The Denver Nuggets had summon each ounce of their will to safe their first win of the season in Toronto. Nevertheless, what’s considerably going unnoticed is Nikola Jokic’s monster 40-point efficiency. The three-time MVP had his second-straight 40-point sport within the win over the Raptors and showcased why he’s the present finest participant on the earth. Jokic got here away with a powerful line of 40 factors on 60.0 p.c capturing from three-point territory, a field plus/minus score of +9, 10 whole rebounds, and 9 assists. Regardless of the large evening from the Joker, there are nonetheless some obvious flaws with this Nuggets workforce. The bench play remains to be a serious concern. The second unit had a differential of -8 earlier than the one-time Finals MVP got here again within the second quarter.
When nearly all of the second unit got here into play the second quarter, Denver shortly discovered themselves battling a deficit. That deficit didn’t subside till the tip of the fourth quarter when Jokic and the starters turned it up a notch. It also needs to be famous that Raptors All-Star, Scottie Barnes, needed to depart the sport within the fourth quarter because of an obvious head damage. Finally, the two-man sport consisting of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray got here to life. It was a serious purpose Denver was capable of drive additional time and finally outlast a scrappy Toronto Raptors workforce. The Nuggets defeated the younger Raptors by a finals rating of 127-125.
Nikola Jokic Scores 40 for Second-Straight Sport, Helps Denver Safe First Win of Season
Different Key Contributors for the Denver Nuggets
Whereas it was an unpleasant win for the Nuggets, there have been nonetheless a number of gamers outdoors of Jokic who stepped up in an enormous means. Maybe the most important shock this season for Denver has been Christian Braun. Many have been questioning whether or not or not he may fill the void left by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the beginning capturing guard spot. It’s secure to say that he has surpassed expectations so far and has even polished up his offensive sport. The previous Kansas Jayhawk logged 17 factors on an environment friendly 54.5 p.c capturing from the sector. Braun has improved his ending potential and remains to be an adept cutter.
After all, one has to offer credit score to Jamal Murray. The center of the sport was tough for the Canadian guard. Nevertheless, he confirmed up when it mattered most. Murray poured in 17 factors, had seven assists, and made some clutch performs down the stretch. Give him credit score for not giving up when the going bought powerful and serving to Jokic lead the workforce again from an enormous deficit. As alluded to, Denver nonetheless has points to iron out as they go ahead. Nevertheless, the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, nonetheless appears like one of the best participant on the planet.
