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Denver Nuggets VS St Pete Serpents
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GamingTranscript
00:03Welcome, everyone. Thanks for tuning in to 2K Sports. We've got some NBA action for you coming
00:08up. Alongside Doris Burke and Greg Anthony, I'm Kevin Harlan. On our sideline reporting tonight,
00:15Allie LaForce. Around halfway through the season and a chance here to recap where all the teams
00:22in the West sit in the standings. You look at Denver, this hasn't been the kind of year they
00:27envisioned. Time running out. And you know, for the Nuggets, they've been shockingly ineffective
00:33this season. I don't know if anyone thought they'd have this much of a struggle, but the
00:38chemistry's been horrible. You hit it on the head, and they have a bunch of individual pieces that
00:43simply don't fit together, and it's led to a hugely disappointing season. Now let's take a look at the
00:49Nuggets opening lineup. Inside for them, it's Gordon and Jokic running on the wings. They'll go with
00:55Brown and Ardaway Jr. And it's Murray in at the point. Rui Hachimura out there with Holmes.
01:01Then it's Keon Ellis. Then it's Mitchell. And it's Prince in at the three, the small four. And here's
01:07Mitchell from the arc. And as the NBA season rolls on, GA, what's one of the biggest challenges this
01:14time of the schedule? I'd say maintaining your level. It's so hard to be consistent throughout the
01:20season. And it's really about the mental side of the game. It's so tough to stay locked in.
01:26Some power coming from the PG. That's right. GA seeing more and more of that these days. Backcourt
01:34guys who can elevate. We know versatility is huge in this game. Just a tremendous job finishing that play.
01:42Wow. Mitchell with it. Ardaway picks him up. Hachimura kicks to home. Here's Mitchell.
01:53Cams the shot from the wing. Mitchell's got his second bucket. And I like to see this. They're
01:59calling his number early and he's delivering. They know that if this guy goes off, their chances of
02:05winning rise exponentially. They grab their own miss. Second chance shot. And no good that time.
02:13And you can see the defenders afraid to kind of get in his way a lot of times when he's
02:17on his way to
02:17the basket. But on that one, they were there. Boy, creating opportunities at point-blank range. This
02:24is exactly what you want. And now, Hallie Lepore says something for us from the sideline.
02:29Thanks. I caught up with the home team's head coach. When asking him about their key to success,
02:34he immediately pointed to Jamal Murray. Coach said he's the conductor of their operation. If you want
02:39to slow them down, you go for the head of the snake, and that's Jamal. Keying in on the orchestrator
02:44sounds like a good plan. We'll see if they execute it. Back to you. All right, Hallie. Thank you for
02:48that.
02:50And this summer, Carmelo Anthony inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The former third overall
02:56pick by Denver back in 2003. And he played seven and a half seasons with the Nuggets. His
03:03longest stretch with any team representing them four times in the All-Star game. Clearly a foul.
03:10This is his first chance at the line tonight. Gotta admire what he's been able to do at the
03:16free throw line this season. How about over 90 percent? First one falls for him.
03:32He's perfect from the line this time. If you're just tuning in, we've played about two and a half
03:37minutes here in the first. Outside Gordon. Murray sets the screen for Gordon.
03:47How's a hard away? Five on the clock. Rebounded by Holmes. Drawn four or five from the field so far.
04:03Here's Hachimura. Hits the layup after the sweep pump fake to freeze the D.
04:07Well, this is the area that he's most comfortable. Rui Hachimura, such a solid performer in the painted area.
04:14Yeah. Outside hard away.
04:18This one for three. Tips it. Jokic on the foul.
04:23Love the determination he showed. They're getting himself into good position under the glass.
04:29With the presence of mind to know just where the rebound was going to come down. Well-timed.
04:34They've wasted no time settling into their offense.
04:39And so it's Murray who brings the ball up for Denver. Six-point game.
04:44Yeah, an inter-conference matchup. And these are two teams at different ends of the spectrum
04:49as far as the talent is concerned.
04:51And that's exactly what he's looking for. Draining the triple.
04:57Hachimura, no good.
04:59Boy, I'd like to see him finish that play with more authority.
05:03Here's Jokic. And the rejection by Holmes.
05:09Hachimura, no good.
05:10Hachimura finds Mitchell.
05:12Here's Holmes. Jokic defending.
05:15Prince outside.
05:17From deep, Ellis.
05:18It's hauled in by Gordon.
05:20The Nuggets trail by three.
05:24Here's Brown.
