The round included 14 more games
Just like last week, the Denver Nuggets were counting on Nikola Jokic to overcome the Toronto Raptors with great difficulty. While the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray (concussion), the team still lost forward Aaron Gordon early in the game to a calf injury. So, with a scenario very similar to the last game between the two teams, the Nuggets won 121 to 119.
Nikola Jokic added 28 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists for the Nuggets, while Gradey Dick was the Raptors’ scorer with 26. Although Denver is having a strong season right now, the team has struggled greatly in the current season. This is thanks to the four victories, two of which came in overtime, in addition to the one on Monday. Detail: of the three difficult victories, all came against teams that should end 2024/25 among the last in the East (Brooklyn Nets and Raptors).
On the other hand, Toronto also has injury problems and played without Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Kelly Olynyk. In other words, in the battle of important players outside the game, the Raptors and Nuggets are in similar situations.
But Denver’s problem is that the team has a squad that is too “short”. While there is no information on the severity of Gordon’s injury, Murray could miss multiple games. So, any injury jeopardizes what the team plans to do in the 2024-25 NBA season.
The Nuggets started better, largely thanks to Nikola Jokic, but the Raptors soon evened the game. Jakob Poeltl and Gradey Dick led the visiting team, while Denver had trouble scoring. Thus, Toronto took a 29-22 lead after a three-pointer by rookie Ja’Kobe Walter. The hosts cut the tie to one, but Jamal Shead left the score at 37-34 for the Canadians.
Then, in the second quarter, the teams traded baskets until RJ Barrett hit a 3-pointer for Toronto to take a 46-40 lead. Despite the Nuggets failing to lead in that period, and with Nikola Jokic doing all the possible to reassemble. The Raptors kept score. Davion Mitchell scored five straight points, but Jokic closed the gap before halftime. Thus, the Canadian team partially won by 64 to 59.
At halftime, despite all the efforts of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, the Raptors were in the lead. Toronto opened the second half with six consecutive points to take a 70 to 59 lead. However, when Denver responded, the visitors opened up even further: 74 to 60. Although Christian Brown and Jokic scored 13 consecutive points for the hosts, there has always been an immediate response from the opponent. Then, after Dick’s basket, the score is 83 to 73. Denver tried everything, while the opponent controlled the game. But the hosts finally managed to reduce the defeat after a triple from winger Julian Strawther. But Toronto still led 93-88.
However, everything Denver managed to cut at the end of the third quarter blew up in no time. The visiting team was ahead 107-97 with just over six minutes remaining. Dick increased that to 11. Then, Nikola Jokic shined again for the Nuggets and the gap to the Raptors began to close. The scenario was very similar to last week, as Toronto simply couldn’t “close out” the game.
Then, in a short time, the advantage “melted”. Everything got worse for the Raptors when Jakob Poeltl committed two quick fouls, was knocked out with six, and Nikola Jokic took advantage to put the Nuggets within two. From three, Peyton Watson turned the tide for Denver, but Ochai Agbaji regained the lead for Toronto to 119-118. But Strawther put the hosts back in front with just over a minute left. He also made a free throw, giving the spectator one last chance to win. However, RJ Barrett failed and put the final numbers on the match.
Three points: 13-38; Dick: 4-9
Three points: 10-32; Goalkeeper: 3-10
Three points: 9-26; Reaves: 3-10
Three points: 8-34; Hardaway: 4-8
Three points: 12-37; Curry: 4-9
Three points: 10-43; George: 6-17
Three points: 18-55; Tatum: 6-14
Three points: 5-30; Garrison Matthews: 2-3
Three points: 8-30; Jackson: 3-5
Three points: 13-36; Finney-Smith: 5-8
Three points: 10-27; Fox: 3-6
Three points: 15-36; Hero: 5-11
(1-6) Utah Jazz 135 x 126 Chicago Bulls (3-4)
Three points: 16-36; George: 6-12
Three points: 14-37; Whites: 6-9
Three points: 17-35; Green: 7-9
Three points: 17-37; Garland: 7-11
Three points: 11-28; Anunoby: 5-6
Three points: 8-33; Brooks: 3-5
Three points: 10-42; Miller: 2-7
Three points: 18-38; Reed: 5-7
Three points: 5-34; Tips: 1-4
Three points: 12-31; Joe: 3-6
Three points: 10-29; Simone: 3-8
Three points: 10-35; Alvarado: 3-9
Three points: 13-32; Turner: 5-8
Three points: 15-36; Thompson: 4-8
Three points: 20-51; Maxey: 6-14
Three points: 11-32; O’Neale: 3-4
Three points: 11-41; Sparkling wine: 5-10
Three points: 19-37; Powell: 5-8
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
