Big 3 Back For Denver Despite The Preseason Loss To Oklahoma City

The Denver Nuggets started preseason last night, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-101.  It was the first time Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic were on the court together at the same time since April 13^th, 2021.  They looked like they didn’t skip a beat.

                Murray missed all of last year healing from the torn ACL.  This was the first time he had played  in an a NBA game since April 13^th, 2021.   Murray started at point guard playing for 15 minutes.  In the short time, Murray looked like his old self.  He was seeing the court well, finding his teammates, and making baskets.  Murray ended the night 4 of 7 shooting for 10 points.  He dished out 2 assists and grabbed 2 rebounds. 

                Michal Porter Jr. was out all but 9 games last year.  He dealt with back issues that required surgery.  Last night, Porter Jr. played 14 minutes.  He looked like the dangerous shooter that he was in the past.  Porter Jr. ended 5 of 7 from the field and 2 for 4 from the 3-point line for 12 points which led the Nuggets starters. Porter Jr. also added 1 rebound and 1 assist.

                Jokic didn’t do a whole lot on the offensive end in his 15 minutes with only 2 points.  He added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  With            Murray and Porter Jr. on the floor, Jokic didn’t have to be the only scorer on the team.  The Nuggets were able to pass the ball around and find a good look at the basket rather than just going to Jokic inside.  This is a taste of what will happen in the NBA’s regular season assuming the Nuggets are healthy this year.            

                The Nuggets shouldn’t put too much stock on the loss since it is only preseason.  It was great to see the big 3 of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic playing together once again. This was just a taste of what the basketball season could be like for this Nuggets team this season.  The Nuggets know with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic in the lineup, they can beat any team in the NBA.  They  should be a team to watch in the NBA as their goal is to make a deep run into the postseason.   The Nuggets have 4 more preseason games before they began the regular season on October 19^th when they travel to Utah to take on the Jazz.