Small program in the NBA on this Thursday evening, with only four teams on the boards. Among them, the Thunder and the Nuggets, who face each other in Oklahoma City. Two teams with a similar record (4-3), but with different dynamics, since the locals are trying to win a fifth game in a row, while the visitors want to avoid a second consecutive loss.
And it was the visitors who achieved their goal, securing victory after an intense fight (122-110). Intense, as there were various twists and turns, and highs/lows on both sides.
It was first the Nuggets who had started very strong in the first half, scoring 71 points at… 13/20 at 3-pts to offer themselves a 14-point lead (71-57). Then the third quarter was a first shift in the game, since the Thunder woke up, inflicting a 38-22 on their opponents, overwhelmed defensively and offensively imprecise, with 9 lost balls. Passed in front of the score after the half hour (95-93), the locals unfortunately did not then know how to capitalize in the last act, second rocker of the game since the momentum swung again in favor of the Colorado squad.
With a newfound defense that limited the Thunder to 15 points (7/22), and thanks to the rise of Jamal Murray, the Nuggets effectively quietly regained control of the game in the last quarter, and sailed serenely. towards victory, after a sluggish third quarter.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A duel of styles. Because on the one hand, the Nuggets have scored 54 of their 122 points behind the arc, with an 18/31 in this exercise. On the other hand, the Thunder have mostly focused on baskets near the rim, with 72 of their 110 points scored inside the key. Failing to string behind the arc: 6/29 (20.7%)…
– A record for Nikola Jokic. The reigning double MVP took first place previously held by Wilt Chamberlain, in the “all-time” ranking of triple-doubles achieved by a pivot. With 15 points (6/9), 13 rebounds and 13 assists, the “Joker” has indeed offered a 79th career triple-double. “MVP”.
TOPS & FLOPS
✅ Aaron Gordon. Big attacking performance for the strong winger of the Nuggets, who compiled 27 points (10/13), 5 rebounds and 3 assists. He was especially shown during the first quarter, a real offensive show for the Nuggets who signed a 10/13 at 3-pts, by scoring three award-winning shots.
✅ Jamal Murray. Discreet in the first half, still timid in the third quarter then elusive in the last act. The Canadian’s rise to power was gradual, and he saved the best for last, with several important baskets to repel the Thunder who had just erased their delay. He compiled 24 points (8/19), 4 rebounds and 2 assists, and was full of confidence to approach the rest, while his start to the season has so far been made of ups and downs.
✅ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Elected best player in the Western Conference last week, the Canadian back of OKC continues its momentum. Right in the best phase of his career, he makes a carnage with each outing, and the weak defense of the Nuggets took it for his rank: 37 points (13/17, 11/11 in free throws), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, despite the loss. “SGA” is on course to celebrate its first All-Star selection, if it continues on this path until February.
⛔️ The Nuggets Defense. It’s a general impression, not reassuring and confirmed by a horrible third quarter, during which the level of effort was close to nothing on this side of the field. The effectiveness of the Nuggets in attack was enough to secure the victory, but it was “only” the Thunder in front. Against a “big arm”, it probably did not pass. This should serve as a first warning to players.
THE FOLLOWING
– Thunder : trip to Milwaukee, in the night from Saturday to Sunday (1h).
– nuggets : Spurs reception, same night (2h).
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