Kevin Durant and Reed Shepard broke the Nuggets streak

After the first conflict at the beginning of the week that ended with Denver’s overtime winThe Rockets and Nuggets crossed swords again, still in Colorado. It’s a complicated start to the night for David Adelman’s men, like this “lay-in” on the counterattack that he missed Cam Johnson while he was all alone, but the Texans couldn’t immediately widen the gap.

In the middle of this first quarter, Jamal Murray (16 points when shooting 4/13) even gives the first advantage in the match to Denver (18-17). Since then, the two teams have traded shots, especially 3-point shots Reed Sheppard (28 points on 9/15 shooting and 6/9 from distance) scored three in this first act alone. However, the Nuggets had the last laugh thanks to Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot. Thus, the home team leads 29 to 26 after twelve minutes of play.

From the beginning of the second quarter, Kevin Durant (31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) showed up by scoring eight of his team’s first ten points while Josh Okogie returns Houston’s advantage to 3 points (39-37). The Rockets then build up and an interception by Reid Shepard leads to a dunkAmen Thompson in the counterattack for the lead of the guests by ten points (49-39).

The Rockets control the second half

If the other half is opened with a long-range arrow from Jabari Smith Jrit’s the defense that shines. On one hand, the Rockets are increasing turnovers, but on the other, Denver can’t get into a rhythm and continues to miss. A clumsiness that Reed Shepard took advantage of in the final minutes of this third quarter. The leader caught fire and added himself, 11-0, which gives the Rockets a 16-point lead before the start of the final act (82-66).

The Nuggets can’t come back, and as in the last game, the officiating is at the center of the debate. If Name Udoka lost his temper at the press conferencethis time, David Adelman gets angry. The Denver coach receives a second technical foul and is ejected. However, the Nuggets did not admit defeat and Jamal Murray continued with 2+1 with 3+1 in an attempt to initiate a comeback, but Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant took responsibility to give the guests some breathing space (98-81).

five minutes from time, Nikola Jokic (25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) loses the ball and Amen Thompson takes the responsibility to finish the counterattack and definitely seal the fate of this match. Houston won 115-101 to end the Nuggets’ six-game winning streak.

WHAT TO REMEMBER:

– The Nuggets never found a rhythm. From the first minutes of the game, the Nuggets made a series of missed shots and never managed to adjust their aim. At halftime, David Adelman’s men scored just 45 points, their lowest halftime total of the season. During this matchup, Denver made just 40% of their shots and this percentage dropped to 27% from long range (8/29). Conversely, the Rockets had the hot hand, especially on 3-pointers, as they shot 54% from beyond the arc (19/35).

– Reed Sheppard, a walking firecracker coming off the bench. Reed Shepard is the one who best represents this great night for the Rockets. From the first quarter, the leader shows himself with 3/4 from the distance, but he is especially determined in the third act. The former resident of Kentucky scored 11 points with three long-range arrows and definitely sank Denver, which, despite a slight burst of pride in the fourth quarter, did not come back to score. Reed Shepherd finished the night with 28 points on 9/15 shooting and 6/9 from distance.

– The Rockets finally beat Denver. After two losses in the first two meetings against the Nuggets, the Rockets finally defeated the Nuggets. An important win because it first prevents the Texans from losing for the third time in a row, and then moves them closer to the top 4 in the West. The Texans will continue their “journey” to California by consecutively challenging the Kings, Clippers and Lakers.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.