The Nuggets start the game intending to play near the rim. With Nikola Jokic of course, but not only that. Much of the action takes place near the basket, while the Cavaliers hit from afar. The 3-point baskets follow one another for Donovan Mitchell and his gang, notably for Caris LeVert and a first gap is made. Because opposite, Nikola Jokic multiplies his efforts but it is sometimes messy and rushed (37-27).
Change of tone for Cleveland in the second quarter, with Evan Mobley serving more under the basket. However, with a little more calm offensively, the Nuggets executives are restoring order: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, then Jokic, back after having blown. The Cavaliers manage to maintain their lead until the break with a few winning shots (66-62). Returning from the locker room, Michael Malone's men gave up further ground, failing to significantly reduce their opponent's 3-point skill. Whatever happens, the Cavaliers find and score 3-point shots.
And as there were lost balls and a lot of misses, on the side of the Colorado players, in the last minutes of the third quarter, a hole was made (102-87). Nothing really changes at the start of the last quarter until a 7-0 for the Nuggets, which suggests a suspenseful end to the match. Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell, behind the arc, are responsible for killing Denver's meager hopes. The Cavaliers won 126-114 in a controlled match and recorded a third victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Cavaliers’ 22 winning baskets. This is what hurt the Nuggets the most. They never managed to bring the fever down to 3-pointers and the Cavaliers always had an answer. They finished with a superb 22/48 in the exercise (46% success), with eight players who scored at least once behind the arc.
– Very messy Nuggets. If Denver's defense was more than problematic, the attack was not more brilliant. The ball burned the hands of Michael Malone's players, even Nikola Jokic at the start of the match, who still had a tough match (27 points, 20 rebounds, 11 assists), including 15 lost balls. And above all, the Nuggets often accelerated without real purpose, taking very rushed shots, which were mostly bad choices.
– Cleveland won the bench battle. With Caris LeVert scoring 21 points (5/6 at 3-pts), life is easier, but the Cavaliers' replacements were much better overall than those of Denver. Kenny Atkinson was able to count on 43 points coming from his bench, compared to 16 (10 just for Russell Westbrook) for the Denver replacements. A recurring problem for Michael Malone.
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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.
