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How would the Denver Nuggets fare physically after a nine-day break between games? Refreshed and racing out of the blocks, as Aaron Gordon had 12 points in the first quarter and that infectious energy set the tone en route to a welcome series-opening win at home against a Miami Heat side struggling quite badly with their three-point shooting but defiantly still lingered dangerously late on.
Continue reading “Nuggets 104-93 Heat: Jokic’s triple-double on Finals debut sees Denver win Game 1”
Two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic broke more records with a 30-point triple-double, as the Denver Nuggets erased a 15-point half-time deficit and crucially made some big defensive plays late to fend off a persistent Lakers display in Los Angeles, en route to securing their first NBA Finals berth in franchise history.
Continue reading “Denver down Lakers to complete series sweep, reach the NBA Finals for first time”
Despite struggling with his shot and some scrambled decision-making early on, Jamal Murray had 23 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter. It proved decisive as Denver executed better down the stretch to increase their West Finals series lead to 2-0 as they’re Los Angeles-bound for Game 3 on Saturday night.
Continue reading “Nuggets 108-103 Lakers: Murray’s fourth quarter explosion gives Denver 2-0 lead”
Deandre Ayton has been a predictable scapegoat for the Suns’ shortcomings as they trail Denver 3-2 in their Western Conference semis matchup before Game 6 tips off tonight. Having played through a rib injury Wednesday sidelining him from contention for their first elimination game now, what happens next? Continue reading “Deandre Ayton played through Game 5 pain, but now Suns must look within”
They were down eight against an imposing Raptors side for large stretches of an exciting fourth quarter, but Denver refused to decelerate in their attempts to secure a morale-boosting comeback win and did just that. When you have a two-time MVP in full flow, games are rarely over until the final buzzer sounds. Continue reading “Nuggets 118-113 Raptors: Jokic jolt, Murray momentum see Denver earn comeback win”
Fresh from their comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend, Damian Lillard and a masterful Anfernee Simons display helped Portland (4-0) maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign. As for Denver, the manner of this latest defeat against a Western Conference rival reinforces the belief this term is all about patience as things settle into rhythm. Continue reading “Lopsided 135-110 road loss to Portland proves this season centres around patience for Jokic and co”
With training camp ahead of the new campaign fast approaching, here’s a look at a few recent injury updates that are set to impact multiple title-contending teams across both conferences as they look for a formidable return to action this month – including Celtics’ offseason acquisition Danilo Gallinari and Lonzo Ball, whose knee issues after surgery in January remain. Continue reading “NBA injury update: Danilo Gallinari diagnosed with torn ACL, Lonzo Ball’s knee issues persist and more”
While reigning MVP Nikola Jokic continues reeling off matchwinning efforts to help the Denver Nuggets defy everyone’s expectations, his head coach Mike Malone has tempered expectations after an injury update: shooting guard Jamal Murray (ACL) and small forward Michael Porter Jr (back) won’t return yet – despite reports suggesting the contrary with the postseason close by. Continue reading “Nuggets head coach Michael Malone confirms key duo Jamal Murray, Porter Jr won’t return soon”
The Lakers were given a run for their money in the fourth quarter, but ultimately restored their two-game series advantage vs. the Denver Nuggets. Now, the season’s comeback kings must respond as they have done regularly in Orlando – it’s win or go home time again for Michael Malone’s men. Will Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and co step up in another elimination game here? Or will the Lakers secure their first NBA Finals trip since 2010? Continue reading “Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets – Comeback kings in familiar spot”
Anthony Davis’ buzzer-beating three broke Denver hearts dramatically at the end of Game 2. Now, the postseason’s comeback kings are down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Lakers and there’s increasing belief this matchup is one step too far for Nikola Jokic and co. After narrowly falling short on Sunday, how will they respond in Game 3 of this year’s Western Conference Finals? Continue reading “Playoff Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers – A swift response needed”
After a stunning Game 7 finale win against the Jazz on Tuesday night, rest is in short supply for Denver as they prepare to face a well-rested Los Angeles Clippers side tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals. Are Michael Malone’s side capable of snatching an early lead in a matchup where the odds are stacked against them? Or will the Clippers prove too strong? Continue reading “Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets – Who takes Game 1?”
Nikola Jokic led the game in scoring and regularly got the better of fellow All-Star center Rudy Gobert, though the Utah Jazz did well to comeback after a sluggish start and Mike Conley was inches away from a stunning buzzer-beating three to break Denver hearts and progress into the WCSF against the Los Angeles Clippers. Continue reading “Nuggets 80-78 Jazz: Jokic pivotal as Denver edge Utah in thrilling Game 7 finish”
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