The regular season is coming to an end and the Nuggets still do not know how they will be eaten in the playoffs. What is now certain is that Denver will be at the rendezvous of the “postseason”, for the fourth year in a row. It is their victory against Memphis which guarantees them this place in the Top 6 (122-109).
As often, it was Nikola Jokic (35 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals) who was again the great architect of this success, well helped by Aaron Gordon (22 points) and Bones Hyland (16 points, 7 assists ) when leaving the bench. The Grizzlies did not keep up the pace for long, dropping to 17 lengths at the break and trailing the rest of the game, with no real danger for their evening opponent.
Desmond Bane (14 points) finished as his team’s top scorer who suffered the law of the reigning MVP, untenable despite a blow to the head from the start…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— A bloody and scathing start to the match! The match had barely started and, on an attempted shot from under the circle, Jaren Jackson Jr. landed elbow forward on Nikola Jokic’s skull (and temple). Not spared by injuries this season again, the Nuggets were nevertheless able to count on their stainless MVP who returned to the game, with a red headband to hold his bandage. Meanwhile, Memphis got off to the best start, going 22-12 with five minutes left in the period. This did not prevent Denver from winning the first quarter 34-30 after a strong comeback from Jokic and Co., on a scathing 20-3!
— The Nuggets get their ticket. While the Grizzlies are already assured of second place in the West, and the first division title in their history, the Nuggets are still in the battle to know what fate will be reserved for them in the playoffs. This extra soul was felt last night with Gordon and Hyland who helped a lot in the wake of Jokic. Apart from their rough start to the game, Mike Malone’s team dominated their opponents, taking a 17-point lead at the break before counting on a cozy 30-point cushion in the second half, allowing the exit under the cheers from Jokic’s audience…
— The Joker in History. Decked out in an improbable red headband (after JJJ’s nudge) matching his shoes, Nikola Jokic once again inscribed his name in the NBA record books. The Serbian pivot becomes the very first player in the history of the League to accumulate 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. Nikola Jokic is a quiet force, but above all a hell of a basketball factory!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Nikola Jokic. Shaken at the start of the match, he did not lose his senses. Denver’s star pivot again managed a performance as a boss, with 35 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists, plus 4 steals. His evening opponent, Steven Adams, although not the first comer in defense, could only bow to the combination of strength and talent of the “Joker”.
✅ Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets struggled to get going in the first quarter but Aaron Gordon helped them with two 3-pointers in quick succession, and a big alley-oop. Very complementary to Jokic, he finished with 22 points and 5 rebounds, at a very clean 7/11 on shots.
✅ Bones Hyland. The Nuggets rookie never ceases to amaze. A real good pick, he came off the bench to give his team a big boost, with 16 points and 7 assists in just 21 minutes.
⛔ Dillon Brooks. Returning to the game since mid-March, Dillon Brooks is still looking for rhythm after his long absence through injury. It was seen last night with a lot of missed attempts and a selection of shots to review. The former Duck who became Grizzly finished at 12 points at 6/15 on shots.
⛔ Tyus Jones. Like his comrade Brooks, Tyus Jones was not really on his plate last night at the “Mile High City”. New holder, Jones did not really weigh on the game with only 5 points and 4 assists, all at 2/8 only.
THE FOLLOWING
Denver (48-33) : reception of the Lakers for the last game of the season, Sunday evening.
Memphis (55-25) : reception of the Pelicans on Saturday night.
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