This time, the Nuggets lieutenants responded

With 16 points behind in the third quarter, the odds of the Nuggets, deprived of Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, should not be high against the Thunder. Nikola Jokic's gang nevertheless sublimated themselves to reverse the course of things.

A suddenly aggressive defense, a desire to run, to overtake the opponent in transition and to succeed on shots. These are the ingredients for a comeback in this period – opposite Mark Daigneault had to take three timeouts in the 3rd – the spark of which was generated by a certain Russell Westbrook.

With him to step on the accelerator, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Michael Porter Jr. all responded to sign this 22-6 in a few minutes of play. The last came out of a first period missed at 1/6 on shots . He scored 22 of his 24 points in the second act with a very good 6/10 from a distance, while Christian Braun got closer to his career record (24 points and 8 rebounds).

At the heart of this “run”, Russell Westbrook, involved in “scoring” or creating 15 consecutive points. “ He behaved like a rockstar in defense. And what I like about him is that he has 17 years of experience, leopards don't change their spots, but he strives to be disciplined. He tries to do the things we ask him to do, and I really appreciate that. “, salutes Mike Malone.

The comeback kings

With his 29 points (10/15 on shots including 3/4 on shots) 6 rebounds and 6 assists, the one who started in the NBA at the Thunder had his best game under his new jersey. Paradoxically, he hardly played in the last quarter. “ I was going to fire Russ, but CB, Julian (Strawther), Michael, Peyton (Watson) and Nikola played so well… “, justifies the Nuggets coach.

So the latter remained faithful to his winning formula, at the center of which the inevitable Nikola Jokic once again did incredible damage: 23 points, 20 rebounds and 16 assists. Four passes from… “double” triple-double therefore.

It was the fifth time already this season that the Nuggets (5 wins – 3 losses) erased a deficit of 14 points or more to at least lead in the fourth quarter. And for the fourth time, they won a game that was decided on the last possession when Peyton Watson blocked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's layup attempt with his fingertips at the end of regulation time.

“ We were down by 16 points at one point, we lost again in the first quarter, but that's an audience! », Prefers to quip Mike Malone, visibly reassured to see the contributions of so many players around the Serb.