The Nuggets took the Jazz’s best shot and were still standing in the end
Aug 18, 2020, 6:43 AM
Observations from the Nuggets pulsating 135-125 overtime victory over the Jazz in Game one of their series:
• Donovan Mitchell was unbelievable, but a one-man show like that is not going to be enough when the Nikola Jokic/Jamal Murray duo is that dynamic.
• Jokic’s 29 points and 10 rebounds is now the norm. I’m accustomed to this in the playoffs. Murray is the wild card. I said before these playoffs began that the Joker would need to play like a superstar and Murray would need to be a consistent All-Star. Well, Murray was incredible in this one. If he can play even somewhat close to this level the Nuggets can beat anyone.
• I loved Murray’s mentality in the fourth quarter and overtime. I thought he was too passive in that awful third quarter. He deferred too much. Maybe it was Mitchell’s performance that lit a spark under him. Whatever it was, that’s the Murray I want to see moving forward. Be an assassin out there. There’s no reason he can’t.
• Mitchell was great, but that eight-second violation was a killer. THe Jazz were up 109-105 with 1:54 left. A bucket there at at time when Mitchell was unstoppable and the Nuggets are in big trouble. Instead, Mitchell has a brain cramp, Murray makes a three and it’s game on.
• For the next game, the Nuggets defensive strategy should be double team Mitchell and leave Rudy “Roberto Duran” Gobert alone. Whatever pass thrown his way will just clang off those hands of stone (get it?).
• Monte Morris gets the Unsung Hero Award for this one. With both Gary Harris and Will Barton out, someone needed to step up. Morris played 29 huge minutes with a 14/3/4 line. Big.
• I just feel better when Jerami Grant is on the floor. Less Paul Milsap and more Grant please, Coach Malone? (And it has nothing to do with Grant being a proud ‘Cuse alum – well, maybe a little).
• Michael Porter, Jr. got a wake-up call that playoff basketball inside the bubble is a lot different than the pick-up-style hoops that was played during the eight game tune-up. That’s okay. He experienced it and lived to tell about it and the Nuggets got the win. This is invaluable experience.
• I just have this sense the Nuggets took Utah’s best shot and Denver should win this series in five games – max. Mitchell is legit, but beyond him? C’mon, when Joe Ingles is your second-best player, you’re in big trouble. Mike Conley leaving for the birth of his child is going to destroy Utah’s chances. Even if he comes back, this series will be all but over.
