The Nuggets win the matchup against the Rockets

The poster was attractive, but it took a few minutes to launch. THE Nuggets they were particularly affected at the beginning of the match, between Cam Johnson’s quick errors and especially Aaron Gordon’s injury. The first moments, between these two big attacks, are timid even if Denver starts better (12-25). In the second quarter, the Rockets had more energy. Led by Reed Sheppard, and his award-winning baskets, Houston responded. Kevin Durant also hits from long range, and the people of Ime Udoka go ahead at the break (49-46).

After returning from the locker room, Nikola Jokić takes matters into his own hands. Whether it was a 3-pointer or a dunk, on the head of Alperen Sengun, the Serbian dominates the Houston defense and with him the Nuggets are very good at the beginning of the third quarter. They even start with 9/9 on set. Tim Hardaway finds the target from long range to answer Jabari Smith Jr. and the two teams are very close as the final act approaches (78-80).

Everything will come down to defense, and the fouls will fall on Jokić and then Sengun. In the last minute, Jamal Murray steals the ball and then scores. Peyton Watson also shines with a big block and the Nuggets need to close out the game at the free throw line as Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. don’t give up 3-pointers. But Denver didn’t flinch and won 112-109.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Nikola Jokić fashion icon. Aaron Gordon was out for most of the match and faced with a solid racket in front of him, the three-time MVP waited until the third quarter to show his muscles. With 34 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, the pivot responded, despite the mistakes made and several turnovers. There was some backlash in Houston, and despite that, Nikola Jokic breezed through the debates with the help of an efficient Jamal Murray.

– A career high for Reed Shepard. It is he, with his award-winning baskets, who will launch the Rockets in the second quarter. So much so that he would finish the first period with 20 of his team’s 49 points, to finish with 27 points on 9/13 shooting, including 5/8 on 3-pointers. This is the best in his new career.

– Aaron Gordon’s injury. Touchedright hamstring after just three minutes of play, the interior, who missed the game against the Pelicans precisely because of this physical problem, quickly left his teammates. It remains to be seen whether this relapse is simply a warning or hides something more serious.

– End of streak for Houston. The Rockets have won five in a row and after success against Orlando and Cleveland, this time they are firing. It is the ninth success in ten matches for the 2023 NBA champion. In addition, since it was an NBA Cup game, Denver is now second in Group C of the West and Houston is 4th in the same group.

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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; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.