Quick Read
- Nikola Jokić recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season to lead the Nuggets to their ninth straight victory.
- The win moved Denver into the third seed in the Western Conference, ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The team is adjusting to the departure of head coach Michael Malone, who recently accepted a coaching position at UNC.
DENVER (Azat TV) – Nikola Jokić continues to anchor the Denver Nuggets during a pivotal period of transition, leading the team to its ninth consecutive victory in a 135-128 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers. The win, fueled by Jokić’s 33rd triple-double of the season, propelled Denver (51-28) into the third seed in the Western Conference, placing them a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers with only three games remaining in the regular season.
Jokić and Nuggets Eye Western Conference Positioning
The Nuggets’ latest surge ties their longest winning streak of the Jokić era. In a game that saw Denver overcome a 16-point second-half deficit, Jokić recorded 10 points in the fourth quarter alone to initiate a 21-5 run. While the team remains in a tight race with the Lakers for the third seed, they do not hold the tiebreaker, meaning they must likely finish one game ahead of Los Angeles to secure the position. Jamal Murray, who contributed 20 points and hit key shots in overtime, credited the collective effort for maintaining momentum as the playoffs approach.
Navigating the Departure of Michael Malone
The recent on-court success coincides with significant organizational changes, specifically the move of former head coach Michael Malone to the University of North Carolina. News of Malone’s departure to lead the Tar Heels surfaced this week, creating a ripple effect at Ball Arena. Jokić, who has thrived under Malone’s offensive schemes for years, expressed support for his former coach despite admitting confusion regarding the nuances of NCAA regulations.
“I’m happy for him,” Jokić stated following the team’s victory. “Probably a little bit different. Was he ever a coach in college?” Jokić noted that while he is unfamiliar with the 30-second shot clock and other college-specific rules, he intends to support Malone’s transition from afar. Veterans within the locker room, including Murray, praised Malone’s tenure, which included 471 regular-season wins and the 2023 NBA championship.
The Stakes of the Final Regular Season Stretch
As the Nuggets prepare for their final three regular-season contests against the Grizzlies, Thunder, and Spurs, the focus remains on sustaining their current form. The absence of a tiebreaker advantage against the Lakers adds pressure to every remaining possession. Denver’s ability to rally in high-stakes environments—a trait highlighted by their recent overtime wins—remains their primary asset as the team attempts to solidify its playoff path without their long-time head coach.
The Nuggets’ successful pivot to a high-seed standing during the sudden loss of their championship-winning coach underscores the stability provided by Nikola Jokić’s individual brilliance, which continues to insulate the franchise from the volatility of sudden staff turnover.