Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Indiana Pacers with a score of 114:109, and the Serbian center was dominant once again.
The game started very slowly for Pacers’ standards. The team playing for the basket tried to find a rhythm in the opening 12 minutes, and from the score of 16:15, they improved their game, creating a five-point lead. However, the defending champions caught up, and after the first quarter, the score was 29:28 in favor of the team from Indianapolis.
The second quarter saw better play from the Pacers, and they reached a 13-point lead with a 13:4 run. Just before halftime, Mike Malone’s team somewhat consolidated, reducing the deficit to eight points, which was crucial for the rest of the game.
The NBA champions staged a comeback, overturning the score with a 9-0 run in the middle of the third quarter. The Pacers closed the gap to minus three, but towards the end, a significant run by the Nuggets paved the way for victory.
The game was in the balance in the final quarter, and when it was most needed, Nikola Jokic emerged. A few seconds before the end, the Pacers left him open for a three-pointer, and he took full advantage, hitting the shot effortlessly. In this way, he sealed Denver’s victory.
The Serbian center had 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 118th triple-double in his career. Jamal Murray had the same point total, flirting with a triple-double. On the other side, Myles Turner stood out with 22 points, followed by T.J. McConnell with 17.
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated their city rivals, the Lakers, who were without LeBron James in this game. Kawhi Leonard shone with a triple-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The final score was 127:116.
Other results
Brooklyn Nets:New York Knicks 103:108
New Orleans Pelicans:Utah Jazz 153:124
Oklahoma City Thunder: Portland Trail Blazers 111:109