Nikola Jokic's
candidacy
for NBA MVP won integers on Monday thanks to the 38 points, eight rebounds and five assists that facilitated Denver's victory against Portland (128-109).
The team led by
Michael Malone
tied the tie (1-1) with the help of
Facundo Campazzo
, author of 12 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and a block.
The point guard's intense defensive work was crucial for the Nuggets, who after the break managed to stop
Damian Lillard
, scoring 32 points during the first half, including eight triples, an absolute record for the NBA in the first 24 minutes.
Despite everything, the Blazers point guard finished the night with 42 points, with a spectacular 9/16 on triples.
The defensive change on Lillard, which
Aaron Gordon took over
, worked very well for Denver, causing 21 losses to his rival.
In addition, the locals dominated other facets of the game, such as points scored in the paint (54-32), scoring on counterattacks (16-4) and second chances (21-4).
"Real collective effort"
"The defeat on Saturday had been tough. So the difference from that first game is that today we created open shots and defended very well. It was a real collective effort," analyzed Jokic, cheered from the bench by
Jamal Murray
, who still continues his recovery process after a serious knee injury.
"When we are focused, we defend as a team and we are in solidarity in attack, we are hard to beat," said Campazzo, who also counted on the perimeter with the help of
Monte Morris
, very active on Lillard, and
Michael Porter
, author of 18 points after his lousy performance on Saturday.
The physical work of the defenses was reflected in three techniques and two flagrant fouls, although it ended up unnerving
Terry Stotts'
men
.
The coach must now erase the memory of last year's tie against the Lakers, when they also took the lead in Game 1 before going down 4-1.
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