On paper, this Phoenix – Denver was a conference final before its time, but in reality, it was a real preseason match… Quite simply because the Suns had left their “Big Three” to rest. Too bad for their public who hoped to see them face the NBA champions. We left the Nuggets with a victory against the Heat, synonymous with their first title, and we found them almost complete.
Bruce Brown is no longer there, replaced by Justin Holiday, and only Michael Porter Jr. was missing. On arrival, the Nuggets won 115-107 in Phoenix with David Adelman on the bench, since Michael Malone had the pain of losing his father during the day. Nikola Jokic was there, and he rubbed shoulders with Jusuf Nurkic.
Jamal Murray was returning after his World Cup withdrawal, and they played a half before sitting alongside Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
A large rear
The four were in the front row to witness the success of rookie Julian Strawther, selected in 29th position by the Nuggets. Coming out of Gonzaga, this Puerto Rican fullback/winger is not shy, and like Christian Braun, he intends to seize every opportunity.
Of course, it’s only preseason but he scored 20 points, including 15 in the 3rd quarter. Third substitute to come into play, after Christian Braun and Reggie Jackson, he plays 21 minutes, and he knows how to do everything in attack, whether it’s a “floater”, a “pull-up jumper” or a 3-point catch-and-shoot.
Physically, he’s reminiscent of Cam Johnson, but he’s more of a tall second back. Despite this good outing, it will still be quite complicated for him to recover playing time on the wings behind Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Christian Braun, Justin Holiday or Michael Porter Jr.
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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.
