Winners 141-111 a month ago in Atlanta, the Nuggets did it again at home with a new offensive festival (139-120) to celebrate the new year in front of their audience. In the wake of yet another triple-double from Nikola Jokic, Denver signs a third victory in a row.
The Nuggets got off to a great start, still driven by the energy of Russell Westbrook. The former MVP has found his feet, and his percussion allows him to find Michael Porter Jr at 3-points or Nikola Jokic near the circle (17-10).
On the Hawks side, Trae Young is having a good night, and Zaccharie Risacher is showing off his technique and opportunism to slalom through the middle of the Denver defense. The Hawks equalize (19-19) but Jokic is in MVP mode, and Jalen Pickett's great comeback offers a seven-point lead after twelve minutes (40-33).
The Hawks crack in five minutes
The Hawks held on and Quin Snyder's players even went ahead (59-55) thanks to long-range missiles from De'Andre Hunter then Vit Krejci. Jokic's return to the game is needed to calm Atlanta's enthusiasm. His agreement with Westbrook did great damage, and a 7-0 allowed the Nuggets to take control (64-62). The Hawks clearly fail to slow down “Brodie”, and at the break, Denver remains in front (74-71).
It's upon returning from the locker room that everything will get complicated for the Hawks… After a festival of “floaters” from Trae “TP” Young, the Atlanta machine breaks down. Denver took the opportunity to go 14-4 to take a 12-point lead (91-79). Snyder's timeout had no effect, and the Porter-Braun duo signed a 9-2 to increase the gap (100-81).
Zaccharie Risacher's partners are knocked out, and Nikola Jokic takes care of keeping them on the ground to give them a 26-point lead (113-87). Only Young is surviving, but the Nuggets easily manage this lead with Braun then Jamal Murray (127-102). The last quarter went so well that Jokic, Porter Jr and Westbrook remained seated, and the Nuggets ultimately won 139-120 for a third victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Jokic wasted no time. One day, Nikola Jokic will achieve the feat of signing a triple-double in the first quarter… It seems crazy, but last night, he wasn't that far away with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists! Upon arrival, he scored a 144th career “TD” with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists in 30 minutes.
– A busy month for Denver. The month of January will undoubtedly leave its mark on the Nuggets' organizations since they will play 17 matches in 31 days!
– Trae Young’s crazy series. The Hawks' best player last night, the leader finished the game with 30 points and 9 assists. The best passer in the NBA signs a 193rd game in a row with 5 or more assists. Only John Stockton and Isiah Thomas have done better in history.
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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.
