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00:00At the Houston Rockets, it is West Group C action and highly competitive with all five teams currently one and one.
00:10That includes San Antonio, Portland, and Golden State.
00:15Check out the starting lineups for Denver.
00:17Aaron Gordon did not play in their last game.
00:20He was dealing with some injury management on the hamstring, but he's back in there tonight.
00:25Peyton Watson coming off a career performance in that victory over New Orleans.
00:30He had 32 points and 12 rebounds.
00:34Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have won 10 of their last 11.
00:37They are scorching hot.
00:39Shang-Goon has been at another level.
00:44Kevin Durant once again putting up big numbers.
00:47Aben Thompson has been adjusting to the new role.
00:51This is where they can go with the bigger lineup.
00:53Steven Adams at that center spot and Shang-Goon lining up at power forward.
01:02Nikola Jokic.
01:05Lead the NBA in rebounding and assists seven in scoring.
01:11We are set to go.
01:17The Denver Nuggets in Houston to take on the Rockets.
01:21West Group C.
01:24This is the first of three meetings between these two teams.
01:27They will play the next two in Denver on December 20th and March the 11th.
01:34All five teams in the group of depth enter the night at 1-1, Jeff.
01:41It's one of those matchups that you look forward to all year because of the dynamics of not just the scoring with Kevin Durant and Jokic,
01:49but the similarities in the two teams of how they play, how they space the players and utilize their bigs in particular to initiate a lot of the offense.
02:01Houston enters action.
02:02Number one in offensive rating in the NBA.
02:04Denver is number two.
02:07We're in for a good one.
02:08Courtney Kirkland, Dedrick Taylor, JTR, our officiating crew, and the Nuggets control the tip.
02:14Murray circles, he's picked up by Smith, turns the corner and lays it in softly off the window to get the scoring started.
02:24When you're talking about having a career start to his season, November, October, November, the money.
02:32And speaking of which, he's money in the paint.
02:35And that's been a big part of the development, according to Ime Udoka, knowing when to attack, when to set up your teammates.
02:45The jumper is silky smooth.
02:47And it's Murray with a downtown hit.
02:50Being comfortable in that two-man game, it's very difficult to decipher.
02:54Do I go under, if I go over the top?
02:57Murray can turn the corner to two excellent decisions by Murray.
03:01Thompson, Euros.
03:02Johnson was there defensively.
03:04He's called for a trip.
03:07So, personal foul on Cam Johnson, one of the new faces for Denver.
03:10Well, right here, Jabari Smith kind of standing straight up and down, and Cungun at the bottom couldn't rotate over.
03:17Now, you lay on the screen, you choose to go up underneath, Murray's going to make you play.
03:21Going to make you pay on that every time.
03:23And Cam Johnson just a little late to the party, trying to get in front of Thompson.
03:28Rockets have it on the side.
03:30They are riding their second five-game winning streak of the season.
03:34Cungun, ball fake.
03:35He's matched up with Gordon initially, and he sneaks his way to the rim for two.
03:41Point right there where you don't have to be fast, but making quick decisions and moves can open up opportunities.
03:48Cungun able to identify, attack, and finish at the rim.
03:52Murray moved off a double screen.
03:54The jump shot is off.
03:56Cungun has got the board.
03:58He's averaging 10.4 per game.
04:01Thompson, he can shift it to another gear when he needs to.
04:04Cungun against Gordon.
04:08Help, Jokic.
04:10So they show double, kick out Smith.
04:13Off the drive, and the pull-up pop.
04:15In and out, Adams couldn't grab it.
04:17Jokic does.
04:18Yeah, good shot, though.
04:19Jabari Smith able to get to his shot, but good defense that time by Cam Johnson.
04:26David Adelman, Denver's head coach, told us,
04:28first three minutes of the game, Jokic figures out what the team needs on the night.
04:32Do they need him to score?
04:33Do they need him to set up his teammates?
04:35Gordon.
04:36And he's hacked on the inside.
04:37Free throws coming up for Aaron Gordon.
04:40David Adelman, first full season as the head coach, took over for Michael Malone last year.
04:45Got this team to the brink of the Western Conference Finals.
04:49They lost to the eventual NBA champions, OKC, in seven games in the conference semifinals act.
04:55Emei Udoka, we've seen improvement each year.
05:00This is a team that was nowhere, and now they're a legitimate contender in the West.
05:05Well, the roster construction leads itself to why they're so competitive.
05:10I know without Fred VanVleet, it's a margin that they have to deal with.
05:16But talking to Emei Udoka before the game, he said,
05:18listen, we were already in the process of taking all of the onus on Fred VanVleet
05:24to run the team to spread it out a little bit more with Kevin Durant and Alvarez and do it anyway before they enter.
05:31Powell's called a Jamari Smith Jr.
05:33One-two for Gordon.
05:34Half-court set here for Houston.
05:36Adams sets it up for Durant.
05:37Give and go.
05:38Adams is fouled by Johnson.
05:40That's going to be number two on Cam Johnson.
05:44So we alluded to it, where this team was and where they are today.
05:49Hey, what Udoka has done, GM Raphael Stone is turning this roster over, building it,
05:58obviously adding pieces in the draft, but then going out and landing Kevin Durant,
06:05recognizing that they needed somebody to help lead the way to get over the hump.
06:08Well, it's always been a thing.
06:10The youth with Jalen Green and also Kevin Porter Jr. when Seum was young,
06:15it had its ups, downs, positives, and negatives.
06:19They figured out from a roster construction, we needed to have a little bit more stability as we grow.
06:24And they've done that.
06:25And as a result, because of these pieces, you can turn it around a little bit quicker
06:29because of that level of maturity of what you brought in.
