The player who stood out the most at the start of the match was Isaiah Hartenstein. Very good in this part, the Knicks pivot is well served and makes baskets against the Nuggets who rely on Jamal Murray. The first quarter is thus balanced (32-30).
This is confirmed in the second even if in the last moments of the first period, with Murray again but also Michael Porter Jr, the reigning champions finished this first half better (61-56).
With its ball circulation, Denver dominates the debates. Nonetheless, the Knicks are hanging on. A first significant gap is made before the fourth quarter (88-76). It is quickly forgotten because the New York players manage to string together baskets, with a 12-2. Alec Burks is valuable with his 3-point shots.
But it doesn't last. The offensive talent is on the Nuggets side, with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic making difficult shots, with the fault. In addition, Michael Porter Jr. is still there to drive the point home and Denver logically wins 113-100.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The duo Nikola Jokic – Michael Porter Jr. The first again achieved a triple-double, already validated before the last quarter, with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. This is the 22nd of his season. The second was brilliant with 31 points at 13/16 shooting, including a “T-Mac” – a pass for yourself with the help of the board and a dunk – very fashionable this season. They were the ones who hurt New York, which had no response to contain them, despite active defenders trying to hinder the MVP of the 2023 Finals.
– Jamal Murray’s ankle. Very restless but not always very fair in his choices, the playmaker collapsed one minute from the end of the match, hit in the ankle. An injury to watch out for, and necessarily worrying at this stage of the season.
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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.
