Can Nuggets carry momentum from OKC win into LA?

Can Nuggets carry momentum from OKC win into LA?

With a full day to savor an time beyond regulation victory that started with a large fourth-quarter rally, the Denver Nuggets head to Los Angeles for his or her first assembly of the season in opposition to the Clippers on Friday evening.

The Nuggets trailed by 15 factors within the fourth quarter Wednesday on the street in opposition to the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier than they rallied for an eventual 131-126 victory within the additional interval. Aaron Gordon erupted for 17 of his 31 factors within the fourth quarter, whereas Nikola Jokic scored 10 of his 39.

Denver shot 57.7 % (15 of 26) from the sphere within the fourth quarter and time beyond regulation mixed to drag off simply its second victory in 5 video games. The Nuggets entered simply 2-4 over their final six contests following a four-game profitable to open November.

Whether the Nuggets are poised for an additional profitable run will rely largely on their well being. They pulled off the victory over the Thunder regardless of taking part in with out starters Jamal Murray (heel) and Michael Porter Jr. (relaxation). They additionally have been lacking Ish Smith (calf), Jeff Green (knee), Bones Hyland (sickness) and Payton Watson (sickness).

The victory was achieved with 10 lively gamers, 9 of whom noticed time on the courtroom. Jokic performed 43 minutes, whereas Bruce Brown used his 45 minutes of motion to attain 17 factors with 10 assists and 13 rebounds in his first profession triple-double.

“I kept on thinking in the back of my mind, I don’t want to celebrate Thanksgiving with two (consecutive) losses; nothing’s going to taste good on Thanksgiving if we have two losses in a row” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone mentioned. “This allows you to fly to L.A., have a nice day (Thursday), have a team meal, celebrate and try to take care of some business in L.A.”

The Clippers return dwelling after a 124-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Wednesday. The Clippers performed with out stars Paul George (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and by no means threatened after trailing 66-47 at halftime.

Los Angeles obtained 19 factors from Marcus Morris Sr. and 17 factors from each Terance Mann and Norman Powell. The protection held Stephen Curry (22 factors) effectively beneath his season common of 31.6 per sport, however Andrew Wiggins had 31 factors and went 6 of 10 from 3-point vary.

Los Angeles entered the sport on a three-game profitable streak following Leonard’s return from residual knee soreness after surgical procedure that value him your entire 2021-22 season, however fell with their group chief out of motion once more. Sharpshooter Luke Kennard (calf) additionally was out.

“I wish we were at full strength against anybody,” coach Tyronn Lue mentioned when requested if he was upset he couldn’t check his full roster in opposition to the Warriors. “Just to get our rhythm and establish how we want to play. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case this year, but it’s coming.”

Leonard’s absence was characterised as precautionary after he rolled his ankle within the fourth quarter of Monday’s dwelling victory over the Utah Jazz, however George has now missed two consecutive video games, whereas Kennard has missed the final 4.

Like the Nuggets on Wednesday, the Clippers proceeded with 10 wholesome gamers.

“I like the way we kept fighting,” Lue mentioned, in response to the Los Angeles Times.

–Field Level Media

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