December 6th 2024.
In a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets, it was a battle of opposites. The Cavs, who rank low in 3-point volume, were outmatched by the Nuggets, who lead the NBA in 3-point efficiency. However, the Nuggets found themselves playing catch-up for most of the game as the Cavaliers dominated the perimeter, shooting 45.8% from beyond the arc.
Donovan Mitchell led the charge for the Cavaliers with a 5-for-9 performance from 3-point range, contributing to his team-high 28 points. Caris LeVert also had a strong showing, going 5-for-6 from 3-point range. On the other side, Nikola Jokic put up an impressive stat line of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Despite the efforts of Jokic and his teammates Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets struggled with consistency throughout the game. They had a chance to close the gap in the fourth quarter, but a costly turnover by Porter Jr. derailed their momentum. Their perimeter defense was also lacking, allowing the Cavaliers to make 14 3-pointers compared to their own 12.
The game started off with the Cavaliers setting the tone, making 9 of their 15 shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter. The Nuggets, on the other hand, failed to make a single 3-pointer in their three attempts. This early deficit proved to be a major factor in the outcome of the game, as the Nuggets were unable to fully recover despite outscoring the Cavaliers in the paint.
In the second quarter, the Nuggets tried to make a comeback with strong performances from Gordon and Murray. They were able to cut the lead to just four points before Jokic returned to the game. With their star player back on the court, the Nuggets were able to dominate with their physicality and improved defensive rotations. They ended the half down by just four points, with the game becoming a clash of styles - the Nuggets focusing on inside shots while the Cavaliers relied heavily on 3-pointers.
The second half saw a shortened rotation from the Nuggets, with Gordon playing as the center while Jokic rested. This strategy didn't backfire this time, but it was the slow start from the starting lineup that ultimately cost them the game. Jokic, who struggled with his shot in the third quarter, was unable to lift his teammates out of their slump.
In other news, the Nuggets received an update on Vlatko Cancar's knee surgery, and it's possible that he could return to play this season. However, it's uncertain when exactly he will be back on the court. The team will reevaluate his condition in eight weeks. To stay updated on all things Nuggets, sign up for the Nuggets Insider for exclusive analysis and news.
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