05:26Score the basket. His second of two attempts.
05:29And a nice job here early of establishing an inside presence.
05:35Pass to Holmes.
05:38Here's Hachimura.
05:40It's hauled in by the Nuggets.
05:42Boy, defense has to feel fortunate there.
05:45That's one he normally not...
05:46Goers! What about that dunk?
05:48That was special!
05:50My goodness!
05:52Wow, the tenacity of Aaron Gordon.
05:54The athleticism is just amazing.
05:57Just a terrific perspective of that dunk from the connected cam.
06:01Brought to you by AT&T.
06:04Now, here's Ellis.
06:0617 points in his last outing.
06:08Boy, defensively, you deserve to get torched from deep.
06:11If you leave him that open, my goodness.
06:14And never break an all-star, but he is a star.
06:18Jamal Murray can flat-out play.
06:20And he's had his hurdles to overcome with injury over the years,
06:24but he's never wanted to shrink from a challenge.
06:27And he remains a prolific shot creator.
06:31For Denver, they've gone an even 50% from the field.
06:34They are a 7 of 14 for the game.
06:37And this, to me, is where Aaron Gordon can excel.
06:39This guy embraces contact on the way up.
06:42It's his first trip to the line.
06:44So, David Adelman's decided to call a timeout here.
06:47This now will give him a chance to discuss some potential changes.
06:57All right, we've got a bit of a break now.
06:59So, here's a look at the league's top-scoring teams.
07:02I mean, it's an exciting brand of basketball that they're playing.
07:05They've got such deadly weapons.
07:08Teams have had a heck of a time trying to slow them down.
07:15Three-throw good, Gordon.
07:17Well, I think the things that Aaron Gordon has added to his game,
07:20specifically that reliable three-point shot,
07:22is a really welcome sign.
07:24This guy has an incredible upside.
07:30Gordon hits both of them.
07:35Here's Gillespie.
07:36He is a good contributor to his team,
07:38averaging about 10.5 points a game.
07:41James, the pass to Mitchell.
07:44Here's Gillespie.
07:47Good, and the assist goes to Mitchell.
07:49And really, it's been a major aspect of their offense
07:53in the early stages here.
07:54Their success working the ball inside
07:56and getting points from close range.
07:59Here's Pickett.
08:03Pass to Dallin Chunis.
08:08Rebounded by Holmes.
08:10Holmes got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight.
08:13James kicks to Hull.
08:15And the rejection by Valanciunis.
08:18Heads-up defensive play by Jonas Valanciunis.
08:21The alert, the aware, the always ready to send it back.
08:26They're finding lanes to the hoop now with consistency.
08:29Five buckets in a row from the paint.
08:31Here's Gillespie.
08:33The Nuggets getting the bucket.
08:36Back to James.
08:38Let's it go from the wing.
08:40It's hauled in by Gordon.
08:44Denver's gone.
08:44Just one of four from three-point range here in the first.
08:47They get passes to Brown.
08:50And finished off by Brown.
08:52Wow.
08:53The ease with which he got up off his feet.
08:55Go ahead, Bruce Brown.
08:58Gone 8 of 15 from the field.
08:59Shooting above 50% here tonight.
09:05Holmes down low.
09:06Parted by Valanciunis.
09:08Holmes.
09:08Good.
09:09Yeah.
09:09Coaches can't be there.
09:11No box out.
09:12To me, this is a common theme that's running through the league right now.
09:16Guys looking to leak out rather than box out.
09:19Here's Pickett.
09:21And he jams it with authority.
09:23Making the most of the screen.
09:25That's how it's done.
09:26And it's in the perfect spot.
09:28Greg frees him up to get all the way to the bucket.
09:31Where was the defense?
09:33No fighting through the pick.
09:35No rotation.
09:36My goodness.
09:37And that one's good.
09:39Hachimura.
09:39Boy, this guy has been absolutely outstanding this quarter.
09:43You love what he's doing out there right now.
09:45Just one second between the shot clock and game clock.
09:49So far, both teams scorching the nets.
09:52You gotta love it.
09:53Well, you love it when you can get off to a fast start offensively.
09:57You hate it, though, when your opponent does the same.
10:00James finds Holmes.
10:03Here's Gillespie.
10:05Mitchell in the corner.
10:07Launches a three.
10:08That one misses.
10:12And so, both teams trading buckets as we end the first quarter.
10:17Nuggets lead by two.
10:19After this break, we'll be back with the start of the second quarter on 2K Sports.
