On the second game of a four game road trip, the Denver Nuggets were able to steal the win. This game was a homecoming of sorts for one for one of the newest Nuggets, Paul Millsap.
Denver and Atlanta were able to keep a close game all night long, leaving Nuggets fans wondering if they were going to see a win tonight. Fans were in for a pleasant surprise when the Nuggets were able to get the victory over the Hawks in their home opener.
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
The game started off with the Nuggets and Hawks exchanging baskets through the first quarter. Though it was a close first quarter, the Nuggets were able to finish on top, 26-23. Through the second, the Hawks and Nuggets continued to battle but Denver was able to stay on top, 53-52 at the half. Coming into the third, the Nuggets and Hawks continued to stay close until the Nuggets were finally able to find themselves with a 9 point lead. To end the third, Denver led 75-71 and kept their lead through the fourth. Denver was able to secure the 105-100 win over Atlanta.
While the Nuggets and Hawks kept a close game, it was the final 46 seconds of the game that determined who would get the win. With each Nuggets possession came a new foul and the chance to step up to the free throw line. These made free throws gave the Nuggets the chance to secure their lead. Although the Hawks were able to get a shot in, Denver kept their cool and fought through the tense atmosphere to get the W.
Gary Harris, Nikola Jokic, and Will Barton led the Nuggets to their victory with 18 points a piece. Harris also had 3 rebounds and 3 assists while Jokic had a double-double with 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Barton threw in 6 boards and 3 assists. Emmanuel Mudiay and Paul Millsap had 16 points a piece. Millsap had 6 boards and 1 assist while Mudiay had 4 boards and assists. The next highest scoring Nugget was Mason Plumlee with 9 points, 5 boards, and 6 assists in his 21 minutes.
Nuggets v. Hawks Quick Stats
Nuggets: Hawks:
FG%: 46.2% 41.6%
3PT%: 20% 42.4%
FT%: 73.9% 100%
Rebounds: 46 43
The Nuggets will face the Nets in Brooklyn on Sunday, October 29th.