Julian Strawther Shines as Shorthanded Nuggets Secure Key Road Win

MILWAUKEE (Azat TV) – Julian Strawther delivered a standout performance, scoring 20 points to spearhead the severely depleted Denver Nuggets to a hard-fought 102-100 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. This crucial win, achieved despite the absence of multiple key players, underscored Denver’s depth and resilience, allowing them to complete their first season sweep of the Bucks since the 2019-20 season.

The Nuggets arrived in Milwaukee without an extensive list of their core roster, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, star guard Jamal Murray, and key rotational players Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Tamar Bates. Their challenges further mounted when Aaron Gordon exited the game after the first half due to a hamstring strain, leaving Denver significantly shorthanded against a formidable Eastern Conference opponent.

Strawther Steps Up Amidst Absences

With the team’s primary offensive options sidelined, Julian Strawther, a promising young talent, seized the opportunity. His game-high 20 points were instrumental in maintaining Denver’s offensive rhythm, particularly during crucial stretches. Supporting Strawther’s effort, veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 17 points, while Bruce Brown added 15. Center Zeke Nnaji also delivered a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, providing essential interior presence.

The Nuggets established a solid lead early in the game, weathering a tough offensive start from both teams. After a brief five-point edge for the Bucks in the second quarter, Denver went on a run, holding Milwaukee scoreless for nearly five minutes to take a 48-42 lead into halftime. Their dominance extended into the third quarter, where they outscored the Bucks 30-21, building a commanding 78-63 advantage heading into the final period.

Bucks’ Valiant Fourth-Quarter Rally Falls Short

Despite Denver’s significant lead, the Milwaukee Bucks mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, fueled by a 23-9 run that dramatically cut the deficit. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, was a central figure in the rally, though he was forced to exit the game in the final minute after appearing to limp in transition.

Milwaukee’s late surge saw Bobby Portis knock down a critical three-pointer, reducing the gap to five points with 1:30 remaining. Even after Antetokounmpo’s departure, rookie guard A.J. Rollins hit back-to-back three-pointers, bringing the deficit down to just two, then one point. However, without any timeouts left, Kyle Kuzma was forced into a desperate half-court heave after a missed free throw, which ultimately fell short, allowing the Nuggets to cling to their narrow victory.

Implications for Both Teams

For the Denver Nuggets, this victory serves as a significant confidence booster, demonstrating their collective strength and adaptability even when their star players are unavailable. It reinforces their position as a top contender in the Western Conference and showcases the depth of talent on their roster. The season sweep against the Bucks, a feat not accomplished in six years, further solidifies their impressive campaign.

Conversely, the Milwaukee Bucks’ struggles continued, marking their second consecutive home loss and their sixth loss in their last eight games at home. While Antetokounmpo’s performance was notable, his late-game injury adds another layer of concern for a team looking to regain consistency. The inability to complete the comeback despite their strong fourth-quarter effort highlights areas for improvement as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference season.

The Denver Nuggets’ ability to secure a road victory and a season sweep against a strong opponent like the Milwaukee Bucks, despite being severely undermanned and facing a late-game rally, highlights the depth of their roster and the effectiveness of their coaching staff in developing young talent like Julian Strawther.