06:34And that's not taking anything away from the players that, you know, left the organization.
06:40Denver has to make a change because of two fouls on Johnson.
06:43So Tim Hardaway Jr., who had been tremendous for the Nuggets, checks in.
06:48Gordon, step back, Jay, off and out of bounds.
06:57You know, one thing to keep an eye on with Houston,
06:59they're playing more zone than any team in the NBA this season.
07:04It's not something that he may have normally subscribed to, but it's worked for him and his team.
07:08Well, it has because they're an excellent defensive rebounding team.
07:11A lot of times, that's what you give up is offensive rebounds,
07:14but because this team is so big and athletic and speaking of which,
07:18times are able to get to home,
07:19they're able to play longer durations and stretches in their zone defense.
07:23Push the tempo, and the layup goes for Watson.
07:26That great length, seven-foot wingspan.
07:31What they're asking Watson to do on a timely basis,
07:33play great defense, and the offense will come.
07:35Well, if you're on the court getting tits defensively,
07:38offensively, you're going to have some opportunities like he had the other night.
07:4232 points career high because Aaron Gordon was out of the game due to injury.
07:46Gordon lifts it up.
07:48Does he get the roll?
07:49He was grabbing at the back of his right leg,
07:54and he's called on a travel.
07:57Yeah, that time he's been moving a little gingerly,
08:00but this is not a ginger move right here.
08:02It's the fast break.
08:04Now, different average is about 14 and a half points a game.
08:08Fast break, and it looked like Aaron Gordon may have,
08:11and I hope not, re-injured that hamstring.
08:14Yeah, that's the area that he grabbed immediately.
08:16He landed awkwardly,
08:18and now athletic trainer Dan Chemensky will have a chat with Gordon.
08:25Watch as he plants right there.
08:27Yep.
08:27You see how his leg buckled,
08:28and, you know, the hamstrings,
08:30and think about it, I've never had one myself,
08:32but being in this league and understanding this,
08:34the long-term effect of not allowing it to heal,
08:37it comes back to bite you,
08:39and as a player, you want to get back,
08:41get back into the action and participate,
08:43but you've got to be a little selfish sometimes to get as healthy as you can.
08:47Thompson lines it up.
08:49Rainbow J.
08:50No.
08:51Now they're playing Jokic along with Valanchunas.
08:55So they go big up front in the absence of Gordon.
08:58Bigger.
09:00Post-up opportunity.
09:01Jokic against Shen Goon.
09:03Murray's runs direct with him.
09:09Chakrock down to five.
09:11Valanchunas misses on a three-ball.
09:13Jokic is there.
09:14Knocked away.
09:15He brought it down low.
09:17Thompson ahead.
09:18Smith going to the rim.
09:20And it's out of bounds.
09:21No foul called.
09:22Smith can't believe it.
09:23Or can the Rockets fans.
09:24But that's how quickly the transition can go over.
09:27Even though this is a bigger lineup for Houston,
09:31see Aaron Gordon in the back there,
09:32they still get out and run.
09:34It's a good right there.
09:34The open shot.
09:35Rebounded by Adams.
09:37Good look.
09:38Durant around and out.
09:40Houston can't buy one.
09:42They're two of eight.
09:43Missed their last six.
09:44Hardaway.
09:45He misses from the side.
09:47The rebound.
09:48Bounces over to Denver.
09:49Hardaway misses again.
09:51String away.
09:51Right back out for Watson.
09:54Hardaway.
09:55Thought about three for the price of one.
09:56Instead, it's Murray.
10:02Watson, the ball is popping.
10:04Hardaway bangs in a triple.
10:06And do you think he was going to turn that one down?
10:08No, of course.
10:09So that's your three to one.
10:10But it's because the multiple chances on the offensive end,
10:13the defense was scrambled.
10:14Peyton Watson with a very good play to attract the defense
10:19and get it over.
10:20And the ball was tipped by Jokic.
10:23The question was, did it go off Shangoon?
10:25It did not.
10:26So Houston will retain.
10:28It's an early frustration here for the Rockets,
10:30who are coming off a 114-104 win in Cleveland on Wednesday night.
10:36Half-point set.
10:37Durant rises up.
10:39Off the rim.
10:41Hardaway the board.
10:44Denver trying to extend the lead here.
10:46Valanchunas the high screen.
10:47Two-man game with Murray.
10:49Valanchunas doesn't go.
10:51Cleared by Smith.
10:58Thompson.
10:59Missing.
11:01Rebound Adams.
11:03Houston has missed its last eight from the field.
11:06Durant the cross.
11:08Durant a floater.
11:09Curry gets the ball.
11:10Yeah, Durant got to his spot that time not to be denied.
11:146-10, 7-foot, whatever he's going to call it.
11:16If he can get two feet in the paint, he might as well cancel Christmas.
11:2111-6, Denver.
11:24No one's canceling Christmas.
11:28Grinch.
11:29Valanchunas in the paint.
11:31I tell you what, David Adelman has to be feeling a lot better.
11:35Because the last two games against Minnesota and Chicago,
11:37Denver started off slow in the first quarter.
11:39And had to figure their way out in the second.
11:42But an excellent start for the real team.
11:44Shandu.
11:45No.
11:46Adams.
11:48And it's taken away by Watson.
11:51And a steal by Durant.
11:53Durant angles in for the jam.
11:56Big finish for KD.
11:59He wanted a foul on top of it.
12:02Thought he got hit on the noggin.
12:04Well, I'm surprised at half-court the officials didn't call.
12:07Yeah, would look to be almost like a take foul by Peyton Watson.
