The Cavaliers are struggling to fend off the decimated Nuggets

The main points of this match will be written in the first quarter. THE Cavaliers logical to dominate the rebound, Jamal Murray is the only one who supports the Nuggets’ attack, with 16 points in the first quarter, and Cleveland is struggling to make a difference (28-24). Why can’t Kenny Atkinson’s men quickly put aside such a decimated team? Because they lose too many balls. When they build a small deficit, Jamal Murray makes a comeback, Denver goes 9-2 to tie the game. The Canadian playmaker is on break at 28 points, and the Cavaliers are still in danger (62-59).

Which is confirmed after returning from the dressing room. Donovan Mitchell and his gang miss the rebound, concede 17-3 and let the Nuggets to safety by 3 points.

The Cavaliers’ guard is too alone and it’s the 2023 champions who have taken control (88-97). The feat is getting closer to the private team of four starters. The Cavaliers responded at the start of the final act, going 9-0, and capitalizing on numerous missed shots by Peyton Watson, who were very open but very clumsy. Darius Garland hits a 3-pointer to put his team ahead, narrowly and infamously winning 113-108.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Jamal Murray, the remaining 20%. The top five Nuggets are in promotion, with -80% (Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson and Christian Brown in the infirmary), only 20% remain. But they are heavy. The Canadian was excellent in the first period with 28 points, taking the role of leader. Unfortunately for him, it was more complicated after the break, with just 6 points on 2/12 shooting.

– Cavaliers turnovers. How, with so much talent on the floor, positive dynamics and rebounding dominance (55-32), could Ohio’s players have struggled so much to win? Because they lacked intensity, undoubtedly overconfident against such a featherless opponent, and above all they lost 16 possessions, giving the Nuggets ammunition.

– Denver has a heart. David Adelman and his players will surely be frustrated to leave Cleveland with a loss, having deservedly won. But the coach can rejoice, his group has heart and can fight without his starters, nor Jonas Valanciunas. It’s annoying in the near future, but encouraging for the future and this month of January to live without a few executives.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; 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; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.