Game 03 : Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) @ Denver Nuggets (1-1)

[THE J0KER]

The first game of the 2022-23 season in Denver!

After a shameful loss vs Jazz's underdog rebuilding team and a brilliant win vs GSW defending champions, it would be a little too much even for Malone's standards if we (he) now lose another game vs tanking rebuilding underdog team. But even if we ignore Malone's Nuggets' strange record as a playoff-level team vs league-worst teams (or vs those whose best players were out) this is a day-to-day game vs a fresh team that played only one game so far, while Murray will probably be out again, so the team needs some basic caution to prevent the eventual disaster which happens during first half in game vs Utah due to wrong mindset and lack of focus.

[THE J0KER]

The result is tied at halftime because Nuggets played with low energy, but thanks to KCP overperforming (15pts at halftime) OKC not leading. Jokic has only 4pts with just 3 shot attempts, but at least he is going for another triple-double. MPJ started with 1-5 for threes, but big credit to him for not losing confidence and keeping trying so he finished half with a good 3-7 threes numbers. Our bench mostly depends on Hzland and Brown, so we need them much better than their 1-7 production in 1st half.

[skywalker33]

Tough game but HC win is sweet !

[skywalker33]

22pts fro MPJ, is it safe to say He's BACK ?? KCP strong 3=pt shooting tonight and Jamal had a good performance as well, although there's rust there.

2 out of three for Jokic...triple double games that is, ties Wilt for TD's by a Center, he'll have that record on his own shortly

[skywalker33]

while minute, glad to see NNaji getting off the bench

[THE J0KER]

The win is a win and some players really played well like KCP, MPJ, Green, and BraUn (16-25 for 3pt these four combined!), with Jokic's historical 19-16-13 triple-double (#7 tied with Wilt on the all-time list). The defense was bad, but this is a b2b game so there was an energy problem. The best part of the game was threes (20-38!) with the Nuggets using the fact that Joker was constantly doubled-teamed. But the problem was when Jokic was out with the Nuggets had -14 at +/- in just 9 minutes when Jokic was on the bench.

[skywalker33]

Feels like the bench unit is gonna be a hit-or-miss production group for a while, kinda surprised we haven't seen much of Ish yet

[The Rebel]

NNaji has to improve his rebounding numbers.

Braun is one heck of a find at the 21st pick, his defense against Poole in Golden State and his overall game last night leads me to believe that him with Bones, Brown, Green, and NNaji is the makings of a very good but young and inconsistent bench.

[skywalker33]

NNaji has to improve his rebounding numbers.

Braun is one heck of a find at the 21st pick, his defense against Poole in Golden State and his overall game last night leads me to believe that him with Bones, Brown, Green, and NNaji is the makings of a very good but young and inconsistent bench.

Nice to see ya, Rebel ! I agree with Nnaji but that should come with PT. And Braun already looks like a player, hope we have the same success with Watson. Our late round picks have been impressive considering where we selected them. BTW, saw Watson won a practice half-court shooting contest...twice. .

[Maf]

If I compare how DAJ played against Warriors and Nnaji against Thunder I think we won´t see Zeke for couple of weeks.

I have high expectations for this team so I am not impressed so far. But to not spread negativity about players who dissapointed me I will just say how much I am happy for KCP. I admit to be pesimistic about him, thought he was overpaied. Maybe because I somehow thought he must be at least 34, 35 years old. But he is a great fit next to Jokic and the most positive thing about this team so far.

[Manolito]

I think Bruce Brown has confirmed he has been a great addition as well. KCP & Brown (+ Braun progress) should provide elite backcourt defense.

On the disappointing side, I think Bones start has been poor so far. An of course Nnaji, but he is not a Center, he should be aiming to replace Jeff Green soon.

Only three games into the season, there will be opportunities for everybody, but so far health should be our only concern.

[The Rebel]

Nice article from Singer.

https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/23/nuggets-nikola-jokic-michael-porter-jr-kentavious-caldwell-pope/

[skywalker33]

If I compare how DAJ played against Warriors and Nnaji against Thunder I think we won´t see Zeke for couple of weeks.

I have high expectations for this team so I am not impressed so far. But to not spread negativity about players who dissapointed me I will just say how much I am happy for KCP. I admit to be pesimistic about him, thought he was overpaied. Maybe because I somehow thought he must be at least 34, 35 years old. But he is a great fit next to Jokic and the most positive thing about this team so far.

Well, glad this team or its fans doesn't care about your impressions or disappointments. Nnaji has played under 10mins this season (thanks again to Malone) but I expect that to change. DAJ is too slow-footed to get major PT this season, get used to it. And admitting you're wrong about KCP shows you can err, we'll take that as growth. Curious, have you ever come on here to do anything other than complain ??

Ok, rant over, have to agree this team does have some growth of its own to do but the season is very young, not 100% back to health yet, and the rotation/bench still working it way into production.

[Maf]

If I compare how DAJ played against Warriors and Nnaji against Thunder I think we won´t see Zeke for couple of weeks.

I have high expectations for this team so I am not impressed so far. But to not spread negativity about players who dissapointed me I will just say how much I am happy for KCP. I admit to be pesimistic about him, thought he was overpaied. Maybe because I somehow thought he must be at least 34, 35 years old. But he is a great fit next to Jokic and the most positive thing about this team so far.

Well, glad this team or its fans doesn't care about your impressions or disappointments. Nnaji has played under 10mins this season (thanks again to Malone) but I expect that to change. DAJ is too slow-footed to get major PT this season, get used to it. And admitting you're wrong about KCP shows you can err, we'll take that as growth. Curious, have you ever come on here to do anything other than complain ??

Ok, rant over, have to agree this team does have some growth of its own to do but the season is very young, not 100% back to health yet, and the rotation/bench still working it way into production.

We´re talking about 10-14 minutes a game to give Nikola a breather. I do not consider that a MAJOR PT. Against Warriors DAJ set great hard screens, rebounded well and when he got the ball inside he finished strong. Those are the things I like about back up centers. I get Zeke showed great shooting form and accuracy last season. Doesn´t change the fact he was totally lost last game. Malone had to sub him out even Jokic would probably welcomed longer rest. I disagree that he played only ten minutes thanks to Malone but thanks to his performance.

Won´t comment on personal attacks.

[Richard Miller]

Imo (I may be completely wrong) they see Zeke as 5 and he doesn't seem himself as 5 or something of the sorts. Malone gave plenty of minutes to Braun who is still a complete rookie, so it's hard to imagine he's blocking Zeke for no apparent reason. Something is still not working there