The Nuggets needed to head into the All-Star break with some momentum, and they did just that, pulling out a thrilling 120-118 win against the Sacramento Kings.
The 2018-19 Denver Nuggets have no quit in them. After a tough road trip which saw Denver go 1-3, the team needed to string together a few good games before heading into the break. The Nuggets got a good 103-87 win against the Miami Heat, but another win in their last game before the break would have done the team well.
Going up against a young, talented Sacramento Kings team, everyone knew that it wasn’t going to be easy for the Nuggets to pull out a victory. The Kings like to play fast, something Denver has been known for over the years, and Sacramento showed that early.
The Kings raced out to a 15 point lead, forcing head coach Michael Malone to burn a few quick timeouts. Denver was down 11 at halftime, but slowly clawed their way back and were up two points heading into the fourth quarter behind Isaiah Thomas and the second unit.
The fourth quarter was a dogfight, with each team trading baskets and stops on the defensive end. It came down to Denver’s last possession with the game tied 118-118. Everyone in the arena knew who the ball was going to, and that man delivered. Nikola Jokic drove, missed the layup, but got the tip in with 0.8 seconds left to propel the Nuggets to victory.
Jokic finished the game with 20 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists, giving him his 12th triple double of the season and tying him with Michael Jordan on the career triple doubles list with 28. He makes game changing plays constantly that have him firmly in the MVP conversation, and he gets showered with “MVP” chants night in and night out.
While Jokic impressed, the biggest story coming into this game was that Isaiah Thomas would be returning from his 11 month rehab to make his season debut. Fans were excited to see the former University of Washington Husky back in action, and he did not disappoint.
In his 13 minutes on the court, Thomas had eight points on 3-6 shooting and two assists. He was a spark plug off of the Nuggets bench, as he helped stabilize the second unit. As Thomas begins to find his rhythm again, he should be a dangerous piece for Denver who helps them open up the floor.
Paul Millsap was also highly effective, pouring in 25 points and 13 rebounds. Millsap also provided energy on the defensive end, something that the team lacked on their road trip without him. Malik Beasley also had a big game, scoring 21 points prior to his ejection in the fourth quarter.
Speaking of ejections, Malone also got tossed. In the second quarter, Malone was irate with the officials, and he let them know it. He can get fiery in a hurry (one of his best qualities), and the officiating crew gave him two quick technicals. Malone was given a standing ovation on his way to the locker room.
Now the Nuggets can look forward to a much-needed break. Denver will have some time off to relax, get healthy, and watch Nikola Jokic and Michael Malone in the All-Star game.