10:36And this has been a fairly close game through the first quarter.
10:39And we'll see what happens here in the second.
10:41And a moment now to look at the scoring approach in terms of where the points are coming from.
10:46Right away, they showed us they weren't going to shy away from the mid-range game.
10:51And it's proven to be an effective tool for them.
10:54Yeah, and their assertiveness in the paint so far tonight has been impactful.
10:58They're really making it hard for the interior defense.
11:02They've got James.
11:03And it's Larson in at the two guard.
11:06Alan Junis.
11:07That's a screen for Murray.
11:08And he's good on the three ball.
11:11Murray's got the first basket of the second quarter for Denver.
11:14At the arc, Murray is all business, knocking down a confident shot.
11:20And for the Nuggets, they've got Jonas Valanciunas.
11:24Jamal Murray is out there with Brown.
11:26Then there's Filipowski.
11:28And it's Tyson in at the small four.
11:31They've got James.
11:32It's Najee in at the five down low.
11:35Another reason why they're up.
11:37Just taking what the defense giving him here.
11:40Najee passes to Larson.
11:42Shoots over Brown.
11:44And he sinks that one in the back of the rim on the way in.
11:50And we play through the first minute here in the second.
11:57Now Murray.
11:58Nine points in the game so far.
12:00Alan Junis finds Murray.
12:02Another three for Denver.
12:04And getting going here in the second quarter.
12:06His second three-pointer of the game.
12:09And 52% from the four.
12:11Nice work so far from them.
12:13Pass to Gay.
12:15That's the three-five.
12:17Good on that shot.
12:18And with that, the Nugget lead is cut to just five points in the basket from Larson.
12:22And guys getting into a nice groove here.
12:26Starting to feel it.
12:28And this is partly what the game has become, right?
12:30A matter of dueling three-point opportunities.
12:34Here's Gay.
12:37And he finishes it off with a one-handed jam.
12:40And he's an automatic finisher when he gets into that area.
12:44There he is.
12:45And he picks the simple one-hand stuff to get the two points.
12:49Brown.
12:49No good.
12:52Gone three of four from the floor here in the second quarter.
12:55Gillespie.
12:56The best.
12:56Dinucci.
12:57On the wing.
12:58James.
13:00And that one off the back of the rim.
13:02And in.
13:04James has got his first basket of the night.
13:06Just love the unselfishness there.
13:09Keep the ball moving.
13:10Good things happen.
13:11And some hang time on the rim.
13:13Puts a little cherry on the top of that slam.
13:16Well, those kind of displays of strength can get one team rolling.
13:23So both teams making some changes here.
13:26And a look now at some of the players we can expect to see in this year's dunk contest.
13:30Always one of the great events of All-Star Weekend.
13:32It is, Kevin.
13:33You just can't take your eyes off it.
13:36The ideas those guys come up with.
13:38And then the guts it takes to pull them off.
13:41Always blows me away.
13:42You look at Brown, and I know he'd like to make a move up in the consideration he's got
13:47all the athleticism you hope for from a dunk contest participant.
13:51He sure does.
13:52Lots of competition, though, in the running this year to get that big invite.
13:56And as always, we'll keep the updates coming in as we get closer to All-Star Weekend.
14:01One thing we already know.
14:03Here are some great players pulling in votes so far.
14:06Yeah, and I think it's safe to say that this is going to be one of those dunk contests that
14:11everybody's going to be tuning into.
14:12And now, let's swing it over to Allie LaForest on the sideline.
14:17Thanks a lot, guys.
14:18Nicole Jokic is a family man through and through.
14:20He said, quote,
14:21Well, basketball's not the main thing in my life.
14:23It probably never will be.
14:24And to be honest, I like it because I have something more at home.
14:27Something that's more important than basketball.
14:29Kevin, back to you.
14:30Some good perspective.
14:32Thanks so much, Allie, for the report.
14:34Right, we see a lot of change in the NBA,
14:36but Nicola Jokic always seems to stay in the MVP conversation.
14:41And not just in it, at the top of it.
14:45His ability to affect the game is basically unmatched.
14:49He dominates in just about every single aspect.
14:53Now, here's Brown.
14:58Jokic high post.
15:02Back to Brown.
15:06Another shot.
15:07And it's blocked.
15:11Prince, right side.
15:15Pass to Ellis.
15:16Out left of the wing.
15:21Shoots over Brown.
15:23Denver grabs the miss.
15:28Here's Strother.
15:30It's good.
15:31And the Nuggets lead by seven.
