21 Jan 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn images Denver Nuggets looked like a challenger when they were driven by their own court by Cleveland on December 27. Cavaliers set up 149 points about to release Denver record to 16-13 for the season.
Almost a month later, the Nuggets team that won the NBA title is similar to 2022-23. They have won three games in a row and 11 of their last 14 games on their way into Thursday night’s play against the visiting Sacramento Kings.
“We are a good team. We get (healthier),” said Christian Braun, who has received 20 points in two straight matches.
“We are just in a good rhythm, we do things properly. But we must continue to be better, do not be happy with where we are at. This next route until all-Star Break is obviously really important.
Denver’s Health improved with the return of Aaron Gordon six games ago. Gordon has come from the bench since he returned from his right calf stam which has cost him 19 matches in two different stints on damaged reserve.
The formula seems to work. Nikola Jokic has four straight triple dubbles to increase his total to an NBA leader 19 this season.
Jokic continues to lead the team in points (30.1 points), rebounds (13.2) and assists (9.9) per match. He is ranked in the top three in the league in each of these categories. Jamal Murray is second in the team in points at 19.8 points, and Michael Porter Jr. is third at 18.2.
Denver will meet a Sacramento team that plays the second part of a back-to-back set, but the kings come in with speed. They pulled away late to beat the Golden State 123-117 on Wednesday evening to continue their wave since coach Mike Brown was dismissed at the end of December.
Sacramento is 10-2 since Doug Christie took over as an interim coach, including three straight wins at Thursday’s game. One of King’s last losses before the coaching change came home against Nuggets on December 16. Denver collected from 10 points down during the last four minutes to pull out a victory 130-129.
The kings are playing better now, led by De’aaron Fox and the Sabonis of Denant.
Fox is a average of 25.6 points one game, and Sabonis increased its NBA best returns per game on average to 14.3 by 18 on Wednesday evening. Demar Derozan, who is second in the team in points at 21.8, got 32 against the Golden State.
Sabonis also leads the NBA in 3-point percentage at 48.5. He has worked hard to improve his shooting from depth.
“Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight,” Sabonis said. “You have to keep doing it one summer, another season, another season. You just hope you will break through, and so far this year it has gone in, so I just have to hold on to it and shoot with confidence . ”
-Field level media
