The regular season is coming to an end and the Nuggets still don’t know how they will be eaten in the playoffs. What is certain now is that Denver will be at the “postseason” rendezvous for the fourth year in a row. It is their victory over Memphis that guarantees them this place in the Top 6 (122-109).
As so often, it was Nikola Jokic (35 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals) who was once again the great architect of this success, well aided by Aaron Gordon (22 points) and Bones Hyland (16 points, 7 assists) when leaving the couch. The Grizzlies didn’t hold the pace for long, dropping to 17 lengths at halftime and being left behind for the rest of the game, with no real danger to their evening opponent.
Desmond Bane (14 points) finished as the top scorer of his team subject to the rule of the reigning MVP, untenable despite a blow to the head from the start…
WHAT TO REMEMBER
† A bloody and devastating start to the match! The match had just begun and an attempted shot from below the circle landed Jaren Jackson Jr. with his elbow forward on Nikola Jokic’s skull (and temple). Not spared by injuries this season, the Nuggets could nevertheless count on their rust-free MVP returning to the game, wearing a red headband to hold his bandage. Meanwhile, Memphis got off to the best start, going 22-12 with five minutes left in the period. This didn’t stop Denver from winning the first quarter 34-30 after a strong comeback from Jokic and Co., to a devastating 20-3!
† The Nuggets get their ticket† While the Grizzlies have already secured second place in the West and the First Division title in their history, the Nuggets are still in the race to know what fate will be reserved for them in the playoffs. This extra soul was felt last night with Gordon and Hyland who helped a lot in Jokic’s wake. Aside from their rocky start to the game, Mike Malone’s team dominated their opponents, taking a 17-point lead at halftime before counting on a cozy 30-point cushion in the second half, leaving the exit among the cheers. of Jokic’s audience was possible. †
† The prankster in history† Decked out in an unlikely red headband (after JJJ’s nudge) to match his shoes, Nikola Jokic once again wrote his name in the NBA record books. The Serbian pivot becomes the first-ever player in League history to rack up 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. Nikola Jokic is a silent force, but above all a great basketball factory!
TOPS/FLOPS
Nikola Joki† Startled at the start of the match, he did not lose his senses. Denver’s star pivot had once again managed to take the lead, with 35 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists, plus 4 steals. His evening opponent Steven Adams, while not the first in defense, could only bow to the “Joker”‘s combination of strength and talent.
Aaron Gordon† The Nuggets struggled to get going in the first quarter, but Aaron Gordon helped them out with two three-pointers in quick succession and a big alley-oop. Very complementary to Jokic, he finished with 22 points and 5 rebounds, on a very clean 7/11 on shots.
Bones Hyland† The Nuggets rookie continues to amaze. A good choice, he came off the bench to give his team a big boost, with 16 points and 7 assists in just 21 minutes.
Dillon Brooks† Dillon Brooks has returned to the game since mid-March and is still looking for rhythm after his long absence due to injury. It was on show last night with many missed attempts and a selection of footage to watch. The former Duck turned Grizzly finished on 12 points on 6/15 on shots.
Tyus Jones† Like his comrade Brooks, Tyus Jones wasn’t really on his plate in the “Mile High City” last night. New holder, Jones didn’t really weigh in on the game with just 5 points and 4 assists, all at just 2/8.
THE FOLLOWING
Denver (48-33) : Reception of the Lakers for the last game of the season, Sunday evening.
Memphis (55-25) : reception of the Pelicans on Saturday evening.
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