15:33Well, we've seen that movie a few times, haven't we?
15:36An easy bucket in the paint.
15:40Gillespie, the pass to Ellis.
15:42Good on the three-point shot.
15:44Ellis has got eight.
15:45Boy, on the perimeter.
15:46You have to stay connected to this guy.
15:48He's such a good shooter.
15:53Wide open look here for Murray.
15:55Gaye with the rebound.
15:57Boy, that was his shot to miss.
15:59This guy's a terrific mid-range shooter.
16:02Jokic grabs the miss.
16:05Jokic has got six rebounds in the game.
16:09Filipowski in the corner.
16:12Pass to Jokic.
16:14For three.
16:15Murray.
16:16The offensive rebound.
16:18Oh!
16:19Threw it down!
16:20Nikoli Jokic!
16:21Oh, you've got to put a body on Jokic, or he'll torch you on the offensive glass.
16:37Let's check out the NBA's best three-point threats.
16:40You look at Prince.
16:41He's absolutely deadly from outside.
16:44And, of course, Keon Ellis, several spots down.
16:48Either of these two guys force defenders to come out well past that three-point line.
16:54And that really opens the floor up for their entire offense.
16:58Mitchell finds Hachimura to the right side.
17:01Over Gordon.
17:03Misses off the left iron.
17:05And then they continue to control the glass.
17:09Plays it up and banks it in.
17:11And now an eight-point nugget lead.
17:13And of the last six baskets, five have come on the interior.
17:18This is just smash-mouth, physical basketball, guys.
17:23Hachimura, no good.
17:25Denver's gone for the three-pointers seven times here in the second.
17:29And been successful three times.
17:31And creating a little separation here.
17:34Gaining some confidence.
17:36Well, if you continue to execute at both ends, you can build on this lead.
17:41Tracks in the tray.
17:42And that's number two for him from long range in the quarter.
17:45His third overall.
17:48Here's Brown.
17:49Right wing.
17:50And Jokic wide open.
17:52He shoots from outside off the mark.
17:55So for the Nuggets.
17:56Their last game, a loss to the Clippers.
17:58And here's Ellis for three.
18:00And Holmes throws it down.
18:02And that's a huge play.
18:04I mean, they need more like it.
18:06Because second-chance points are going to be key in this game.
18:10Probably so.
18:11That's usually a crucial element to any comeback.
18:14Now, here's Jokic.
18:15He's got seven.
18:17Jokic with his screen on Prince.
18:19Hardaway, no good.
18:21Gone four to six from long range in the second quarter.
18:24Solid shooting.
18:25Ellis kicks to Mitchell.
18:29It's Ellis on the wing.
18:31Sinks the three-pointer.
18:34Now, just a two-point Nugget lead.
18:36And the three-pointers are starting to add up.
18:39That's his third of the quarter.
18:41And it brings him to four on the game.
18:47Jokic passes to Hardaway.
18:50No good.
18:51They had a chance to end the run there.
18:54Gone six of 11 when they've taken the three-point shot tonight.
18:57Fairly respectable.
19:01To the paint.
19:03Oh, Jokic powering inside.
19:06They're getting on a roll inside.
19:08Their last three field goals have come from the paint.
19:12Pass to Holmes.
19:13From deep.
19:16And it's Denver with the rebound.
19:18Gordon's got his fifth rebound in this one.
19:21Hardaway finds ground.
19:23Oh, taking it to the rack with power.
19:27Hammering down the two-hand slam.
19:30Here's Mitchell.
19:32And he uses the glass on the layoff.
19:35Mitchell's got six.
19:36Just reliable, guys.
19:38He's just always trying to make the right play.
19:41What a performance by Jamal Murray.
19:44He has been the story for the Nuggets.
19:46He notched eight points in the quarter.
19:48And has that terrific basketball instinct on display.
19:51And we'll be right back after this.
19:53Yes.
20:13Howdy, folks.
20:14The moment you've been waiting for is here.
20:16Before we recap the first half, let's see what the standings look like in the East.
20:23Well, I think for the home team, this hasn't been the dominant season they were hoping for.
20:27They've let a number of winnable games slip away.
20:29But do not sleep on them.
20:32Oh, sorry about that.
20:33They have the talent to kick into high gear and right down the stretch.
20:40One thing that's helped tonight, their three-point shooting.
20:42Those triples add up fast, don't that, Kenny?
20:45That's why I shoot them.
20:47If they have fours, I'd take them too.
20:49But here's one thing.
20:50You have to have floor balance.
