It was an issue match, and it was fatal to the grizzly workers since their setback with the Nuggets condemns them to compete in the “play-in”. The change of coach did not have the expected effect, and the partners of JA MORANT will have two chances of going to the playoffs, to gain the right to face the Thunder or the Rockets in the first round.
Last night, the Grizzlies had taken the best start with a great address and very good traffic of the ball. This runs in all directions to destabilize the defense of nuggets, and Desmond Bane and Ja Morant are most often distinguished to plant from afar (21-11). Opposite, the ghost Jamal Murray sends Aaron Gordon to the Alley-oop and you have to wait for the replacements for the nuggets to resume the hair of the beast. It is Russell Westbrook who gives life to Denver with his drives, but also his express services, like the one to send Peyton Watson to the Dunk.
In legs, Murray will seek the “and-one”, and the nuggets are only carried out by four points (35-31). Except that the Grizzlies insist, and Morant quickly restores 10 points ahead (44-34). By his side, Bane is still as reliable at 3-point, and his step-back gives 15 points ahead (55-40). More lively and more altruistic, the Grizzlies logically lead, and it is Jokic who will ring the revolt on the Denver side. The Serbian takes the match on his own, and his complicity with Christian Braun allows the Nuggets to limit the breakage to the break (59-53).
Nuggets end on a 14-1!
On an 11-2 at the end of the first half, the Nuggets keep the same rhythm, and Gordon brings his own to two points (59-57). Once again, David Adelman's players make the Yo-Yo and Morant continues the scuba dribbles to put the nuggets on the heels. It is still he who finds Jaren Jackson Jr. in the corner or bane for an easy basket (72-62). Well served by Jokic, Gordon puts the nuggets back on the right path, and he receives the support of Murray 3-point (76-72). Jokic distributes the game wonderfully, and Westbrook equalizes 3-point (86-86). Are we going to attend yet another elastic stroke?
We think when Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard give a little air to the Grizzlies (103-97). Except that Memphis will crack at the entrance to the “Money Time”. After two Kennard throws, Jokic takes the match on his own, and the Nuggets sign an 11-0! The Serbian is involved on each basket, and a minute from the end, Denver took eight points ahead (116-108). It only remains to manage this advance, and the Grizzlies will poorly manage the last possessions, allowing Denver to finally win 117-109. We can talk about hold-up with this final 14-1.
What to remember
Jokic in history. Thanks to his 4th in the game, Nikola Jokic became the 3rd player in history to finish a triple-double season. Author of his 34th triple-double of the season with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists, the Serbian thus equals Oscar Robertson and his teammate Russell Westbrook.
The return of Murray. Absent from the parquet floors since March 26 because of his ankle, Jamal Murray made a reassuring school year with 15 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
The point in the classification. Unlike the Lakers, the Nuggets have not yet given their place in the playoffs. Fourth, Denver still has his destiny in his hands with a trip to Houston, who already has his head turned to the playoffs. For Memphis, it will be the “play-in” but against whom? Nuggets therefore, but also clippers, warriors and wolves can still end 7th.
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How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
