Nikola Jokic produced a triple-double and provided crucial final-minute offense and the Denver Nuggets scored the game’s final 7 points to rally for a 107-104 road victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, February 1 (Sunday, February 2, Manila time).
In his 22nd triple-double this season, Jokic racked up 28 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds as the Nuggets won for the second straight night.
Christian Braun’s 24 points, Jamal Murray’s 20, and Michael Porter Jr.’s 15 boosted the Nuggets, who squandered a 17-point lead and scored only 17 points in the fourth quarter.
A chunk of Denver’s late offense came during the last minute.
Miles Bridges poured in 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Mark Williams notched 20 points and 15 rebounds, but the Hornets were stuck with their fourth straight loss.
Williams was back after a two-game absence and gave the Hornets a needed interior presence. Nick Smith Jr.’s 19 points and Moussa Diabate’s 12 points off the bench gave Charlotte a chance.
Bridges scored back-to-back baskets to give the Hornets a 104-100 lead with 51.6 seconds to play.
Jokic’s three-point play pulled the Nuggets within one and his free throws gave Denver the lead. Murray’s basket stretched the edge to 107-104 with eight seconds left before Smith was unable to connect on a tying three-point attempt.
Even while Jokic achieved a triple-double, the outcome was still in doubt. The Hornets pulled even at 94-all, 98-all, and 100-all.
The Nuggets appeared ready to run away earlier in the second half.
Murray’s 7 points in 46 seconds were part of the constant offensive pressure applied by the Nuggets in the third quarter. A few minutes later, Murray’s three-pointer stretched the gap to 76-61.
Charlotte rallied to within 83-75. Diabate scored 6 points in the last 2:11 of the third.
The Nuggets couldn’t put the Hornets away as Bridges’ drive cut the deficit to 92-87.
Denver finished 3-for-18 shooting on three-pointers in the first half but led 54-46 at the break. – Rappler.com