d) since the start of the season. There was undoubtedly a bit of both in this snatched victory (119-115) against the Warriors (12v-8d), who were playing without Draymond Green.
Still trailing by seven points 2:30 minutes from the end of the match (108-115), Mike Malone's men found the resources to score an 11-0 final, behind the broad shoulders of their always immense pivot and the efforts made in defense. We think of this combined dive to the ground by Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray in the final moments to steal the leather from the hands of Andrew Wiggins.
Or the similar gesture by Christian Braun, on the final possession, which provoked the black anger of Steve Kerr when he saw the Nuggets player request a time-out when his team no longer had one. The Warriors coach went through all the emotions in this 4th quarter.
Size played a role
After a first period ending in a tie (57 all), the Warriors started the last twelve minutes late by two possessions. Taking advantage of the passage on the bench of the Serbian opposite, his replacements, starting with Moses Moody and Gary Payton II, put a serious boost to offer 11 points in advance to the Californian team six minutes from the end (98-109).
Overwhelmed by the pace set by the visitors, the locals had to wait for the return of their boss, well supported by Michael Porter Jr, to get back on track. With a good pass from Stephen Curry four minutes from the end, we thought the Warriors would be able to hold on until the end. But the size factor also played a role in “money time”.
Kevon Looney received his 6th foul two minutes from the end, and Kerr preferred to do without Trayce Jackson-Davis. Result, in the seconds that followed, Nikola Jokic signed a lucky shot in front of Stephen Curry, then he found Aaron Gordon who cut to the circle, and finally countered an approach to the circle from Jonathan Kuminga. The match was over.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– “Jokic addiction”. It's obviously a chestnut to write it, but on TNT, Stan Van Gundy kept talking about the point differential when Nikola Jokic was on the field and when he was not. Another spectacular split. This trend was verified during the catastrophic start to the 4th quarter which almost proved fatal to the Nuggets. It took the return of the boss (38 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and even 5 interceptions) for Denver to find itself.
– Stephen Curry on AC. With only 8/23 on shots, including 4/15 from distance, the leader of Golden State signed one of his worst performances of the season. He is still one of the rare Warriors to finish with a positive +/- thanks to his famous gravity which allowed him to deliver 11 passes. While still losing five balls, due to a lot of inaccuracies. He also missed a must-win left-handed layup in the third quarter.
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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.
