NBA

Nuggets 104-93 Heat: Jokic’s triple-double on Finals debut sees Denver win Game 1

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”

NBA

Denver down Lakers to complete series sweep, reach the NBA Finals for first time

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”

NBA

Nuggets 108-103 Lakers: Murray’s fourth quarter explosion gives Denver 2-0 lead

Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in game two of the...

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”

NBA

Deandre Ayton played through Game 5 pain, but now Suns must look within

Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 07, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona....

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”

NBA

Lopsided 135-110 road loss to Portland proves this season centres around patience for Jokic and co

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets drives against Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Moda Center on October 24,...

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”

Archives

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone confirms key duo Jamal Murray, Porter Jr won’t return soon

Michael Porter Jr. #1 and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 24, 2022 at Golden 1...

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”

Archives

Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets – Comeback kings in familiar spot

Lakers treating Game 5 against the Nuggets 'like a Game 7' - Los Angeles  Times

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”

Archives

Playoff Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers – A swift response needed

Anthony Davis' Buzzer-Beater Lifts LeBron James, Lakers Past Nuggets in  Game 2 | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights

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”

Archives

Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets – Who takes Game 1?

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and best bets

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?”

Archives

NBA Playoffs Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz – Stakes high for both in Game 1

Donovan Mitchell's clutch heroics keep Utah Jazz coming back in ...

After going 3-5 in the bubble, Michael Malone will expect an improved display from his Denver team – who won a gruelling 2OT battle against Utah on August 8. The Jazz are increasingly short-handed as the postseason begins, but they’ll use this as motivation to prove critics wrong here. Who will emerge victorious in Game One? Continue reading “NBA Playoffs Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz – Stakes high for both in Game 1”

Archives

Preview: LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets – LeBron and co look to snap losing streak

LeBron James Reacts To Lakers' Recent Struggles | SPLURJJ

Frank Vogel’s Lakers hope to end a three-game losing streak when facing fierce opposition in the Denver Nuggets (46-24) during their penultimate regular-season matchup from Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Will normal order be restored or can their third-seeded Western Conference rivals inflict yet more punishment? Continue reading “Preview: LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets – LeBron and co look to snap losing streak”