December 9th 2024.
After a devastating loss that ended their opponent's 16-game losing streak, the Nuggets were determined to redeem themselves by snapping their next opponent's six-game winning streak. This wasn't going to be an easy task, as they had to play the very next day in a different city. But they were up for the challenge.
Nikola Jokic once again led the team with an incredible performance, scoring 48 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and making three steals. However, this time he had some help from his teammates. With the help of Michael Porter Jr.'s 26 points and Christian Braun's 17 points, the Nuggets were able to salvage their three-game Eastern Conference road trip with a dominating 141-111 victory over the Hawks on Sunday night.
Porter Jr. bounced back from a rough shooting night in their previous game by attacking the paint and scoring with dunks and layups. Russell Westbrook also contributed with 11 assists. And with Jamal Murray out for the second game in a row, Jokic once again had a monster scoring night. In fact, he had a combined 104 points in their back-to-back games against Washington and Atlanta. He even made a jaw-dropping shot from half-court right before halftime, showing off his skills and giving the Nuggets a 71-48 lead.
The Nuggets had been struggling with their 3-point shooting in their last six games, being outscored by 147 points from behind the arc. They had also been attempting fewer outside shots than usual. But their coach, Michael Malone, wasn't too concerned about their offensive struggles. He was more worried about their defense and how they could improve their perimeter defense, which had been lacking in their recent games.
But in this game against the Hawks, the Nuggets' defense stepped up. While they shot 12 of 27 from 3-point range, the Hawks were a dismal 9 of 40. The Nuggets' rotations and close-outs were much better, and they were able to contain the Hawks' shooters. Julian Strawther had a great game off the bench, scoring 13 points and contributing to the team's improved defense. Even Jalen Pickett, who usually plays in the G League, made a 3-pointer off a pick-and-roll play with Jokic and DeAndre Jordan.
The Nuggets have had two games added to their schedule after being eliminated from the NBA Cup, but they have a few days off before their next game against the Clippers. They will use this time to rest and prepare for their third matchup against the Clippers this season.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
