If the Nuggets are looking for a winning formula without Jamal Murray, they've found it: just nail every single 3-pointer, whether it's an easy shot or contested. In their recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver shot a remarkable 63.6% from beyond the arc, draining 21 of 33 attempts. This impressive performance led them to a convincing 130-101 victory at Ball Arena. With just seven regular-season games left, the Nuggets (52-23) are in a tight race with the Timberwolves and Thunder, all within half a game of each other for the top seed in the Western Conference.
With this win, Denver has secured a playoff spot as a top-six seed, marking their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, the longest active streak in the West. Coach Michael Malone praised this sustained success but reminded the team that their ultimate goal is to repeat as champions, acknowledging the tough road ahead.
Nikola Jokic was the star of the game, dominating the post against Cleveland's Jarrett Allen with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. This performance earned him his 128th career triple-double, moving him closer to Magic Johnson's third-place record in NBA history.
The Nuggets needed contributions from their role players to overcome the absence of Murray. Reggie Jackson was perfect from the field, scoring 19 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 22 points, shooting an impressive 6 of 9 from deep. Michael Porter Jr. also chipped in with 19 points, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Caldwell-Pope's success in Denver has been notable, shooting 45.6% from 3-point range at home compared to 34.6% on the road. Despite his personal success, Caldwell-Pope remains focused on finding his rhythm and contributing to the team's success, whether at home or away.
The defending champions have shown resilience without Murray, improving to 12-9 in games without him. Jackson expressed his desire for Murray's return, highlighting his importance to the team's success.
There were concerns about Jokic's availability due to a right wrist injury, but he played through it, showcasing his toughness and commitment to the team. Malone praised Jokic's availability, noting his willingness to play through minor injuries and his incredible durability compared to other star players.
Denver's defense also stepped up, holding Cleveland's guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to a combined 18 points on 5 for 20 shooting. This complete team effort, coupled with outstanding performances from Jokic and the supporting cast, propelled the Nuggets to a crucial win as they continue their quest for another championship.
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