12:11And KD is still confused a little bit.
12:15Off the steal, Durant did get held a bit right there.
12:22No call.
12:24And then he takes it in for the flush.
12:27No call.
12:28First quarter action continues on prime.
12:30Emirates NBA Cup on prime presented by Wingstop.
12:38Denver up on Houston 13-8.
12:41This is important action tonight in West Group C.
12:44High and Eagle, Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton, the rest of our crew.
12:48Jim, nice to be reunited with you, by the way.
12:51Starsky and Hutch.
12:51Back again.
12:53Wait.
12:53Am I Starsky?
12:54Or whatever you want to be.
12:55I can be Hutch?
12:56Yeah, you can be.
12:57All right.
12:57I'm going to think about it.
12:59Now, the young viewers at home are like,
13:01who, what are you talking about?
13:02They're going to have to Google that.
13:03All right, what's your assessment of early action so far?
13:05You said this, that Jokic trying to figure out
13:08what role he wants to play early.
13:10So he's been a facilitator.
13:13And his teammates have kind of done the rest.
13:17Houston right now, defensively got to lean in a little bit more.
13:20And that allowed the open shots early in offense for the Nuggets.
13:26Jokic is yet to attempt a field goal.
13:29He does have five rebounds.
13:31Denver, 5 of 12.
13:32Houston, 4 of 13.
13:34These are two of the best offensive teams in the NBA.
13:37And right now, it's been more defensive.
13:41Now, it's going to work over Capella.
13:43I like to play the high-low that time
13:47because of the spacing necessary.
13:50And when you're guarding Jokic,
13:51you've got to guard him up close and personal,
13:53able to get Valanciunas down low.
13:55Capella blocked by Valanciunas.
13:58And he saves it for Jokic.
14:00Get it ahead.
14:01Too high.
14:02Even for Watson.
14:04I will say this.
14:05In the two-game suit Minnesota and Chicago,
14:07early turnovers have been a detriment to the Nugget offense.
14:11I mean, right now, they're able to get away with it up five.
14:14But that also has been something that I know the coaching staff has preached
14:18and talked to the Nuggets about valuing the basketball,
14:21especially at the beginning of the game on the road.
14:24Bruce Brown is in his second stint with Denver.
14:26Won a title with the Nuggets.
14:28And obviously has come back and has fit right in.
14:31Can provide so many different things for this team.
14:34They're playing without Christian Brown.
14:36He's out with a left ankle sprain.
14:37And then the injury to Gordon Early.
14:39And we'll get more from Allie on that coming up.
14:42Smith in and out.
14:44And it's rebounded by Brown.
14:48So we were expecting how this game could be 130 to 128.
14:52They may not crack 100.
14:54They will.
14:55Jokic with a three.
14:57Assessing what he needs to do that time in transition
15:00or the secondary break.
15:01Capella backs up.
15:02But that just shows you when Jokic wants to score, it's automatic.
15:09Everything's been a little bit off here for Houston.
15:12Shingun bounce it.
15:13Get it back from Capella.
15:14Six to shoot.
15:16Shingun over Jokic.
15:17In and out for the Rockets.
15:22Well, it's almost like there's no offensive group yet.
15:24Yep.
15:25For the Rockets.
15:27Turnover.
15:27That's five now for Denver.
15:29Up the floor in a hurry.
15:30Shingun.
15:32Jokic gets back defensively.
15:33Valanchunas settles in.
15:35Shingun.
15:36He's facing both of them.
15:37Lama toward the rim.
15:38Capella got negated by the iron.
15:41Locks it.
15:43Runs the floor and is rewarded.
15:48Ten-point lead for Denver.
15:51Houston out of sorts.
15:543.22 to go in this opening court.
16:01Thompson trying to get it initiated against Hardaway.
16:05A cut.
16:06Oh, a swarming defense.
16:08Jokic the steal.
16:09Ahead.
16:10Watson, long stride.
16:12Off-balance delivery.
16:13He draws the foul.
16:16Watson's been a one-man fast break here for Denver.
16:20Check out the upcoming national TV schedule.
16:22NBA TV tomorrow night.
16:24The Knicks are at Orlando.
16:26Milwaukee is home for Detroit.
16:28Peacock on Monday.
16:29Cleveland and Toronto.
16:30Houston is at Phoenix.
16:32Go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app for more.
16:34Part of the challenge, too, with Houston.
16:36Their last offensive play.
16:38With a many times enough time.
16:40Guys are going to back up.
16:42So that clogs up the lane.
16:43The spacing is not there.
16:44So that's where you miss a Fred Van Bleed on that pick and roll where now you have to extend your defense.
16:49When you turn the corner, you have options.
16:51But that particular occasion, everything was muddled up.
16:55And as a result, the passing lanes are not there.
16:58How fast-breaking once again with the Nuggets.
17:00Let's get an Aaron Gordon update right now from Allie Clifton.
17:03Allie?
17:03Yeah, and Denver telling me Aaron Gordon has suffered a right hamstring strain.
17:08He is questionable to return.
17:10And that was the issue.
17:13That's why he did not play in that victory over New Orleans on Wednesday night.
17:17Denver has a back-to-back.
17:20They'll be home for Sacramento tomorrow night.
17:22And it's all about injury management for Gordon.
17:27Reed Sheppard is in.
17:29His shooting numbers have been excellent.
17:31Sheppard has it knocked away and stolen by Brown.
17:33Houston having a tough time putting together quality sets.
17:42Akoge, this is a tall border cut from Sheppard.
17:46Jokic turns, and he draws the foul.
17:52Denver can add to its lead.
17:54Jokic going to the free-throw line.
17:56Slow start for the Rockets.
