For the second consecutive game, the Denver Nuggets proved too much for the Portland Trail Blazers. Monday night it was death by Nikola Jokic. Tonight, it was death by Jamal Murray. The Denver guard erupted for 55 points to help hand the Blazers a 132-121 loss.
Denver asserted control early, going up 40-27 after the first quarter. Then the Nuggets’ lead meandered between eight points and 23 points the rest of the way. The Blazers hung in and made a few runs, forcing Denver to keep its starters in until the end, but the Nuggets held on for a relatively comfortable win.
Player of the Game: Donovan Clingan. Stepping into the starting lineup with Deandre Ayton out, rookie center Donovan Clingan was a load to deal with in the paint. In 31 minutes, Clingan produced 17 points, 20 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 7-12 from the floor. All of his buckets came in the paint off passes and put-backs, production helped by his 10 offensive rebounds. Honorable Mention: Jabari Walker. Backing up Clingan at the five, Walker provided an efficient burst off the bench. He produced 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals while shooting 6-7 from the field and 3-3 from deep. He also ripped off seven straight points in the second quarter in an impressive sequence that included a strip-and-score.
Stat of the Night: 129-76. The Blazers bench outscored the Nuggets bench, 45-3, which is awesome until you realize that means the Nuggets starters outscored their Blazers counterparts, 129-76. The 50-bomb from Murray did a lot of damage, but 26 and 21 from Jokic and Christian Braun, respectively, made Denver undeniable.
What We’ll Remember: Toumani blocking the Joker. Camara added another signature highlight to his NBA All-Defense campaign when he blocked Jokic in the second quarter. It looked like Jokic had an easy layup, then Camara flew in from behind to deny the three-time MVP. It was one of Camara’s three blocks on the night.
What’s Next: Some time off for the All-Star Break. The Blazers will be off for NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. Then they’ll return to the Moda Center for a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and new pickup Luka Doncic next Thursday, Feb. 20.
