The start of the match turns to the advantage of Netsskillful and aggressive, like Noah Clowney and especially Michael Porter Jr, towards whom all eyes are necessarily focused, given the context. But the Nuggetsinitially handicapped by their loss of ball, took advantage of the entry of their replacements, and in particular Tim Hardaway Jr. and Aaron Gordon, to get back together (33-29).
Rhythm and intensity then fall, benefiting Brooklynalways led by a sharp Michael Porter Jr. who finds a way to score his points whenever he wants, facing the Gordon/Hardaway Jr. pair coming off the bench. Jamal Murray sets out a little on the way to Denver but, overall, the meeting struggles to inspire enthusiasm on this Sunday afternoon (59-52).
The Nuggets are clearly not having a good day and the 12-4 conceded at the end of half-time confirms this. When it’s not Michael Porter Jr, it’s Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe who join forces to push the visitors. At -19, the trio Jamal Murray – Aaron Gordon – Peyton Watson then rebels, except that Cam Thomas gives some breathing room to the Nets (100-84).
Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to line up award-winning successes, but this same Cam Thomas continues his offensive festival, to shelter Brooklyn. Definitely, because even if Jamal Murray tries everything with his big “double-double” (27 points, 16 assists), with the help of Peyton Watson, Denver is too short against Michael Porter Jr.’s gang (127-115).
Michael Porter Jr. who, for his reunion with the Nuggets, finished top scorer of the game (27 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists), tied with Jamal Murray. Noah Clowney adds 22 points on the Nets side, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (26 points), Peyton Watson (23 points) and the ghost Aaron Gordon (20 points, 6 rebounds) improve their stats in the opposing camp.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Michael Porter Jr. reunited with his ex. Unlike the injured Cam Johnson, Michael Porter Jr. was present for his reunion with the Nuggets, who parted ways with him last summer for financial reasons. The opportunity for “MPJ” to prove that he is playing the best basketball of his career since leaving Colorado. Involved in rebounding and passing, he especially had a good night in scoring, with great shooting efficiency and his ability to attract fouls when he attacked the circle. A full match from the winger, who put the Nets on the right track in the first period.
– Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun played again. If Nikola Jokic, Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas remain in the infirmary, the Nuggets have however recorded the welcome returns of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, after more than a month of absence each. One (Gordon) came off the bench, while the other (Braun) found the five, and it was not the starter but the replacement who stood out the most. Along with Tim Hardaway Jr, “AG” energized Denver as soon as he entered the game, making his understanding with Jamal Murray speak on “pick-and-roll” or on cuts to accumulate baskets and points in the paint.
– Brooklyn has mastered his subject. Dominant from start to finish, or almost, the Nets did not tremble in this part, to revive after three defeats in a row against a weakened team. In addition to Michael Porter Jr, we will remember the contribution of Noah Clowney after the break to fly onto the scoreboard, or the sequence of Cam Thomas at the end of the third quarter and at the start of the fourth to repel the attacks of the Nuggets. Ziaire Williams, Egor Demin and Day’Ron Sharpe also showed good things, while Nolan Traoré tried hard (but watered…), in order to achieve this great collective victory.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