17:59And Nuggets trying to pout.
18:00Welcome back to Houston.
18:03And on a night that brings two of the top teams in the West going head-to-head,
18:06it's really the matchup within the matchup that brings so much intrigue.
18:09Nikola Jokic versus that of the man once referred to as baby Jokic, Alpren Shingun.
18:15But as years have progressed, Alpren says,
18:16now I have my own team, my own thing, and I'm writing my own story.
18:19Alpren told me this morning after shoot-around, guys, I have huge respect for Nikola.
18:23He was the guy I was looking up to.
18:24I wanted to be like in the NBA.
18:26Called Jokic the best in the world.
18:28Saying I don't back down against anybody.
18:30In fact, Alpren relishes these moments going against the best.
18:33But Ayan, look, Nikola is 30.
18:34Alpren just 23.
18:36But he told me one day Nikola will retire, and he hopes to be in that spot when it happens.
18:40Looked at as one of the best in this league.
18:43And Ali, the way they both handled all the questions leading up to this has been very impressive.
18:50Respectful of the other player, recognizing the talent.
18:54Jokic, I think, set the tone by saying,
18:57Hey, Shingun is his own thing.
19:01He's not a version of me.
19:03And that alleviated a lot of the chatter.
19:07And Shingun has obviously taken a huge step forward.
19:10But you expect that from Jokic from this perspective,
19:12is that he understands who Shingun is as a player.
19:15Yes, there are similarities, but there are differences as well.
19:20But to be able to see both operate at the high level from the center position,
19:25I think says a lot.
19:27Is in today's game, you get caught up in the pace and space and three-point shooting.
19:31But those two are two of the best.
19:34Spencer Jones is in the game for Denver in his second year out of Stanford.
19:38This is now a 7-0 run for the Nuggets.
19:40They lead it 20-8.
19:44Capella hands it off to Durant.
19:46Shading is Jokic.
19:47One-on-one right now is Watson.
19:50Durant on the turnaround.
19:51Pucked up in the air.
19:52Smith couldn't finish it.
19:54And it's knocked out of bounds off of Houston.
19:57They're crowding the space at Durant.
19:58At that time, Kevin wanted to get to the middle,
20:01but Bruce Brown was right there to kind of take away that open lane.
20:04And that's where they struggled in their three losses against OKC
20:08and against Detroit and also the Spurs
20:10is when they doubled Kevin Durant and got the ball out of his hand.
20:14Jokic over Capella.
20:16No.
20:16Watson keeps it alive, and it's claimed by Jones.
20:20So another offensive rebound.
20:22Capella got a piece of it.
20:24Jokic under two minutes to go here in the first.
20:27Bullet feed.
20:28Watson.
20:28Rejected by Smith.
20:30Watson sticks with it.
20:32That won't go.
20:33Rebound.
20:34Jokic has got it.
20:35And a foul on Smith.
20:39Relentless nature of the Denver Nuggets working the offensive glass.
20:43Well, it's a reason why Denver is 5-2 on the road.
20:45They look like they're the quicker, faster team,
20:48in particular to those 50-50 balls.
20:51We talked to David Adelman.
20:54He said, yes, we've got some new faces, but they've all provided substance.
20:59It's not just about depth.
21:01It's about what they bring to the team.
21:04They've been looking for someone in that role that could spell Jokic and then play alongside him.
21:14Cam Johnson has gotten it going the last few games.
21:17Bruce Brown already knew the system, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
21:20He just said, put him on the floor.
21:22He's going to make shots eventually.
21:24And that's Spencer Jones in their last game in the second quarter against Chicago.
21:29He kind of turned the tide with his energy.
21:32Didn't score.
21:32Had steals, had deflections, rebounds.
21:35Defensively, he changed the dynamic for the Nuggets.
21:39He's very physical, and he's versatile.
21:41Very smart defender.
21:43Durant.
21:45Put it on the board.
21:46Kevin Durant trying to get the Rockets going.
21:50Denver's got six offensive rebounds,
21:52so a lot of second-chance opportunities.
21:57They're number two in the NBA in second-chance points.
22:00They're fourth in fast break points.
22:03Jokic getting into the teeth of the defense.
22:07He's got seven.
22:11Sheppard.
22:13Keep it on the outside.
22:14Durant will have one minute to go here in the first.
22:17Denver has held Houston in check.
22:19They've taken them out of their stuff.
22:21Sheppard on a kick.
22:24Sheppard.
22:25Nice touch.
22:26Drive the clothes out.
22:27I mean, they have to understand that they respect Sheppard for his three-point shooting,
22:31and that's the progression of a young player understanding when the shot is there,
22:35and when to put it on the deck.
22:36Hardaway comes up short.
22:38Durant with the board.
22:39Durant, two-for-one opportunity here for Houston.
22:45Sheppard using the Durant screen.
22:48Durant puts it on the floor.
22:50He tried to dump it inside.
22:51Jokic steps in front.
22:52Gets it ahead.
22:53Terrific pass to Brown who lays it in.
22:55They can beat you in so many different ways.
23:0325-12 Nuggets.
23:06They have seven fast break points.
23:08Jones digging in against Shang-Goon.
23:11There's a two-second dip for Chuck Locke to game clock.
23:15Shang-Goon gives up his dribble.
23:17Corner.
23:17Okoge.
23:18Way off.
23:19An air ball.
23:19Caught by Thompson running out of time.
23:21Thompson the flip.
23:22It's a shot clock violation.
23:27The ball never hit the rim, according to the officials.
23:30And Houston having a struggle in their offensive set.
23:34So give a lot of credit to the activity of the Nuggets.
