Why the Nuggets are a playoff menace to the Thunder

The Nuggets’ dynamic duo mixed for 69 factors as Denver avenged Sunday’s loss in Oklahoma Metropolis with a 140-127 win. With the Lakers’ loss in Brooklyn, the Nuggets moved again into second place, organising a path to a convention finals battle with the Western Convention’s two most up-to-date prime seeds.

It was a distinction in method from the Joker. Sunday, Jokic appeared to give attention to being a facilitator, not on the lookout for his personal shot. He could have been uncomfortable after hurting his elbow within the first quarter.

Not Monday evening. Jokic shot 15-of-20, scoring 35 factors with solely 5 free-throw makes an attempt to assist him. He completed with eight assists towards just one turnover.

Murray turned it up at house as properly. Sunday, he was 6-of-17 and scored 17 factors. Monday, he was 11-of-22 and 9-of-9 from the foul line. Murray additionally had zero turnovers, a formidable feat towards a Thunder staff that forces 17.6 turnovers per sport, most within the NBA.

The Nuggets have now cut up the season collection with the 53-12 Thunder. Denver is one among three groups to beat the Thunder a number of occasions this season, together with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks, who defeated the Thunder 3 times this season. After beating them in final yr’s playoffs. Nevertheless, the Mavs’ roster has definitely modified so much since then.

Oklahoma Metropolis may be weak for groups with dimension within the frontcourt and by groups who’ve dynamic scoring guards. The Nuggets match the invoice, and still have an amazing house courtroom benefit at altitude in Denver. Getting a win to reply Sunday’s large loss confirmed the Nuggets’ toughness and provides the Thunder one thing to fret about come Could.