The Serbian center was just two assists away —he gave eight— from achieving a new triple-double this season (he has accumulated 20), but he was still decisive with 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Nuggets to defeat the Miami Heat 112-108 .
Michael Porter Jr (17) and Bruce Brown (16) seconded Jokic in an offense that was widely divided between starters and substitutes, who made the absence of Canadian guard Jamal Murray, Denver’s main scorer along with the Serbian giant, winner of the award less noticeable. Best Player (MVP) in the two previous seasons and strong contender in the current one.
With this victory, the Nuggets established themselves at the top of their circuit, with a five-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies and seven over the Sacramento Kings, while the Dallas Mavericks fell to fifth after losing 121-124 to the Minnesota Timberwolves the day before.
The recently signed Kyrie Irving (36 points) and the Slovenian Luka Doncic (33) could not avoid defeat against “Wolves” led by Anthony Edwards (32) and Ruby Gobert (21), the latter also the most fighter under the boards with 14 rebounds grabbed.
The victory of the Philadelphia 76ers over the Houston Rockets (123-104) also stood out on the day, with highlights for James Harden (28), Tyrese Maxey (26) and center Joel Embiid (23), a success that consolidated them in third position. of the Eastern Conference to only three and a half games of the leader, Boston Celtics, and two of the occupant of the second place, Milwaukee Bucks.
Precisely Celtics and Bucks will star in the most anticipated game this Tuesday, with Jayson Tatum leading the former and the spectacular Gianni Antetokoumpo the latter.
Results of the day on Monday:
— Cleveland Cavaliers 117— San Antonio Spurs 109
— Indiana Pacers 117— Utah Jazz 123
— Charlotte Hornets 144— Atlanta Hawks 138
— Philadelphia 76ers 123— Houston Rockets 104
— Miami Heat 108— Denver Nuggets 112
— New York Knicks 124— Brooklyn Nets 106
— Chicago Bulls 91— Orlando Magic 100
— Oklahoma Thunder 100— New Orleans Pelicans 103
— Dallas Mavericks 121— Minnesota Timberwolves 124
— Washington Wizards 126— Golden State Warriors 135
— Los Angeles Lakers 115— Portland Trail Blazers 127
Tuesday matches:
— Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
— Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
— Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings
— Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
— Portland Trail Blazers vs. Washington Wizards
lam/jcm