23:37Closing those gaps.
23:39Not allowing dribble penetration two feet in the paint as a result.
23:43Jokic.
23:45Nearly went down.
23:46He was practicing those in pregame.
23:49That's a makeable shot for Nikola Jokic.
23:53Denver holds Houston to 26%.
23:55They lead the Rockets 25-12.
23:58A prime.
24:01Wingstop is here.
24:03And by CarMax.
24:05You want to drive?
24:07Start of the second quarter in Houston.
24:10The numbers are astounding.
24:12Rockets shoot just 26% in the first quarter.
24:16They do not make a 3-0 of 4.
24:19They do not make a free throw.
24:200 of 2.
24:21They get out-rebounded by Denver.
24:2319-10.
24:25And they're in a double-digit hold to start the second.
24:28Shepard is jump shot.
24:32Won't go.
24:33Shangoon grabbed it.
24:34And there was a foul on the inside.
24:37As a result, too, you have Holiday now.
24:40That's it.
24:41Aaron Holiday that's in the game.
24:42And maybe that allowed the pace to quicken up a little bit.
24:46Not just in transition, but pacing the half-court sets, which will shift this defense.
24:51And maybe you'll get through the Rockets some easier looks at the basket.
24:55Foul was called on Spencer Jones, a loose ball foul.
24:5925-12, Denver.
25:01Shot clock at 10.
25:02Shepard nails a triple straight away.
25:06And two three in a row, back-to-back that time, Shepard able to knock it in.
25:11And they cut the Denver lead to 10.
25:17Jets underway here in the second quarter.
25:19Murray back in there.
25:20Murray can't hit the three.
25:21Long rebound.
25:22Tracked down by Johnson.
25:23He left early with two fouls.
25:24The stroke.
25:26No.
25:26Shang-Goon the board.
25:29Denver 25.
25:30Houston 15.
25:32Shang-Goon trailing the play.
25:34Jones steps up to defend him.
25:36Shang-Goon nearly got the banker.
25:37He is going to the free-throw line.
25:39And that's back-to-back fouls on Spencer Jones.
25:42Quick hitting plays in the half-court setting.
25:44You can force this defense to give you gaps in space.
25:49Shepard that time, one dribble pull-up.
25:51And then in the secondary break, Shang-Goon.
25:55Favorite move to spin back to that left shoulder.
25:58Jones is like, what more can I do?
26:01So it is Shang-Goon to the free-throw line where he shoots it at 82%.
26:05This is year number five, and it's scary when you look at his numbers through four years compared to Jokic's numbers through four years, how eerily similar they are.
26:18Jokic has gone on to win three MVPs, finals MVP, the whole nine yards.
26:22So what you're saying?
26:23You're saying that?
26:24No, no, no, no, no.
26:25But you're saying that he...
26:25No, no, no.
26:26No, no, no.
26:26No, no.
26:27I'm saying that the numbers are very similar.
26:31I'm not extrapolating.
26:32Okay.
26:33No, but he's on the path where the ownership and responsibility has been given to him.
26:41He's accepted it and excelled, and as a result, his team is much better.
26:4725-16, Denver leads it.
26:50Johnson, open look.
26:51Jones flies in for the rebound.
26:54They get a reload.
26:55Murray to Brown.
26:57Nine to shoot.
26:58Down to 10.42 to go in this first half.
27:02Murray's trying to make his move on Shepard.
27:04The pass deflected to Brown, and the flip doesn't go.
27:07Johnson, the rebound, but Shepard is there to retrieve it.
27:12Shepard looking to rip the floor with his team down by nine.
27:17Gets around Brown, loses control of it, secures it.
27:20Shot clock is at 10.
27:22Shepard got caught in the air.
27:25And Thompson now with five to shoot.
27:28Lob it upstairs.
27:29Adams couldn't control.
27:30Turnover, Houston.
27:31Yeah, man.
27:32Bird's got a throwback on the other side of the backboard, the rim, and the corner.
27:36It says, Adams, there's only one back to get it.
27:39Brown drives, kicks.
27:40Johnson, too strong.
27:42Adams knocks it over to Shengu.
27:46Ahead for Holiday.
27:47Played well their last game.
27:48Can't hit the three.
27:50Adams, the offensive rebound.
27:5225-16, Denver.
27:55Just over two minutes gone by in the second.
27:57Shengu draws a crowd, and he passes to no man's land.
28:00Intercepted by Brown.
28:01Two on one developing.
28:02Brown to Murray for two.
28:06Denver extends the lead.
28:12That's seven Houston turnovers.
28:14Nuggets up by 11.
28:169-27 to play.
28:18First half.
28:19Shepard.
28:20The three is short.
28:22Murray allows it to bounce out of bounds.
28:24They give his Nuggets team a lot of credit defensively.
28:29You got two, three bodies around, and now active hands lead to a deflection, and now Murray
28:34didn't get the dunk, but he got the zero-footer right there.
28:38He put a...
28:39Take that out, Lee, and put it in.
28:41Houston is one of eight from three-point territory.
28:44Murray to Jones.
28:45Extra pass.
28:46Brown.
28:46He got Shang-Goon to commit.
28:48Brown leaves it inside.
28:49Oh, and Junis with the finish.
28:55Denver goes in front 29-16.
29:02Shang-Goon bumping bodies.
29:04The feathery touch.
29:06Got to a spot that time to use that big body, but excellent, I think, for the Nuggets, too,
29:11their ability to shift this Houston defense, open up gaps, getting some high-quality shots.
29:17Denver currently number two in the Western Conference behind OKC.
29:20Brown, tough dribble drive.
29:23Contested finish, and he gets it done.
29:2831-18.
