Adams and Grizzlies unable to stop Nuggets
Steven Adams has a colossal task coming into this game: Contain the reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Jokić is freshly coming off a historic performance putting on a show against Charlotte with 40 points, 27 rebounds and 10 assists. Steven Adams picked up Jokić as soon as he near the three-point line and was within one arm’s length from the get-go.
Denver Nuggets dominated the game limiting the offensive rebound from Memphis. The Grizzlies didn’t get a single second-chance point in the first half. The Grizzlies struggled with 3-point shots making only 3 shots out of 15 attempts.
One positive thing out of the first half was Jokić was limited to 6 points only. Adams’ first half minute is identical to Jokić’s and able to muscle his way to 8 rebounds. The rest of the nuggets were able to pick up the scoring load outscoring Memphis 55 – 40 at the half.
Adams showing off his vision with this nice alley – oop to Santi Aldama
The nuggets have been in the lead since the first quarter. Both teams played very physically. Jaren Jackson Jr picked up his 4th foul early third quarter. Ja Morant got more aggressive in attacking the rim and was able to get to the free-throw line 8 times after not a single free throw in the first half. Memphis was able to outscore Denver 31 – 29. Jokić was able to create opportunities for his teammate with 9 assists. By the end of the third quarter, Nuggets has 6 players in double-figure and have a 13 points advantage over the Grizzlies.