20:52And you have to really create clean looks there.
21:00Thanks for spending halftime with us.
21:02Time to get it back out to Kevin Harlan for the start of the third quarter.
21:19And after a fairly even first couple of quarters, the second half could turn out to be a great one
21:24as both teams try to gain an edge.
21:49Now, Greg, you've had a long NBA career.
21:51So, I'm curious, what's one of the biggest changes you've noticed since you've retired?
21:56Well, you know, one that doesn't get talked about enough, Lent.
22:01You know, players these days are just longer, especially in the backcourt.
22:06And that wing position, it feels like every team has a guy 6'9 or taller that is a pure
22:12perimeter player.
22:13Second half is underway.
22:14And here's who David Adelman's got on the floor.
22:18Running on the wings, they'll go with Brown and Hardaway Jr.
22:22Inside form, it's Gordon and Jokic.
22:24And it's Murray in at the 1.
22:26Mitchell finds Ellis.
22:28Over Brown!
22:30And here's Mitchell from the arc.
22:33A shot's good on the assist by Prince.
22:36Prince has got his third assist on the night.
22:39And the Nuggets leading by 5.
22:43Outside, Gordon.
22:45And that's a foul called on Keyon Ellis.
22:48That is his first foul of the game.
22:50Yeah, clearly, he had an established position there.
22:59About one minute played here on the second half.
23:01And Jokic gets it to go.
23:03And they are attacking the rim and getting great results.
23:09Gone 1-2 from beyond the arc since coming out of the break.
23:12The drive by Mitchell.
23:14Score of the bucket.
23:15He's made 5 so far.
23:17Shooting a very clean 5 of 7.
23:19I mean, already hot coming into the game.
23:21Is it fair to say he's hotter?
23:24Here's Murray.
23:26The putback.
23:27It's good on the putback.
23:29And the Nuggets lead by 7.
23:32Another rebound hauled in.
23:33They're hitting the glass with a lot of pass.
23:37Prince's shot is good.
23:38They'll be with very little pressure on their perimeter shooters.
23:42Three of the last five baskets they've allowed have been from beyond.
23:46And now the fast play.
23:47Hachimura with the ball.
23:52Over Murray.
23:53And that one's good.
23:54Hachimura.
23:56Hachimura's got 8 points.
23:57Everything going to play in here to start the third.
24:0180% shooting thus far.
24:04On the ring.
24:05Gordon buries it from three-point range.
24:08Wow.
24:09Burying that jumper on a more consistent basis.
24:12Aaron Gordon superb at realizing when to pull the trigger.
24:24And a chance here to check out some stamps for Jokic.
24:27And guys, this effective field goal percentage is trending in the wrong direction over the past five games.
24:34Shot discipline hasn't been the best.
24:37He'll be looking to play a smarter game tonight.
24:42Gone 2-3 when they ventured outside the arc in the third quarter.
24:46Pass to Holmes.
24:49Hachimura kicks to Ellis.
24:51Mitchell on the corner.
24:54Ellis outside.
24:55Over Brown.
24:57Ellis can't get it to go.
24:59Denver leading by five.
25:04Brown with it.
25:05Nine points in the game so far.
25:07And the shot goes in.
25:09He's got 11.
25:10I'm sorry.
25:11That's poor defense down low again.
25:13It's been a mismatch thus far in the paint.
25:16Prince outside.
25:18Ellis finds Prince.
25:20Over Hardaway.
25:22Prince can't hit.
25:23A good job by him on the glass here tonight.
25:26Plus 8 in that department.
25:28Murray no good.
25:30Boy, the team doing pretty well despite his offensive struggles right now.
25:34And here's Mitchell from the arc.
25:36And the three ball is good.
25:38Mitchell's got eight points here in this quarter.
25:41And really as the three pointers keep dropping,
25:43you get the sense that the frustration is mounting for the defense.
25:48I am simply blown away by his accuracy.
25:51He has made every shot.
25:53And what's most important, his team is winning.
25:55Ellis outside.
25:58To the left side wing.
25:59For the three.
26:02Rebound by the Nuggets.
26:05Drowned with it.
26:06Now defended by Mitchell.
26:10Pass to Jokic.
26:14Score that one for him.
26:15His eighth field goal.
26:16Eight for 11 on a very accurate night.
26:18And there's a pattern starting to take shape here.
26:21They're working it inside and getting good shots from close range.
26:26Got that one up quick.
26:28Ellis has got 17 now.
26:29Boy, that's just inviting trouble.
