In a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals, the Nuggets took on the Heat in Denver on Thursday night. This marked the first meeting between the two teams since they squared off in the NBA Finals last June. The result was similar as well, as Denver was able to hold off a late run by the heat to win 103-97.
Michael Porter Jr. had a much needed 30 points after Jamal Murray left the game due to a sprained ankle. Porter went 12 of 23 from the floor, which included four 3-pointers, to go along with 11 rebounds. The Nuggets improved to 5-0 since the All-Star break.
The Nuggets are now only 1.5 games behind the Timberwolves in the West for the top position. The injury to Murray however is a cause for concern as he is a significant part of the team’s offense.
Murray left just before halftime after he landed on Aaron Gordon’s leg on a drive to the basket. Murray has dealt with a number of hamstring and ankle problems in the past which have kept him out of action for considerable periods of time.
Finals MVP Jokic finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. This ended a streak of four triple-doubles which he’d managed in his last four games. It should be noted that Jokic came in big when required, scoring eight of Denver’s 11 points down the stretch.
Bam Adebayo had 22 points and Butler added 21 points for Miami who came into the game winners of five in a row. They were without a few key players however in Kevin Love, Tyler Herro and Josh Richardson due to injuries.
Wembanyama Dominates In Spurs Win Over Thunder, 132-118
Victor Wembanyama put up a strong double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-118 on Thursday night. The win snapped a five game losing streak for the Spurs who currently are in last place in the West.
Devin Vassel matched Wembanyama with 28 points and also had 9 assists and three rebounds. Jeremy Sochan had 21 with 10 boards.
For OKC, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 31 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren had 23 apiece. The team shot well at 49.4% from the field but couldn’t stop the Spurs on the offensive end, allowing them to go 19-38 from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma City are now 41-18, dropping a game behind Minnesota at the top of the Western Conference. The loss breaks a seven game winning streak that the team had built up after the All-Star break.
Curry Gets Hot To Lead Warriors Past Knicks
Stephen Curry was able to get hot when his team needed it to secure a road victory in Madison Square Gardens. His 31 points and 11 rebounds was key in getting past the New York Knicks 110-99 last night.
Jonathan Kuminga also added 25 points for the Warriors, who were able to extend their road winning streak to seven games now. This is the longest road streak they’ve had since winning 11 in a row in the 2018-19 season.
The game never looked too close as the Warriors got ahead early, racing to a 14-0 lead. They weren’t able to put the Knicks away however as even though they were short-handed they kept getting it back in striking distance.
Curry finished with eight 3-pointers and Klay Thompson had an efficient 16 points. Chris Paul had 11 points and six assists in his second game back after missing most of the season with a hand injury.
The Knick’s Jalen Brunson scored 27 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 16 and Josh Hart had 14 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. In the end the team was sorely missing Julius Randle and OG Anunoby who are both out with injuries. Neither are expected to be back anytime soon.
The Warriors have won 8 of their last 10 games and seem to be in their best form this season. Still in the 9th position with a record of 31-27, the team still has a lot to do before they can guarantee a postseason spot.
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