DENVER (AP) — Jamaal Murray hit the go-ahead with 55.9 seconds remaining Nikola Jokic broke Denver’s file for assists en path to his first triple-double of the season, and the Nuggets rallied for a 122-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday evening.
Jokic completed with 31 factors, 13 assists and 11 rebounds whereas working into dangerous hassle. Two-time NBA Most Precious Participant handed Alex English for essentially the most assists in staff historical past. Jokic has 3,686 profession assists in 568 video games – an English file 3,679 in 837 video games in a Denver uniform.
Jokic’s teammates made positive to acknowledge this achievement.
“We clapped just a little bit,” stated Murray, who completed with 28 factors. “That is a whole lot of passes. That is spectacular.”
The English thought so, too.
“I knew finally my all-time help file can be damaged. I am honored to see she handed 2, I imply 3 occasions NBA Most Precious Participant. Congratulations large fella,” English posted on his Twitter account.
Not one to mince phrases about particular person accolades, Jokic stated he appreciated this explicit mark.
“When you have got a whole lot of assists, it simply reveals that you are a good staff participant,” stated Jokic, on whose behalf his teammates plan to signal. “That is one thing I wish to be. I need everybody to recollect me as a man who was a extremely good staff participant.”
Murray took over to assist the conference-leading Western Nuggets staff win their fifteenth consecutive dwelling run.
The Nuggets trailed 118-115 when Murray hit a three-pointer with 2:05 remaining to tie the sport. Subsequently, he put in a lead float to offer Denver a lead that he didn’t relinquish.
Bruce Brown completed with 16 factors for the Denver staff that performed Recreation Two back-to-back. Nuggets coach Michael Malone remained in NBA well being and security protocol for the second consecutive sport. David Adelman served as Appearing Inventive Director.
“Ugly win. Good win. “Who cares? A very good staff wins,” stated Adelman.
Adelman in contrast the mixture of Murray and Jokic to a contemporary model of John Stockton and Karl Malone. And given the way in which Jokic goes by, it is exhausting to say who will signify whom.
“I do not assume Stockton can rating like me,” Murray cracked. “I feel we’re very distinctive, as a result of they’re making an attempt to guard us in so many alternative methods.”
Jaden McDaniels led the seven Minnesota gamers with 18 factors. The Timberwolves led by 10 early within the second half.
“I am loopy,” stated Anthony Edwards, who was 7-of-17 from the ground, together with 0-for-4 from 3-point vary, and completed with 16. “I may positively assist us.”
It was an eventful first quarter for Gokic, who robbed a basket of evaluate (a shot clock violation) and canceled out an offensive foul with a problem. He nonetheless had 13 factors within the interval and 5 assists, together with a whole go to the Browns for a dunk.
“He is bought the thoughts of John Stockton in a 7-foot-tall physique,” stated Adelman.
Tip-ins
Timberwolves: F Kyle Anderson completed with 13 factors and 11 rebounds. … C Naz Reid scored 17 factors as he began by sidelining Rudy Gobert with a sore groin. … J Austin Rivers (bruised knee) was inactive.
Nuggets: F Jeff Inexperienced (damaged hand) began 1-on-1 and is “heading the best means,” Adelman stated. … Aaron Gordon added 12 factors.
household circle
Veteran Nuggets guard Ish Smith performed for head coach Rick Adelman when he was a starter with Houston in 2010.
Now, he’s a back-up on the bench for Ben Adelman.
Smith cracked “Small World”. “I at all times say to (David), ‘You are going to be head coach quickly.’ This can be a nice take a look at for him. The blokes are taking part in exhausting.”
straightforward going
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch appreciates the relaxed demeanor of Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations. Connelly performed the same position with Denver — and helped construct the staff into what it’s right now — earlier than leaving final spring.
“He is at all times asking me to have enjoyable, which is easy however exhausting to keep up typically,” stated Finch. “It is at all times actually constructive.”
subsequent one
Timberwolves: Host Toronto Thursday evening.
Nuggets: Host Indiana on Friday evening.
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