29:30Denver.
29:32Shepard cross.
29:33Flips it up and down.
29:34Police!
29:35Fire!
29:36Fire!
29:39Seven now for Reed Shepard off the bench.
29:46Eleven-point lead for the Nuggets.
29:49Murray, not a contact with Shang-Goon.
29:51It's an offensive foul.
29:55Jokic thought it was the wrong call.
29:57He's telling the bench they should challenge it.
30:00Well, Shang-Goon is outside of the lane, and he doesn't shift.
30:07Set.
30:08He might be still moving a little bit.
30:12That is the second foul on Jamal Murray.
30:17Houston with Shang-Goon, Adams, Thompson, Shepard, and Holiday.
30:21Thompson, the fave, no, 10-toe by Andrews.
30:30Houston has cut it to 9, 7, 40 remaining.
30:34First half.
30:35Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
30:38Notre Dame are shooting it well.
30:40Forty percent from Denver.
30:42Shang-Goon steps in.
30:43Steal.
30:43Oh, what a feed!
30:45To Shang-Goon!
30:46Rising up!
30:48For the flush!
30:49Flush!
30:51Shang-Goon!
30:53Getting down and dirty, and then a beautiful dish!
30:58shangun with the awareness
31:03he knew his teammate would be there and then shepherd does the rest climbing experience the
31:11emirates nba cup live in las vegas semifinals championship takeover t-mobile arena december
31:1713th and 16th don't miss the moment we crown the next champion get your tickets right now
31:22at nbaevents.com the run by the rockets has brought some juice back into the arena
31:30and it's 31-24 denver out of the time out chop off down to six valentunas attacking kicking
31:39into the second row and notice the activity offense gets started now the juices are formed
31:46excellent defensive possession that time made valentunas think he was open forced him to
31:52throw an air and pass another turnover that's four right now in the second quarter for the
31:56nuggets and nine overall for denver in the first half no eric gordon left this game early strained
32:02hamstring shepherd finds his spot reese shepherd has been a difference maker
32:08eight nothing run for the rockets last seven games averaging 15 points a game shooting 57 percent
32:17you see why on that play he's got 11 and eight minutes of action murray circling trying to get
32:24around adams oh what a fine to valentunas for the easy layoff yeah patience persistence that's on
32:33murray attracting the defense diamond valentunas for an easy one another paper one for the nuggets
32:39more minutes for aaron holiday in the absence of tari eason eason is out three to five more weeks with an
32:47injury shepherd one-on-one with murray the pull-up puck jones stumbling comes away with it bonnie's flying
32:58and bruce brown is just coasting up the floor doing as he pleases he's contributed in steals he's contributed
33:07in assists and now the scoring for brown he's got six holiday no rebounded by johnson but it's
33:17brown's energy i mean to have him back in the fold understanding right now that took his team and
33:22there's a shot in and out on a three loose ball foul it's staying right here that's the effort once again
33:28of spencer jones who's just throwing his body around well jamal murray in transition eyes up
33:35keep it simple bounce pass you know bruce brown is going to run the court and making their defense
33:43benefit their offense there in transition foul was called on smith and that is number three on
33:51jabari smith jr who is 0 of 4 from the field and he remains in there for houston
33:57trying to bring this lead back to double figures five and a half to go on the second
34:01brown around shepherd shepherd got a piece but apparently got some body foul call
34:13brown able to catch turn and get inside that time no resistance easy call for the official
34:21shepherd got him on the chop down
34:25bruce brown as fingerprints have been all over this first half might have a
34:31blood situation here with shepherd
34:33ground to the free throw line the eight-year veteran
34:44back for a second stint in denver won a title with the team in 2023
34:49he's played with detroit brooklyn indiana toronto new orleans multi-faceted
34:58and david adelman said it's like no time pass nobody came back in and seamless but this is where
35:03your nuggets where the way he plays he belongs and is evident by how he impacts the game for this
35:12nugget team
35:14kevin duran back in there six points in 12 minutes of action he wants to dance with jones
35:19he's got a three
35:2637-29 the cut by all the way he protects but he couldn't finish and duran with the board
35:35be grabbing at his right ear
35:38swing it shangu
35:40extra shepherd
35:45timeout
35:46denver
35:51rockets have looked like a different team offensively in the second quarter they have cut the nuggets lead to five
36:06and the group of death taylor this is a stacked group c
36:13nuggets rockets spurs blazers warriors all one and one
36:17nuggets currently leading the way because of the diff of plus 23 but this is a critical one tonight
36:23when we asked david adelman about the cup he said yeah we we've never fared well in it and the guys are
36:29aware of it we want to go to vegas we want to be a part of it
36:32it matters to them houston did last year got to the semi-finals and eme adobe told us it was huge for a
36:39young team to just feel that kind of emotion winning on a bigger stage
36:45johnson heroes kicks murray
36:47he said he wanted to get some deep pain touches but once again the communication has been there this
36:57quarter the activity and awareness by houston on the defensive end
37:02great shepherd his confidence is so much higher than it was a year ago when he was just not getting
37:11many opportunities and it's a defense of three seconds called against denver so houston's going to get
37:18a free throw he was picked third overall so the expectations were high there just wasn't
37:25really a role for him last year with a healthy fred van vliet no it wasn't and you know sometimes
37:29you got to kind of go through the learning process of the league because of how the roster is built
37:35but this year and over the summer you see fred van vliet right there he kept his mind right
37:41so when his number is called he's not pouting he's not worrying about what didn't happen
37:46last year he's performing at a high level and that it's paying off get more from ali yeah and that
37:52growth and consistency of breed it hasn't gone unnoticed either from his teammates in fact
37:57after his season high of 21 versus the wizards ian he said amen thompson told him in the weight room
38:03post game that quote if you take one more dribble when you are open and there is no shooting
38:07i'm going to touch you in the face kidding of course but it is that playful back and forth and
38:12that accountability from his teammates that reed appreciates and says it factors into his overall
