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, establishing a path to a convention finals battle with the Western Convention’s two most up-to-date high seeds.

It was a distinction in strategy from the Joker. Sunday, Jokic appeared to deal with being a facilitator, not searching for his personal shot. He might have been uncomfortable after hurting his elbow within the first quarter.

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

Murray turned it up at house as effectively. 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 powerful feat in opposition to a Thunder staff that forces 17.6 turnovers per recreation, most within the NBA.

The Nuggets have now break up the season collection with the 53-12 Thunder. Denver is one in all three groups to beat the Thunder a number of instances this season, together with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks, who defeated the Thunder thrice this season. After beating them in final yr’s playoffs. Nonetheless, the Mavs’ roster has definitely modified loads since then.

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