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Nuggets vs. Bucks: Game recap

By Michael Longhofer

MILWUAKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 15: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 15, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Phelps/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWUAKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 15: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 15, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Phelps/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks in a high-scoring affair.  Nikola Jokic posted his fifth triple-double of the season and the 11th of his career.

The Nuggets, ride into the All-Star break winners of nine of their last 12.  They are tied for sixth in the Western Conference, a half game out of fifth.  The win improved their road record to nine-19.  The Bucks remain in sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.  Their home record dropped to 19-10.  Denver is sending Jamal Murray to the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles over the weekend, the Bucks have Giannis Antetokuonmpo representing the East.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic continues to set convention on its ear, notching his second consecutive triple-double.  Put in proper context, this was a game for the ages from Nikola.  30 points (on 78.6 FG%), 15 rebounds, 17 assists, two blocks and a steal capped possibly the most remarkable performance from a center in NBA history.  Only eight turnovers marred a near-perfect offensive performance. As the volume ratchets up regarding the best way to play Jokic, his performances seem to match the rhetoric.  On top of his game, he is truly indefensible.  Because of the spectacular numbers Nikola put up, I’m going to give him (and the team, for the most part) a pass on giving up 123 to a team that averages 104 for the season.

Lost in the aura of Jokic’ historic night was The Greek Freak putting up a triple-double of his own.  36, 11 and 13 are spectacular numbers and would lead all the NBA news this morning if not for the Joker.

Beyond the respective stars performing like superstars, the Nuggets got great performances from the Core, as a whole, the trio accounting for 84 points, 21 rebounds, 24 assists, five steals and two blocks.  They have rounded into a force in the NBA and it is getting noticed.  Jamal Murray will reprise his MVP performance in the Rising Stars Challenge and test his abilities in the Super Skills Challenge.  This may well be the final year for some time that the Nuggets are not represented on the All-Star roster.

Milwaukee was bolstered by steady performances from Eric Bledsoe (27, three and eight) and Khris Middleton (17 and seven) but there was not enough help for Giannis in this important game.

The Nuggets ride high into the break.  They look to get the services of Millsap and Plumlee back at some point after this weekend (Mason seems ready, Paul may still be weeks away).  Plumlee should provide a welcome boost, as long as Coach Malone uses him as a reserve 5 and not starting alongside Jokic.

Next: Nuggets vs. Bucks: Takeaways

Looking forward, the Nuggets welcome the Spurs to the Pepsi Center on Friday, February 23rd.  The Spurs should have LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard available.

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