NBA -- After a slow start, Nuggets looking golden again
By Ricardo Carbajal
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 25 Jan 2021
PHOENIX -- A sluggish start to the 2020-21 season saw the Nuggets drop to an uncharacteristic 1-4 record.
They looked disjointed and out of sorts and didn't appear like the same team that reached the Western Conference Finals just a season ago when they fell to the eventual champions the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
But beginning last January 3 the Nuggets flexed their vaunted might once again, sending a strong message to the rest of the NBA. They've won eight of their least 11 games including the last three.
In yet their most impressive string of victories thus far, the Nuggets went on the road to Phoenix this past weekend and scored impressive back-to-back wins over the host Suns at the PHX Arena.
The Suns hosted back-to-back games against the Denver Nuggets this past weekend. Both contests were thrlling encounters that went into overtimes, each won by the Nuggets. Unfortunately. because of the ongoing pandemic, no fans were allowed at the PHX Arena. But a limited number of mediamen were credentialed to cover the game on-site.
Both conquests were back-and-forth battles that required overtime to decide.
After barely eking out a 130-126 double-overtime squeaker on Saturday, Denver pulled another magic trick on Sunday, this time a 120-112 single overtime cliffhanger.
All-Star center Nikola Jokic, arguably the league's best passing big, led the second invasion with 29 points and 22 rebounds while JaMychal Green and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 30 points as the Nuggets soared to 9-7 record, fifth place in the West and ninth in the league overall.
Despite logging a heavy 42 minutes where he also recorded six assists and a steal, Nokic told reporters he was "feeling good." Jokic logged 40 minutes in the double-overtime affair the night before.
While Jokic carried much of the heavy lifting, it was the heroics of fellow All-Star Jamal Murray that carried the day for Denver.
With the Nuggets down 98-95 with 12 seconds left in regulation, Murray nailed a tough, contested 3 to force the extra session.
The Nuggets then took advantage of their new lease on life by outscoring Phoenix, 22-14, the rest of the way.
Asked what adjustments he made to somehow pocket the come-from-behind gem, Nuggets head coach Micheal Malone credited his team's effort.
"We didn't change what we were doing in the second half. We just did it a hell of a lot better, with more intensity, with more discipline and for longer stretches," the 49-year old Malone told reporters.
The Suns, meanwhile, were led by Chris Paul and Jae Crowder who each had 21 points with Paul adding 13 dimes. DeAndre Ayton tallied 17 points and 13 rebounds but the Suns made only 41 of 102 field goals including 16 of 53 from three-point distance.
The Suns missed the services of All-Star guard Devin Booker due to injury and dropped to an 8-7 record for seventh place in the Western Conference. (RC)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ricardo Carbajal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
BiYu Promotions' Yusniel Abrahante Ready to Shock Undefeated Luis Coria on ProBox TV This Saturday
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 15 Jul 2026RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
Wed, 15 Jul 2026MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Jul 2026CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
Sun, 12 Jul 2026