Jamal Murray wasn’t even likely to allow Orlando spoil a magic run.
With all the Nuggets clinging to some two-point direct and less than five minutes remaining, Murray buried back-to-back buckets, both helped by Nikola Jokic, to provide Denver some breathing space. From there, the Nuggets emptied the clock hung for a 113-104 win over the Magic on Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center to extend their winning streak to four.
Murray tallied 33 points and Jokic logged 18 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds as the Nuggets improved to 18-8. Theyrsquo;ll try to shut a great 5-0 homestand on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, for a little while, it hardly looked as the Nuggets had the upper hand, even with all the Magic playing the second night of a back set set.
Paul Millsap, that hadn’t performed in two games because of a ideal quad strain, sparked a huge run in the third quarter that changed the whole complexion of the match. He also scored Denver’s first 12 points of the third, that overlapped.
At the start of it, the Nuggets were in danger of falling in further behind into a team on the fringes of the playoff race and monitoring 69-50. However, by the end, the Nuggets were cruising and upwards 74-69.
Though there were a couple their defense turned the screws and all-but put a lid Orlando’therefore lineup. It was turnovers, deflections and the blocks that really sustained the spurt.
The intensity undoubtedly pleased Nuggets trainer Michael Malone, who had bemoaned his group ’s defense over their homestand.
“Our shield has kind of dropped back a bit,”” Malone stated. “The huge thing that jumps out for we , me ’re not advocating the paint. … Can we keep them from the paint? Can we guard one-on-one? Could we give them one shot? ”
Malone went with celebrated rookie Michael Porter Jr. in first half (four points, three rebounds in nine minutes) and chosen to provide Malik Beasley a few run in the second half. Malone had hinted that he was enjoying Gary Harris a lot of minutes, which partially contributed to Beasley’s moment. This was the very first actions he&rsquo.
Regardless of the result of Wednesday’s match, Malone also reported he was only happy to visit former No. 1 select Markelle Fultz active and enjoying . Following a rocky start to his NBA career in Philadelphia, Fultz has found success with Orlando’therefore organization.
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“You find the ability to get to the paint, that the athleticism, the ball-handling the jump shot is something that he’s going to need to demonstrate that he can make always,” Malone explained. “I’m happy to see him with. I mean that. I don’t even understand him whatsoever. … You understand I origin since what he went through I&rsquo. ”
A sloppy first half of the Nuggets rear 60-45 at halftime, and despite Denver’two days off, the Magic looked like the team. The Nuggets committed 10 turnovers (half of them Jokic and Murray) that jeopardized their offensive effort.
With a couple ill-timed moves, the Nuggets had their celebrity duo while the remaining part of the offense dragged. Jokic entered halftime with seven assists and eight points, and Murray added a team-high 12.
However, Orlando’s bench gave Denver fits. D.J. Augustin had 13 points off the bench, such as three 3-pointers. All in all, the Magic’s reservations outscored those of the Nuggets 27-12.
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