What if the Nuggets (finally) had their benchmark match? Finally complete, Nikola Jokic's partners won 120-98 against the Clippers, and it is the first time since April 9 that they have kept an opponent below 100 points. Back on the floor, Jamal Murray scored 20 points, and it was he, in the 3rd quarter, who made the difference.
The Nuggets had taken the match from the right end with the Murray-Gordon duo quickly erasing a 5-0 from the Clippers, to give a seven-point lead (17-10) after five minutes. Tyronn Lue takes a first timeout, and it's Michael Porter Jr. who takes the match into his own hands, well served by Gordon to go for the dunk, or to go for free throws. The bench does good, and even if Nikola Jokic misses shots, the Nuggets are in front (29-22).
The rest is more complicated… After being up to 12 points behind (38-26), the Clippers wake up and it's violent! In the wake of James Harden, they went 18-0! While the Nuggets lose 10 balls in six minutes, Zubac is impeccable with his little “hook shot”. Opposite, the Nuggets thwart the image of a very discreet Jokic, but Christian Braun shakes his teammates, and at the break, the Nuggets lead by one point (48-47).
Jamal Murray rings the bell
Returning from the locker room, Nicolas Batum, holder, gives back control to the Clippers with his usual 3-pointer with his feet in the cement (55-50). Then Murray gets angry… He steals two balls in quick succession, and it gives the Nuggets momentum with Braun near the circle, and Porter Jr at 3-points. The Nuggets winger is everywhere, and it's he who puts the lid on after a miss from Nikola Jokic (68-60). The machine is launched, and the Clippers are overwhelmed everywhere. To make matters worse, Jokic wakes up and gives them the all-clear, under the circle, or from afar. After an alley-oop from Porter Jr., the Nuggets lead by 14 points (83-69).
We are waiting for a reaction from the Clippers, but it will never come, and it is Julian Strawther who stands out on the Nuggets side. The “sophomore” goes for the dunk to give a 22-point lead (100-78). Mass is said, and Nikola Jokic will remain seated for the entire last quarter.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
A little Norman Powell. During the first two face-to-face meetings between the two teams, Norman Powell averaged 32.6 points with a superb 63% from 3-point range. Tonight, he foiled with 16 points at 3 out of 10 from afar.
A finally saving rest. Usually, the Nuggets don't like to rest… This season, they had never won when they had two or more days of rest: 0 wins for 5 losses. The series is over. Conversely, they are undefeated in back-to-back matches.
A very discreet Jokic. After scoring 104 points in two games, Jokic signed one of his most modest contributions of the season with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. The scenario of the match allowed Malone to leave him on the bench in the 4th 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.
