Mile High Victory

This was shaping up to be a delicious match-up. The Denver Nuggets had the surprise return of their star player Nikola Jokic after 16 games out; and the Los Angeles Clippers were the hottest team in the NBA; going at a 16-3 clip after a dismal 6-21 start. And by and large; that was exactly what we got. The intensity was awesome; players fighting for every ball; true Playoffs-style.

In the end though; it was the Nuggets who proved too strong; utilizing their relentless offense and unbridled chemistry to suffocate the Clippers in the 4th quarter. Jokic had a stellar game on his return; looking like he was never away; but he was ably supported by sidekick Jamal Murray (who is looking more & more like a Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan); and supporting cast such as Peyton Watson; Jonas Valanciunas and Tim Hardaway Junior.

What makes the Nuggets more ominous is that they actually went 10-6 during the time Jokic was out; which even included absences to key starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson. That actually forced the rest of the team to play better; such as small forward Watson, Spencer Jones and even Bruce Brown. That's why they have such a deep & loaded squad now; with tremendous chemistry; that makes them a serious force to be reckoned with.