The Pepsi Center crowd cheered during competition introductions if he was one of their very own, also also Nuggets players took turns for hugs and handshakes pregame.
But coach Michael Malone awakened the emotion finest prior to tipoff Tuesday against the Wizards.
“Definitely miss . ”
Welcome back to the Mile High City, Isaiah Thomas.
Now, a rude reminder of the reason you couldn’t even violate the turning in Denver one year ago.
The Nuggets rolled the Wizards 117-104, with Thomas making his start for Washington this year after a July exit from Denver as a one-and-done free agent. Thomas, in his ninth NBA season, has since rejuvenated his career with the Wizards, while averaging 24-plus moments, putting up scoring in 10 games this season.
It didn’t even show up Tuesday night.
Thomas shot of 8 on each of his attempts. Among the three turnovers was a second-quarter Jamal Murray steal atop the 3-point lineup, punctuated by an emphatic one-handed Murray dunk in transition using Thomas trailing. The teammates afterwards faced off to select ownership, however Thomas held Murray’s left forearm prior to liftoff — a violation that gave Denver the ball along with Murray a grin after the victory.
“It had been enjoyable,” Murray said of confronting Thomas. “He simply grabbed my arm since he knew he couldn&rsquo. ”
An Thomas pinned the defeat himself at rsquo & the guest;s locker room. After two consecutive seasons lost to trauma, he said: “I’m just out there playing. I don’t even have a feel. ”
Thomas also took a moment to reflect about his Nuggets season.
“I spent , I got intimate and it’s a wonderful group of guys,” Thomas said. “Although we speak on text message, it had been great to have the ability to see them and speak to them. ”
Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Nuggets past offseason as he recovered from hip surgery. He appeared in only 12 games and was not able to supplant Monte Morris since the team’s no backup point guard. So, Thomas rode the seat as Denver won its first playoff series. He still sees linings.
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“The positive is that they allowed me to take my time and return rdquo, & wholesome; Thomas said. “That was number one. The situation wasn’t enjoy I thought that it would it be and it wasn&rsquo. But my teammates and the training staff treated me with the utmost admiration and I will ’t thank them enough. ”
The respect is mutual, particularly in Malone, who waxed poetic about the intangibles that Thomas brought to the locker area. Malone said voice, character and leadership from Thomas were “instrumental in our team last year, after shooting him out of that rotation, which was not easy for him even. He handled himself with professionalism and maturity, from him being 21, and our young players all really benefit. Absolutely miss with him, and what’s more, happy back and he & rsquo; s healthy playing and playing at a higher level. ”
Thomas and the Wizards (5-10) are still looking for consistency while the Nuggets (13-3) remain one of the NBA’s early frontrunners.
Does Denver have what it take to create a deep playoff run? Thomas provided his view.
“It’will be hard, they&; rsquo;re at the Western Conference,” Thomas said. “Guys have got to step it up and accept the challenge, however they’re a team that is excellent. ”
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