Takeaways: Nuggets at Thunder
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets choked on another lead resulting in a 95-94 win for the Thunder.
The Denver Nuggets looked as if they were going to get a big win on the road for much of this match up.
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Sadly, complacency and terrible officiating benefiting Russell Westbrook gave the Thunder an edge in the end. Carmelo Anthony and Paul George actually only combined for 12 of the Thunder 95 points.
It was Westbrook who carried them throughout this game. Westbrook was the beneficiary of a terrible foul call at the end of the game which resulted in the game winning free throw. Russell finished with 38 points and nine rebounds. If you watch the replay, you will see newly called up Denver Nugget, Torrey Craig, was actually playing good defense. Just a case of the reigning MVP getting the benefit of the doubt against a newly acquired G League player.
Speaking of said player, we would be foolish to not acknowledge his great performance. He showed his potential as a two way player player shutting players down and even scoring some key baskets. Craig finished the game with 14 points on a perfect five for five shooting. Denver may have uncovered a diamond in the rough with this young sensation.
It was still a promising showing despite the loss. Yes, Malone did have questionable rotations including leaving Barton in when he was cold. But, the fact Denver kept it this close on the road against a high powered team like this shows Denver can keep up with the best in the league.
Like eluded to earlier, the Nuggets really should have won this game. However, they got too complacent again and Russell Westbrook capitalized after smelling blood in the water.
The Denver Nuggets will take on division rival Minnesota on December 20 as they chase them in the middle of the Western Conference standings.