26:32Defensively, you simply can't give him that much space.
26:37Gordon kicks to Hardaway.
26:39And the Nuggets hit again from deep.
26:42Oh, that's money in the bank.
26:43Hardaway, terrific off the catch.
26:48Pass to Ellis.
26:49Over Brown.
26:51And it's good off the back rim and in.
26:54Ellis has got 19 points.
26:55Boy, nice pass.
26:57A little ball movement.
26:58A little player movement.
26:59That's how you play this game.
27:02Brown the pass to Murray.
27:06Here's the three.
27:08Rebounded by Ellis.
27:10And you don't want to give up that kind of look too often.
27:14Outside Prince.
27:16Ellis outside.
27:18And a shot's good on the assist by Prince.
27:21Prince has got his fifth assist in this one.
27:26Murray for three.
27:28That shot off.
27:29Listen, things aren't going his way right now.
27:32But listen, you just keep going.
27:34Keep working at it.
27:35That one drops for him.
27:37And now, just a two-point Nugget lead.
27:40Boy, even with the contact,
27:42Rui Hachimura doesn't lose his touch or his concentration.
27:46It's so tough to distract this guy.
27:48Just the kind of play they need in a game this close.
27:51You know, that's the kind of aggression they want from their four-leader.
27:55Boy, and not just the aggression.
27:56The ability to get to the rim.
27:58But how about the finish with intention?
28:00Ho, ho, ho.
28:04And with this chance, let's quickly go to our rookie leaderboard
28:07and find out who the top assist men are among the first-year players.
28:23Now, here's Mitchell.
28:25Defense is right there.
28:26Ellis outside.
28:28He's feeling it.
28:29And the basket is good.
28:31Ellis has got ten points in just the second half.
28:34A dominant quarter, but he needs some help.
28:40Here's Pickett, hovered by Mitchell.
28:45Here's Jokic.
28:46Good!
28:47Jokic can indeed take a little contact.
28:51And like the initiative there,
28:53Jokic seen an opportunity to get inside and just attack it.
28:57There's Ellis with the three ball.
28:59Filipowski grabs the ball.
29:01Denver leading by four.
29:04Has to Pickett.
29:07Holmes, wide open.
29:09He fires.
29:10Got three off the mark.
29:12It's been a nice stretch for them offensively.
29:15I mean, the communication's great.
29:17The movement's been really good.
29:18This is solid team basketball.
29:21Ellis can't get it to go.
29:24Denver's gotten the three-pointer to fall to the tune of 50% here in the third quarter.
29:27They've made three of six.
29:30Here's Pickett.
29:32A second-chance effort.
29:34And it's what?
29:38Here's Gay.
29:40Jokic defending.
29:41Gay misses.
29:43And if that's the best look you can get on a possession, what a waste of a trip down the
29:48floor.
29:48Well, missed opportunities, and they can certainly add up.
29:52You cannot afford to take that kind of shot.
29:55Capable of being a very potent scorer, Jokic certainly has looked focused so far in this one.
30:01Coming off a big game, his confidence couldn't be higher, and coach knows it.
30:06Well, the best players, to me, deliver night after night after night.
30:11So as long as he's hot, keep riding it.
30:14Good.
30:15Jokic has got 23.
30:17This guy has absolutely owned this quarter.
30:20This is how you lead by example.
30:23Mitchell.
30:23In it goes for the eighth time in 10 tries.
30:27And not relying at all on the three-point shot.
30:30They may want to rethink about stretching the defense a bit like they did in that first half.
30:35Pickett.
30:36No good.
30:40Holmes against Prince.
30:43On the wing, Mitchell.
30:46Shoots over Brown.
30:48Oh, and he just knocked down the buzzer.
30:50Hater.
30:51One eye on the rim.
30:53One eye on the clock.
30:54Nice job.
30:55Well, finishing quarter strong.
30:57Every coach preaches it.
30:59Nice work.
31:00And as we finish the third quarter, it's still close.
31:03Both teams trading baskets.
31:04Nuggets ahead.
31:05They're up by two.
31:07And we'll be back with you right after this.
31:17And let's take now this moment to bring up our State Farm assist of the game.
31:22It's just true artistry right there.
31:25I mean, great decision on where to go with the ball.
31:28And how about the perfect delivery?
31:29We call that putting it right in the pocket, and he knew what to do with it once it was
31:34there.
31:37And with three quarters behind us, we start the fourth quarter, what is still anybody's ballgame.
