The defending-champion Denver Nuggets dismantled the Atlanta Hawks, 142-110, Saturday night at the Ball Center. Jamal Murray returned for the Nuggets after missing the last seven games with a strained knee.
Atlanta could not stop the shot-making of Denver and that was the huge discrepancy in this one. The Nuggets shot 60.2% overall and 56.1% from the three, compared to Atlanta’s, 42.5% and 32.4% from three. Denver dominated Atlanta in most of the team statistical categories: 47-38 in rebounds (DEN), 38-30 in assists (DEN), 7-2 blocks (DEN), 24-9 in fast-break points (DEN) and 48-34 in points in the point (DEN).
J. Murray scored 16 points and added in 6 assists in 21 minutes of action. MVP-candidate, Nikola Jokic, added another triple-double to his resume of 19 points, 11 assists and 14 rebounds. Former-Georgia Bulldog, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with a game-high, 24 points, hitting six three’s on the night.
The Hawks’ starting lineup all finished with double-digit scoring, but it was a struggle for most everyone. Star, Dejounte Murray, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 12 assists, but had trouble finding his shot, going 4 of 15 overall. Clint Capela finished with another double-double on the season, ending with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic each finished with 18 on the night. Jalen Johnson pitched in 17 points on 8 of 18 shooting, but just 1 of 5 from three.
Hawks will get Sunday and Monday off as they will head back home to take on their division-rival, Miami Heat, Tuesday night. If Atlanta, wants to move up to the nine slot, they have to start stacking wins with only four games remaining. They currently have four games remaining against the Heat (H), Charlotte Hornets (H), Minnesota Timberwolves (A) and Indiana Pacers (A).
