As the Denver Nuggets face off against the Atlanta Hawks, they are firmly in control, holding a 115-95 lead heading into the final quarter. With a potential victory on the horizon, the Nuggets are on the verge of improving their season record to 19-13, cementing their position as a formidable force in the league.
Jokic's Dominance Continues
Nikola Jokic remains the heart and soul of the Nuggets, consistently demonstrating why he is one of the league’s most valuable players. In their recent victory over the Utah Jazz, Jokic notched an impressive triple-double with 36 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance underscores his ability not only to score but also to facilitate and rebound, giving the Nuggets an all-around threat on the court. Jokic has maintained an exceptional scoring streak, registering at least 30 points in each of his last seven games, a testament to his offensive consistency and prowess.
Westbrook's Triple-Double & Team Play
It's not just Jokic lighting up the stat sheets for the Nuggets; Russell Westbrook also joined the triple-double club in their latest game. Westbrook contributed 16 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists, highlighting his versatility and the depth of talent within the Nuggets’ lineup. Furthermore, Denver has been exceptional in moving the ball, achieving at least 29 assists over the past three consecutive games, which showcases their emphasis on team play and sharing the basketball.
The Hawks' Strong Form Meets a Challenger
On the other side of this matchup, the Atlanta Hawks bring a solid 18-15 record to the contest. Prior to their encounter with the Nuggets, the Hawks were coming off a series of competitive victories where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.3 points. In a standout performance against the Toronto Raptors, they secured a dominant 136-107 win. Trae Young shone brightly, scoring 34 points, along with ten assists and seven three-pointers, reminding everyone of his offensive talents. De'Andre Hunter added another impressive layer to their attack with 22 points and three steals.
Nuggets’ Historical Edge
The Nuggets have a historical advantage over the Hawks, winning eight of their last ten encounters. Their most recent December 2024 meeting concluded with a decisive 141-111 victory for Denver. Heading into their current matchup, Denver was favored with a 5.5-point spread, and they appear on track to cover the spread for the fifth consecutive time against Atlanta.
This matchup underscores the Nuggets' current stature in the league, driven by their star power, depth, and strategic team play. If they can maintain their momentum and close out the final quarter as strongly as they have played so far, the Nuggets will continue their recent supremacy over the Hawks and further assert their competitive aspirations this season. As the final quarter unfolds, all eyes are on Denver to see if they can seal the deal and continue their impressive run.