Without Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets laid down their law on the Clippers’ floor

Win without Nikola Jokic? Yes, the Nuggets are capable of doing that. The floor includes a team that is considered one of the serious stables of the West.

While the Clippers were without Paul George, Mike Malone’s men began to distance themselves in the second half and better approach the “money season”.

It was the fifth straight win for Denver, consolidating its status as the conference leader. The Californians, on the other hand, have confirmed their very poor form at the moment with a seventh defeat in eight games and just one balance sheet in the balance…

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

– Nuggets money time. At the break, neither team took over the other (58-57). The visitors started to take some possessions early, thanks to their substitutes, at the end of the third quarter (81-86). But they impressed more in the heart of the final quarter by showing control and patience, despite the absence of their leader. Very hard on defense, with passes in the zone, they contained Kawhi Leonard and his team to 22 points scored in the period. More importantly, they went on a decisive 10-0 run midway through the quarter marked by an award-winning basket from Jamal Murray then an interception and a counter-attack from Bruce Brown, with a foul by John Wall, on source of the missed pass.

– Balanced record without Nikola Jokic. For the fourth time this season, the Nuggets had to be without their MVP, sidelined to manage a sore wrist. With this victory, they now have a balanced record of two wins and as many losses in his absence. This record is better than last year under the same circumstances: two small victories in eight games.

– Animal of the Californians. Three games and too many losses for the Clippers against the Nuggets this season. After losing 10 points at the end of November without their duo Leonard – George, the Californians got 31 at the beginning of January… Counting two consecutive losses last season, they are here in five-game losing streak against Denver . Last chance this season to overcome the beginning of the “syndrome”, on February 26 on the floor of the Nuggets.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Jamal Murray and Michael Porter. We could have mentioned the total of five majors of the Nuggets, because each element was able to bring something to compensate the main absentee, including DeAndre Jordan, back for the occasion. But it was the Murray-Porter duo who took on the most responsibility. Even though they didn’t score much in the final stretch, the point guard scored a crucial award-winning shot while the winger showed an aggressive approach to the circle that came in handy in the end.

✅ The Nuggets Defense. In addition to collecting victories, the men of the Rockies closed out the fifth straight meeting with less than 110 points against. A new illustration last night with a defense that gradually honked at the opponents: 34 points were conceded in the first quarter, then 24, 23 and finally 22. Kawhi Leonard was the main victim. After posting high volume to start (4/7 on shots), he went just 1/3 in the final quarter and looked borrowed at times, as his teammates struggled to serve him up.

⛔ Part five of the Clippers. If Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Morris finished with a total of 40 points, we can’t say they had much support in the “scoring” element of the other five who finished with only 17 points recorded on 6/19 shots.. .

TAKE OFF FOR KAWHI LEONARD

“The Klaw” offered the “poster” of the night to Zeke Nnaji’s head. Unlucky for the latter, he took the same penalty a few minutes later on the move from John Wall, this time left-handed.

THE FOLLOWING

Clippers (22-22) : welcoming the Rockets, Saturday.

Nuggets (29-13) : reception of Magic, Sunday.