Nuggets vs. Pelicans halftime report
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets lead the Pelicans by eight at the half.
The Denver Nuggets came out in the first quarter clicking on all cylinders offensively and defensively. At one point, they were even up 35-8. However, the Pelicans were able to fight back in the second quarter and cut the deficit to single digits thanks to a strong showing from Rajon Rondo.
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New Orleans found Denver’s weak spot and started attacking the rim after their very sluggish start to the game. The back court of the Nuggets is giving the Pelicans plenty of fits as well though. Both starters are in double figures as Murray and Harris have been on fire three point territory while Nikola Jokic already has a double double. Oh, and he is also flirting with a triple double as he is only a handful of assists away from achieving one.
The Nuggets need to find a way to bring help when Rondo penetrates as he has been torching the Denver interior defense. He has been making the defense collapse which has led to too many open jump shots for the other players of the Pelicans.
Paul Millsap has also been solid as he is already in double figures along with Murray, Harris and his back court mate, Nikola Jokic. Denver must be wary in the second half and not become complacent. The Pelicans are the type of team who can take advantage of this and sneak up on a team like the Nuggets once Denver starts to settle.
They must continue to be aggressive if they want to win this game. Otherwise, the big three of the Pelicans will start to heat up and kill the Denver defense. The Nuggets need to continue to free up their back court for open jump shots as well.
As the second half approaches, it is shaping up to be a good game.