38:16confidence it's also something amen has been preaching reed said since last year and it continues to hit
38:21home even now yeah we don't love threatening with the physical violence but it was done jokingly
38:36seven of ten from the field 17 points in 11 minutes we got a one-point game
38:4210-0 run for the rockets drop step yokich against shanggu in the prime time matchup yokich
38:49can't get it to go deep post position rarely do you see yokich miss
38:56in from that close shefford defended by hardaway jab step inside
39:03puts it down and the rockets take the lead
39:11a different houston team here in the second hardaway quiets the crowd a good answer that time
39:17try to trap a little bit on that hardaway was able to escape but it's been reed shepard
39:22not just finding the bottom of the nets but making plays off the dribble for his teammates
39:30corner smith can't get the three and jabari smith is 0 of 5 to 15 minutes of action 39 38 nuggets
39:41he did get the foul call but it was yeah on the sweep move so he's not going to get the free throws
39:55no dribble penetration able to get out in transition this is where houston
40:00is really good in the trailer take over re-severed
40:05good ball corner pocket and then separate looking through the defense delivers thompson patiently
40:11waiting if he use that athleticism to get an easy two inside second foul on shanggu
40:17houston shooting 56 percent in the second quarter denver's at 40 percent yokich with shanggu and help from
40:25shepard johnson swing it hardaway pull up up it goes for a tip hardaway jr
40:33yeah big as deep hardaway jr been for this nugget seem to talk about finding the right landing spot
40:40signed to a one-year 3.6 million dollar deal he's averaging 11 points off the bat
40:4520 points for shepherd in the first half murray couldn't finish on the scoop
41:02rockets are running with thompson thompson surveys plenty of time on the shot clock
41:07we're down to a minute 38 to play in this first half we're tied at 41
41:26rockets 44 nuggets 41
41:32just over a minute to play in this first half
41:38yokich oh yeah
41:45oh man you're so afraid of the pass you back off and try to take away those back door cuts and
41:52yokich just has shooting practice able to knock that one in durant bounces shanggu
41:58extra on kogi can't hit the three shanggu goes down yokich ahead for johnson attack
42:05mo johnson scoops it home
42:1246 44
42:16first two of the night for cam johnson underneath of kogi
42:21right now let's take a look at the live odds presented by fanduel
42:42so the west group c right now the nuggets the favorite
42:50but all of these teams certainly capable the diff is a big issue right now for san antonio
42:57houston's got a one-point lead over denver emirates nba cup action tonight
43:03if you'd like a red court it stands out for you you know it looks better in person on tv
43:10can get you going i'm telling you
43:14murray
43:14shot clock is down to two has to go down to get it he's just going to run out of time
43:20so shot clock violation i don't know what the switch was what he made don't consent to his guys
43:28after the first quarter
43:30but remember we talked about denver seen quicker to the ball those 50 50 balls more active what that
43:36wasn't well that isn't the case here in this second quarter for the rockets yeah reed shepherd has
43:42helped provide the impetus here for houston came off the bench instantly made shots and it settled
43:50everything down houston they just weren't making shots
43:53the foul is called and smith is going the line with two seconds left
44:08camp johnson cannot believe it it's his third personal or cam tried to help a little bit on kd got to the
44:14side of jabari up top and let's take a look and see on the follow-through there so that's the emphasis
44:23this year on that call line is the follow-through foul and jim it's three free throws here for smith
44:33and maybe that gets jabari smith jr going right here see that follow-through
44:39and then the foul right there you know last year that was
44:42you know hand is a part of the ball
44:44not called but not not this year and the officials been
44:48um consistent with that call as well and stay tuned for the hack presented by att taylor rooks
44:56swing cash udonis hazard javitsky kandace parker terrific crew ready to break down this first half
45:02and we'll have cup dates with all the action around the nba tonight 49 46 houston has another free throw
45:11coming what a turnaround 25 in the first quarter they're shooting 59 in the second quarter they've
45:19gone six out of 13 from three point territory shepherd has four of them two out of three walks in three
45:27quarter court it was online just a little short 12 points in the first for houston they back it up with a
45:3637 point second quarter and they've got the lead at the break 49 to 46 over the denver nuggets
45:46stay tuned for the half presented by att it's coming up emirates nba comp action once again on prime
45:54the rockets leading the nuggets and a big one tonight in houston
46:06it's halftime in houston late run from the rockets has been up by three welcome in i'm taylor rooks
46:12joined by doug novitski candace parker swin cash and udonis haslam i mean after a season low 12 points
46:19in the first quarter they had 37 in the second and ud you saw eme make an adjustment that helped unlock
46:26the rockets yes we're all excited for the singun and joker matchup but reed shepherd it has been him
46:31he has been him in his first half and i love the adjustment because when you have a man thompson
46:36up top as athletic as he is when you come off those pick rolls as you see right here the guards
46:40are able to go under so there's no advantage created there's no trigger you're creating no
46:44advantages for the guy so right now this one leads into a turnover because you can go under on thompson
46:48because he's not a great shooter right now i'm sure he will work on that so when you bring reed
46:52shepherd in the game who's a guy who can shoot the ball and stretch the floor you have to go over on
46:57those pick and rolls so if you have to go over you create an advantage immediately and he can shoot
47:01the ball so if you're gonna drop this is target practice for a guy like reed shepherd so this is an
47:05amazing adjustment by eme to take thompson off the ball keep him in the game put him on the baseline
47:09he can work down there but when you come off that ball up top you have a shot or you can get downhill
47:14which he got downhill as well so i love that adjustment by him stagnant in the first half not
47:18getting triggers not creating advantages obviously in this when reed shepherd came in all that changed