31:42James is out there with Rui Hachimura.
31:45And it's Larson in at the shooting guard position.
31:47And I wonder what the score would be if they weren't controlling the backboard.
31:54Pass to Gay.
31:55Here's Gillespie.
31:57Here's Hachimura.
31:59Can't tie it up as that one's no good.
32:05Now, Filipowski.
32:08Crown wide open.
32:09He fired.
32:10No good on the three.
32:15Swiped it away.
32:19Giants to the hoop.
32:21Back to Filipowski.
32:23To the middle.
32:24Here's Valanchunas.
32:25Well, to me, that's the force that Valanchunas plays with.
32:28It allows him to shake the foul off, maintain his poise, and score it.
32:33And look at how the offensive approach has been going here so far for Denver.
32:37They've been playing some really physical offense, just attacking the paint as much as possible.
32:43And I'll tell you what, they have been very successful with that strategy.
32:47And you also have to love the way they've gotten out and run in transition.
32:51A ton of good chances tonight simply from being willing to run the floor.
32:57To the inside.
32:59And he dunks it down.
33:01You love how each side has risen to the challenge throughout this one.
33:05I'll tell you, we have seen great execution from both teams.
33:08Neither one giving an inch here.
33:11Now, here's Murray.
33:14There's the triple.
33:16It's not going to go for him.
33:18This guy hit a couple of threes in the first half, but since then it's been a little bit of
33:22a struggle.
33:24Back to Hachimura.
33:25Takes it off the glass.
33:27And the beat not really doing its job there.
33:29A little slow to react to the ball getting into the paint.
33:36And here is Murray.
33:41Valanchunas inside.
33:43And he banks in the layup.
33:44Well, Jonas Valanchunas showing good hands and finishing ability inside.
33:48This guy on that end of the floor has always been effective.
33:53Up again.
33:54Goes back up.
33:56It's hauled in by the Nuggets.
33:58And they haven't been able to turn it into a big lead, but their rebounding advantage is starting to add
34:04up.
34:04Pass to Murray.
34:06Now Brown.
34:10Here's Valanchunas.
34:11And he can't bank that one in.
34:15Gone just 33% for the field in the fourth quarter so far.
34:18They are 2 of 6.
34:21It's stolen by Valanchunas.
34:26Now Brown from the baseline.
34:29It's hauled in by Gillespie.
34:31Boy, another miss, but you have to say to his teammates, great job.
34:35They have picked him up all evening long.
34:37Moving it around.
34:398 of their last 10 coming off the 6.
34:42Denver's gone 0-3 so far in the fourth quarter from long range.
34:46Well, to steal a line from you, up high and down hard, Jonas Valanchunas.
34:51Go ahead, big fella.
34:53Pass to Gay.
34:55Here's Larson to tie it up.
34:58The shot, no good.
35:03Murray for 3.
35:05It's hauled in by Gillespie.
35:07Filipowski gets blocked.
35:12Here's Gay.
35:13An easy 2 points on the layup.
35:15Gay has got 6 points in the quarter.
35:18Fantastic ball movement.
35:19They're picking them apart with their passing.
35:22And we've got a timeout from David Adelman.
35:25He's not taking any chances.
35:27It wants to huddle him up right away.
35:32So it's both teams making substitutions here.
35:35And let's go to the sideline.
35:36Here's Allie.
35:37I was able to listen in on what the Nuggets coach was going over with his team.
35:41He told them, this is the passion.
35:43I want us to play with every night.
35:45Now my question is, how are we going to finish?
35:48Are we going to be passive?
35:49Or are we going to take what's ours?
35:52Guys, back to you.
35:53All right, Allie.
35:53Thank you so much for that.
35:55Now here's Murray.
35:56From downtown, bangs on the trifecta.
36:00Well, after knocking down a couple in the first half, that's his first triple here in the second.
36:06Mitchell passes to Prince.
36:11Pass to Holmes.
36:13Jokic with the steal.
36:15Three on three.
36:16Here's Hardaway.
36:18Hachimura grabs the miss.
36:21Hachimura's got four rebounds in this game.
36:24Inside.
36:24Here's Ellis.
36:26The shot's good on the assist by Prince.
36:29Ellis has got 26.
36:31Just impressed with the teamwork out there.
36:34Setting the table for one another.
36:38Hardaway with a wide open look.
36:41Off target from outside.
36:43On five of ten, 50% from the field.
36:46From deep, Prince knocks down the three ball.
36:49But the assist totals, Kevin, just continue to grow.
