The Nuggets hold a three point lead over the 76ers at the half.
The Denver Nuggets came out looking a bit sluggish. After Philadelphia started the game with a six to nothing run, head coach, Michael Malone, called timeout to settle the guys down. What ensued was an extremely high paced game with both teams putting up good scoring numbers in the first half.
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Denver currently has a 61-58 lead, but there are still plenty of things to shore up. The defense has been questionable as they make one great defensive play, but then have an egregious defensive effort on the next possession. Especially one possession where Ben Simmons got an easy dunk which made the announcer go ” and Simmons just got the easiest basket of his career.”
The positive is Denver already has four different players in double figures already. Trey Lyles was terrific off the bench as he has already scored 10 points in just 12 minutes. Jamal Murray is on pace for a high scoring game and Gary Harris is bouncing back nicely after he struggled in Minnesota.
Will Barton is also making a great case right now for a new contract after this season. What does need to happen in the second half is Nikola Jokic needs to look for his shot a lot more. He looked too passive in the first quarter, but started to get going a bit scoring wise in the second quarter. He currently has five points along with a healthy dose of assists and rebound per usual for the Joker.
However, he needs to look to score a lot more in the second half if the Nuggets want to take this win. Especially without Joel Embiid in the game for the 76ers.
Denver had a great offensive first half, but they must commit more to defense in the second half.