Forgive my nostalgia, but this was one of my all time favorite games, by my all time favorite player (Mahmoud). I remember listening to it on the radio as a teenager, laying in front of the heat duct, with the blanket forming a tent, so I could hog all of the heat. I was not anywhere near as hot as M.J. or Mahmoud on that night, however.
Open link in a new tab for the definition of TPM™
1st Half- This game has the looks of a slow paced, half-court game. Jokic with 2 early turnovers. Lopez having a "big hair day", says Marlowe. Murray checks in at the point at 4 minute mark. Nuggets hanging in there. Not exactly a riveting 1st comes to an end, with the Bulls up 25-22. 2nd unit + Gallo in to start the 2nd. Murray looks very good running the point tonight. Not sure what has happened to Harris this year, but he seems to always be trailing his man defensively. His lateral movement seems slower. Too much bulk in the chest and arms perhaps? Too many turnovers for the Nuggets, as per always. I thought that was Juka's issue, not the rest of these guys. Didn't every one of his count as 5? Starters + Juancho, - Chandler back in at 7 minute mark. A 6-0 run has the Nuggets within 3. All starters in now for final 3 minutes. Harris/Jameer still constantly trailing their men defensively. Nuggets unbelievably careless with the ball, but are somehow just down by 3, 59-56, at the half.
2nd half- Nelson picks up his 3rd early. Nuggets way off on 3's tonight. Nuggets are not guarding anyone so far in the 3rd. At least they are starting to get on the offensive glass. Bulls can't find the rim, and the Nuggets offense is starting to get in rhythm, as they pull to within one. All Nuggets starters are in double figures. Plumlic in at the 6 minute mark. Out of the timeout, the Nuggets are back to turning it over and not playing d. Barton finally makes one. Jokic is just 2 assists shy of another 3d already, and is a +23 in TPM. Jokic is also the only Nugget making 3's. Murray at the point for final minute of 3rd. Nuggets close the 3rd on a 18-8 run, and lead 91-83 after 3. Two quick team fouls for the Bulls, is good news for Denver. 6 Nuggets now in double figures, as Murray joins the starters in that regard. Bulls still can't buy a hoop. Nuggets starting to pull away, are up 13 at 9 minute mark. Murray has outplayed Jameer today, on the strength of his defense, let alone offensively. Gallo starting to catch fire from deep. Plumlee doing as well tonight as he has thus far, at imitating Jokic, affording Big Honey an extended break. It's all Nuggets now as they increase their lead to 21! Nuggets will be in the bonus with the next Bulls foul. Jokic comes in at 6 minute mark to hunt down that 3d. Barton joins 6 other Nuggets in double figures. 3d for Jokic! Roy Hibbert gets his first action as a Nugget. Man, is he ever large. Manages a +2 TPM with a very nice screen leading to an easy bucket. Big win for the Nuggets, 125-107!
Final Thoughts- Every Nugget who played significant minutes (with the exception, arguably of Jameer, who earned a -11 TPM despite going 5-6 from the floor) contributed greatly to this victory, and in turn this victory gif!
