Consequently, the Nuggets need Jokic and forward Aaron Gordon to dominate the glass in game one. The Clippers out-rebounded them 49-42 thanks to generating 15 offensive rebounds. Phoenix showed their biggest weakness in their game one loss as they were dominated down low. While his ability to score and create shots for his teammates fills the highlight tapes, Jokic's rebounding projects as Denver's influential factor against Phoenix. Against the Timberwolves, Jokic averaged 26.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 9.0 APG. The two-time reigning MVP put together a stellar all-around year and looked sharp in their first-round series. The Nuggets finished 34-7 at home this season – the second-best record in the NBA.ĭenver's clearest path to covering in game one is the most obvious one: let Nikola Jokic cook. As a result, Denver stands a strong chance of covering in game one – particularly due to their home prowess. That being said, Denver projects to dominate the paint and they, too, figure to be able to score in bunches. Denver lacks perimeter defense – potentially spelling trouble for the Western Conference's No. The Suns match up well with the Nuggets – particularly thanks to their incredible wing play. That being said, the Timberwolves presented little resistance against the Nuggets' potent offense. Nevertheless, the Nuggets bounced back to take the series 4-1. The Nuggets won the first three games before dropping game four in a matchup they easily could have won if some things broke their way. Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spreadįirst-Round Results: W (109-80), W (122-113), W (120-111), L (108-114), W (112-109)įormer Nuggets guard Gary Harris claims Nikola Jokic didn’t want to win 2022-23 MVP over Joel Embiidĭenver cruised in the opening round against Minnesota. Booker has found considerable success against the Nuggets over the last few years – with his 49-point explosion in March 2022 particularly coming to mind. The 26-year-old amassed two 45-point games and failed to score 30 in only their game-one loss. He averaged a staggering 37.2 PPG for the series while shooting 60% overall and 47% from beyond the arc. While it may seem odd to see Kevin Durant play second-fiddle on offense, that just speaks to the growth of Devin Booker.īooker looked like the best player in the NBA during their first-round series with the Clippers. He did it all for the Suns in round one – averaging 28.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 6.2 APG while locking things down on defense. Despite playing less than 20 games with Phoenix, Durant already fills the role of their glue guy. Phoenix features two superstar wings via Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, the Suns could find themselves with a similar advantage on the other end. Phoenix likely doesn't stand much of a chance of slowing down Denver's high-powered offense. As a result, Phoenix sits in a strong position to cover as road underdogs in game one – provided their stars continue to shine. They can score at will and still have only lost one game since Kevin Durant joined the lineup. Still, the Suns feature arguably the most star-studded starting lineup in the league. Additionally, the Clippers lost superstar Kawhi Leonard after the first two games and were without costar Paul George for the entirety of the series. Phoenix often looked helpless defending the Los Angeles offense and they struggled in spots to rebound and control the paint. The Suns' offense looked downright dominant at times but contrarians certainly see plenty to point their fingers at. After dropping the first game at home, the Suns rallied back to win four straight games against the Clippers and advance to the Western Conference semi-finals.
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