The Nuggets have gone above and beyond expectations through the first 25 games of the season, and are off to their best start in franchise history. Denver is sitting in 2nd place (19-6), only 5 wins behind the Oklahoma Thunder (24-4) that are the undeniably the best team in the NBA and the Western Conference.
Last night, Denver defeated the Houston Rockets 128-125 and still rolling on a 5-game winning streak. Nikola Jokic notched his 12th triple-double of the season (39 points, 10 assists, 15 rebounds).
It was an intense bout with both teams going shot-for-shot in regulation before Denver pulled away in OT, finishing without Joker in the lineup due to fouling out with only 2 minutes remaining. Jamal Murray had a vast majority of the team’s points, and was unstoppable shooting from the field all night with (35 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds).
The contest was very physical with a ton of fouls called bybthe officials on both ends. Denver went to the free throw line 33 times, and Houston lined up for free buckets 26 times. Denver shot efficiently from the foul line and went 27/33, giving them an (81.8) free throw percentage.
Last night wasn’t their best showing on offense, but the Nuggets gave Houston a glimpse on how deadly they can be when shooting from the free throw line if forced score in that manner.
The offense the Nuggets have generated over the past month has been money, and they aren’t even at full strength, finding ways to beat teams without a handful of key players.
The guys on the injured list would certainly help on the defensive side of the court, as teams have been able to shoot with the Nuggets.
Injuries: Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, Tamar Bates.
Even riddled with injuries, the Nuggets have taken the league by a storm, running the show with the #1 preponderant offense.
124.4% Offense Rating (1st), 63.3 TS% (1st), 59.4 FG% (1st).
Denver has been finding ways to execute and finish games in undesirable ways when having an off night, or when horrendous officiating becomes an obstacle like last night’s game against the Rockets.
They will look to keep their 5-game winning streak alive on Thursday night against Orlando against the Magic.
Dante Robinson | Senior NBA Analyst for The NSR Network
