December 23rd 2024.
The Nuggets have had some impressive comebacks this season, but this one was particularly special as it happened without their star player, Nikola Jokic, on the court. With just over nine minutes remaining in the game, Denver was down by ten points, but a flagrant foul and a six-point possession brought them back within reach. They eventually pulled off an improbable and grueling overtime victory against the Pelicans.
This was the fifth game this season that the Nuggets have won after being down by double digits in the fourth quarter. In this game, they were down by as much as 17 points in the third quarter, but Jokic and Jamal Murray stepped up in the final minutes to lead the team to victory. Murray, who finished the game with 27 points and eight rebounds, hit a clutch shot with just eight seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
Coach Michael Malone made a strategic change in the closing lineup, opting to go with two young perimeter defenders, Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, instead of Murray. This decision paid off as they were able to shut down the Pelicans' last-second shot attempt and secure the win. Despite not being on the court for the end of the game, Murray still played a crucial role with his three steals and overall strong performance.
While Jokic is undoubtedly the Nuggets' best player, relying too heavily on him can be risky for the team's long-term success. However, in this game, Jokic was not aggressive enough on offense, especially against the Pelicans' centers. It wasn't until late in the game that he finally started imposing himself and dominating the paint.
The Nuggets also struggled with their transition defense, allowing the Pelicans to score 23 fast-break points and shoot 56% from inside the arc. This has been a recurring issue for the team, and they will need to address it if they want to continue their success.
Despite their flaws, the Nuggets were able to pull off an impressive comeback and secure another win. However, they cannot rely on luck and must address their weaknesses if they want to reach their full potential.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