47:23yeah camp he brings a new element yeah he brings a new element and i think in terms of a post player
47:28when you're running up to set a screen on a guard where you know that they have to go over you set in
47:34a different way and it loosens up the back side of the defense because it has that you have to bring
47:37another help side defender shangun kd they're all gonna get a lot of attention so if you have somebody
47:43that can open up the defense just by being on the floor can knock down the three he's the reason they
47:49were up yes and i say them denver was up 18 to 8 we were wondering if they were going to be able to
47:55score in that first quarter and insert reed shepherd who came in settled the offense down got them open
48:01looks and got them back in this game and i think just real quickly i want to add with aaron court and
48:05going out of the game your bigs now you have two bigs that are not used to being up in coverage and
48:10having the ability to switch so making that adjustment gets you easy shots then gets you starting to
48:15flow so that's great adjustment by you man and swynn on the nugget side of things you feel
48:19like bruce brown is doing a little bit of everything listen this is why they went and got
48:23him and brought him back to denver you win the championship with this team you understand you
48:27have to do your part and there's not a guy i don't think in this league that knows his role better than
48:32bruce brown he is the glue he came into the game he had three steals in the first half his activity
48:38leads to opportunities in transition here you see throwing a ball up to jamal but he makes the right
48:43play in the right decision you're not going to see him speed up too fast he's going to get to his
48:47spots ud and once he gets there it's good activity for the nuggets so great job by that front office
48:54and bringing him back in because it's for moments like this and his activity keeps that team rolling
48:58derek we talked a lot about shangun coming into tonight but the nuggets are definitely doing some
49:03things defensively that are giving him some problems yeah the nuggets are doing well on uh
49:07on the defensive end on offense they're struggling a bit uh they're not shooting the ball well they only
49:12scored 46 points which is you know they're a high scoring team but on defense they are doing a good job
49:16slowing shangun down um they're you know kind of swarming him a bit uh they're not letting him get
49:22too deep they're meeting him earlier they're body and he's usually bullying guys low then he can spin
49:27and his his jump hook is right at the rim but here joker stood him up earlier then he's kind of stuck
49:32there and then uh you know he settles for this for this jumper i guess you'll give him so uh they're
49:37doing a good job a couple of his post-ups they came from the low side and trapped him made him pass the ball
49:42but i mean you know even without shangun scoring big uh they had 37 points in the second quarter so
49:48he's they're they're still uh scoring enough and uh i feel like on the denver side they need to get
49:52their offense unlocked and going they held shangun to just one shot at the rim in the first half he
49:57came into tonight averaging almost six as our resident defender you feeling you looking at that ud
50:03joker didn't take his first shot until about three minutes in the first quarter so i'm thinking both of
50:06those guys are trying to fill it out get a little shadow boxing going on i think they'll be more
50:09aggressive for sure in the second half matchup yeah time for court connection presented by at
50:14and t albren shangun leading the rockets and assists this season improvising here fine and reed shepard
50:21rockets up by three we will be back with more at the half presented by at t a little fingertip but we
50:27don't count it we'll count it reed chase center early in the first quarter blazers up nine steph curry
50:34almost turns it over gets the ball back banks in a floater warriors within seven later in the first
50:41denny advia drives dishes to robert williams for the dunk portland up five early in the bay as dame
50:47watches on dame can i borrow your chain in the shades too send them shades let us hold some dame all
50:54right denver nuggets at the top houston rockets at number two good matchup big consequences at the end of
51:02this night for the nba cup now elsewhere in group c yokich and the nuggets trail the rockets by three
51:09at the break second half is up next from houston
51:17the half is presented by at t connecting changes everything
51:22reed shepard of the houston rockets he has been poetry in motion tonight at home emirates nba cup
51:35action 49 46 the rockets in front ian eagle jim jackson ali clifton shepherd changed the game
51:41denver controlled the action in the first quarter and then shepherd came in second quarter a whole
51:45different story well he came in with a lot of confidence i mean from the last you know four or five
51:50games he's been feeling that now is the time for him to kind of establish himself who he is all right
51:55let's look at some of the numbers it shifted first half stats presented by kia we just assumed all right
52:02it's going to be the shangun show and there have been moments but it has truly been reed shepard
52:10that has owned the night so far well listen he came into this game reed shepard he's made 22 of 43
52:16three-point shot so you think he has confidence yes as a result he's four for six from the three-point line
52:22in that second quarter but what that allows him to do now is you're going to overreact
52:26to the three-point shot he's been able to get himself in the lane as well
52:30so all around outstanding quarter but i love the energy the play making and the effort not only by him
52:36but his teammates of the houston rockets and you mentioned this early with the injury to fred van
52:41vleet of course rolls shipped up but ume udoka told us prior to the game even if van vleet was healthy
52:49they were going to start changing some things to take some of the owners off van vleet and put some
52:54on the plate of shepherd and shangun and thompson obviously the process has been expedited
53:02and as a result reed shepard getting the call to start this third quarter
53:10high screen shangun sets it for durant durant drives
53:16where the shot clock winding down it doesn't matter turnover houston
53:20and we didn't see a lot of that high pick and roll two-man game that's been so effective for the
53:25rockets between kevin durant and albertson gone tried to get it done the first play but turned it over
53:33aaron gordon left the game early yokage jumper is good
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