The Denver Nuggets came into the game with the upper hand. They were nearly injury free, they were the more complete team and they have the favorite for MVP, Nikola Jokic. With these factors, they were able to beat the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, 117-112.
The Hornets started the game with no flow. The opening play was a missed defensive assignment by Bismack Biyombo and two free throws at the charity strike for Jokic. Charlotte turnovers led to Denver fast break points and transition opportunities. You could see Jokic was chomping at the bit because of the matchup he could exploit. At one point in the first quarter, the Nuggets were able to extend the lead to 21 points. It seemed like the Hornets didn’t have enough weapons to match up with the explosive Nuggets.
Cody Zeller and Devonte Graham got more involved in the contest in the second quarter for the Hornets. They were both an important part of a 34 point quarter that trimmed the lead down to three going into the half, 63-60.
Hornets’ coach James Borrego got his first ejection of his career early in the third quarter. He was arguing about foul discrepancy, but the numbers did not back up his argument. The Hornets continued to fight back, even after Borrego’s ejection. The Nuggets had the deeper, more experienced team with players like Paul Milsap, Austin Rivers and Shaquille Harrison coming off the bench. This is a benefit the Hornets just do not have at this point.
Early in the final frame, the Hornets were down big, 15 points. Jokic was able to take a long rest and did not return until half way through the fourth quarter. The Hornets have not given up all season and they followed that mantra Tuesday night. Terry Rozier was able to bring the Hornets within 5 points with three minutes to go in the game. Graham hit two clutch 3’s in the closing moments of the game and cut the lead to one. LaMelo Ball couldn’t box out JaMychal Green, which led to an easy basket for Denver and the loss for Charlotte.
Jokic had an all-around great game with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Michael Porter Jr. also had 30 points, and Aaron Gordon chipped in with 17 points for the Nuggets. Graham led the Hornets with a game high 31 points. Rozier had 21 point in the loss. Even with Tuesday’s results, Charlotte secured a place in the play-in tournament. Their next game is Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