36:53They're way ahead in that category.
36:55Ball movement has been awesome.
37:01Murray outside.
37:03They grab their own miss.
37:06The Nuggets with another miss.
37:09Oh, he will kick himself for that one.
37:11That was a tremendous opportunity.
37:17The shot is on.
37:19The Nuggets frail.
37:24Nice use of the glass on the finish.
37:28And the competitive nature of Murray making all the difference there.
37:33Doing everything he can to rally his team.
37:36Now, here's Ellis.
37:39Hardaway with the steal.
37:44Aaron Gordon in a big moment.
37:46Unafraid to deliver.
37:48How pretty is that?
37:51Gone one and two from three-point range here in the fourth.
38:00The defenders need to recognize the importance of staying on him as we get into crutch time.
38:09Now, Jokic.
38:12From six feet away.
38:15Best is good.
38:16Huge.
38:18Jokic comes through just fearless.
38:21What an option.
38:49Jokic with the steal.
38:53Now, Gordon.
38:54Aaron Gordon showing he can jump out of the gym.
38:57How about that alley-oop?
39:03Drawing seven of 13 from the field here in the fourth.
39:06Now, Hachimura.
39:10Shoots.
39:11Shoots.
39:11And he drains the jam.
39:13How about Torrey and Prince?
39:16The confidence to take and make a big-time shot.
39:20And here's Jokic.
39:38He hits the first one.
39:40And that makes it a three-point lead.
39:41And being such a good passer out of that five spot makes Jokic a triple-double machine.
39:49And he hits both free throws here.
39:51So now it's a four-point ballgame.
39:53Well, this is the exact guy you would pick to take that shot.
39:57Beautifully done.
39:58Oh, the analytics department is smiling after that one.
40:04Here's Murray.
40:06Big-time cam.
40:08He was ready to receive and deliver.
40:12Called and collected in the game's biggest moments.
40:16You can rely on Jokic when you need a basketball.
40:20Shoot.
40:23Shoot.
40:26Shoot.
40:27Shoot.
40:31Gone two or three in the fourth quarter from long range.
40:34Good shooting so far.
40:35Mitchell outside.
40:36He on the up.
40:37And there's the three.
40:39And they have been relentless from deep.
40:42And you see the defense trying to react, but to no avail.
40:47Well, that's the whole point, isn't it?
40:48If you space the floor well enough, it's almost impossible for the defense to account for everyone.
40:54Here's Mitchell following the score by Aaron Gordon.
40:57No good with the rebound.
40:59And the great shooters know when they've got enough opening to go for the three.
41:04I didn't think it was a bad choice on that possession.
41:07Outside Gordon.
41:08I mean, I like the call.
41:09I thought the defense was just there a little late.
41:12This is the first one.
41:14Both teams.
41:16That's the line for the numbers.
41:18Aaron Gordon.
41:20Defense.
41:21And no good is the first free throw.
41:23Missing for him.
41:24We'll see if we can handle the second.
41:28He's able to hit the second one.
41:30And that makes it a seven-point lead.
41:33I think it's safe to call this one a wrap.
41:36Well, it's been a hard-fought battle through much of the night.
41:39They just missed out on a couple of opportunities they'd love to do over.
41:43Finishing strong.
41:44This is how you want to close things out.
41:47No question.
41:48They've gotten hot at exactly the right time.
41:51Clutch play on a team level.
41:54Now, here's Ellis.
41:56Mitchell.
41:58The three doesn't go.
42:09So, the Nuggets win it.
42:10A solid win on the road for them.
42:12This building was dead silent by the time GA this one warmed down.
42:17And that's what you want to do.
42:19Take the crowd out of it by crunch time.
42:21Don't give them any chance to lift their team up at the finish.
42:25Let's now hear from Allie LaForce, who is courtside with our player of the game.
42:32Nikola, congratulations on the win.
42:34What does a win like this say about your team?
42:38I mean, we are looking for each other.
42:39We are finding it.
42:41When we start playing like we are supposed to play, we are really good.
42:45So, hopefully we're going to continue to play like this.
42:47Thanks, Nikola.
42:48Back to you guys.
42:50Great job.
42:51Thanks for that, Allie.
42:52And that'll do it, folks.
42:53Thanks for Greg Anthony, Doris Burke, Allie LaForce, and the rest of our terrific 2K crew.
43:00This is Kevin Harlan.
43:01Hope you enjoyed our broadcast.
43:03And as we leave you, let's take a look at our player of the game, Nikola Jokic.
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