In a compelling showdown, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious against the Indiana Pacers, marking Bruce Brown’s return to Denver for the first time since securing an NBA Finals victory last season. Before the game commenced, Brown was bestowed with his championship ring, and amidst warm congratulations from his former teammates, the sentiment of missing him on the team was palpable.
Bruce Brown showcased his prowess in his homecoming, delivering an impressive double-double performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Despite Brown’s commendable efforts leading the Pacers in scoring and rebounding, the Nuggets clinched the victory with a final score of 117-109.
Nikola Jokic, the linchpin of the Nuggets, played a pivotal role in securing the win. Demonstrating his consistent excellence, Jokic nearly achieved a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Notably, he displayed remarkable accuracy by shooting an outstanding 12 out of 13 from the field. Jokic’s recent track record is awe-inspiring, having missed just one shot or fewer in six out of the last nine games while maintaining an 81% shooting accuracy, averaging over 11 shots per game. The extent of Jokic’s greatness transcends description.
Bruce Brown admitted he was deeply impressed by the outstanding performance of the 28-year-old star.
He said, “He is indeed a warrior, I must admit.”
CHAMP 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4LBtQ7Wmch
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 14, 2024
The Nuggets’ starting lineup underscored their championship pedigree, exhibiting an exceptional level of cohesion and proficiency. Shooting an astonishing 70% from the field, the starters combined for an impressive 42 out of 60. Michael Porter Jr. particularly shone from beyond the arc, sinking 7 out of 11 three-pointers, securing eight rebounds, and tying a career-high with 5 assists. Aaron Gordon contributed a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 25 points and eight assists.
Undeniably, the Nuggets’ starting lineup stands out as one of, if not the best, in the NBA. Their chemistry, especially on the offensive end, is unparalleled, positioning them as strong contenders for another deep playoff run. The team has showcased its ability to switch gears at will, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.
However, the game revealed areas of concern for the Nuggets, notably in terms of turnovers. The team committed 18 turnovers in the match, with Jokic and Murray combining for 12 of them. While this was a transient issue, it’s worth noting that the Nuggets rank as the fifth-best team in turnovers per game overall.
Bench inconsistency remains a lingering challenge for the Nuggets, accentuated by the absence of the reliable Bruce Brown. The backup lineup is yet to establish itself definitively, with players like Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan displaying sporadic performances. Peyton Watson and Christian Braun, although demonstrating potential, grapple with offensive inconsistencies. Despite these challenges, the Nuggets showcased a solid performance, handling business against a depleted opponent. Their next test awaits them in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
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