We were talking regarding it yesterday, this game between the Nuggets and the Bucks was both a clash between the best team in the East and the best in the West BUT ALSO another chapter in the trophy race of MVP. And while Joel Embiid was having fun with the Suns, it was Nikola Jokic who added a dash to his 2023 CV.
The house stats of this clash of leaders are right here
First of all, let’s say the terms: this Nuggets – Bucks was one of the best games of the season, at least for at least two and a half quarters.
A huge shock on paper and a huge shock on the floor. Two potential MVPs of course, but All-Star level lieutenants and scores that we understand are made to win games in the Playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo? Unplayable in the first half, despite the work attempted in defense by Aaron Gordon. 24 points at 11/14 shooting at the break, everything is too easy and the Freak sometimes seems to be playing with 7-year-old kids. At his side Brook Lopez does the job in defense, Khris Middleton shows that he is back in shape at the best of times, and for the Nuggets it is Jamal Murray who is once once more unplayable at the start of the match with 18 pawns in the first quarter. Overall the match is incredible with very little waste, and it makes us forget our worst nightmare, namely that we still don’t understand anything regarding the time change.
20 assists
4 lost balloons
65% shooting success
47% at three points
Only 5 shots attempted
5/5 on the lineThat first quarter? It was extraordinarily pure.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) March 26, 2023
The second half? Acceleration of Denver, and the wind which therefore chose to blow in the direction of the premises. Nikola Jokic forces Brook Lopez to make mistakes, the Bucks no longer take a long shot and little by little Denver will nest with a 34-19 in the third quarter which will allow them to calmly approach the end of the match and even to win calmly 123-106, while the Bucks, they will come out of their match and collect technical faults.
Jokic : 31 points, 6 rebonds, 11 passes
Giannis: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assistsThe duel was expected, both were equally dominant.
Denver collectively pushes better behind its leader tonight, who scores new points in the race for MVP.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) March 26, 2023
The two franchise players both finished at 31 points but for the Nuggets it was the bench and the lieutenants who made the difference. A success that may be a landmark for Nikola Jokic, for Mike Malone’s players, and a game that we would be happy to see once more… in the NBA Finals. Chick?