The Nuggets played a great game in Chicago.
Where to even begin with this Mardi Gras game breakdown..
Best road game of the season since the November 6th win against the Celtics in Boston. Without question. After a hurtful loss Sunday afternoon against Memphis, the Nuggets pulled into Chicago against a hot Bulls team body surfing a four game win streak.
In the first half, we saw fairly solid defense out of the Nuggets which faded away until the fourth quarter. The offensive rebounding was equally pretty bad but that was totally over shadowed by the return of The Joker. Jokic, Jameer, Gallo, and Jamal Murray were all in double digit scoring in the first half. (In fact, Jokic had a double double.)
Before we get to far into Jokic’s night, it is important to point out how well Jamal Murray played the point tonight. Played fantastic. Jamal was aggressive with the ball, distributed well, and got his hot hand by the second half. Was playing with his fire on fire, which can only make Mudiay wince from where ever Malone has been hiding him.
Denver Nuggets
The Bulls three point lead at half time way widely accounted for by the offensive rebounds, Nugget turnovers, and Bulls points in the paint. Rondo had a season high night and Portis had a nice showing off the bench. Credit to Wilson Chandler and Gallo for mostly taking all star and Bronco fan Jimmy Butler out of the game.
By the time the fourth quarter came around, the Nuggets had a double digit lead and each of the Nuggets starters were in double digit points for the evening. Jokic, in particular, had 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists with 4 minutes left. No way does Malone usually keep Jokic in this late in a blowout but Jokic was a sneeze away from his third career triple double which he eventually expelled with an assist to Wilson Chandler. Jokic ended the night with 19-16-10. Pure fuego. (That is Spanish for damn good)
The Nuggets finished out the fourth quarter holding the Bulls to 24 points while putting up 35 themselves. With about seven minutes left in the fourth, the Bulls resorted to trying to have a three point contest with the Nuggets. You can ask the Warriors how that turned out for them..
The Nuggets put up 69 points in the seconds half. (Nice.) After the game, about 200-300 Serbian fans stayed to take pictures and celebrate all that is Nikola Jokic. Flags, jerseys everywhere, and smile ear to ear for the Joker. What a cool experience for the kid. Did we mention he only had one foul?? Sneaky best stat of the game for Mr. Trouble, triple double.
The Nuggets will take the bus up an hour to Milwaukee tomorrow to play the Greek Freak and the Bucks. With the home loss Sunday against Memphis, would be GREAT to be able to head home for the home run stretch with three road wins following the All Star Break. It doesn’t hurt that Portland gave up a 13 point lead in an overtime loss tonight against the Pistons.
2-2 post All Star Break and 23 games to go.
Let’s go, Nuggies!!