In one of the most expected NBA matchups this weekend, Oklahoma City Denver beat 127-103 on Sunday in the first of a two-game series between the two best teams in the Western Conference, which happened to contain the leading MVP candidates of the competition.
The match was extremely disputed until the fourth quarter, when the Thunder started with a 9-0 run until they sealed the victory. OKC defeated their rivals with 21 points in the final phase, usually led by their superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who placed 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
In the fourth, the Canadian dropped seven consecutive points against the nuggets in a period of 1:20. Unbelievable, this was the 11th 40-point performance of the current Point Guard campaign, because he wants to earn his very first MVP prize.
Although he has a clear opportunity to conquer this award, the Thunder -star wishes the general success of his team about individual recognition. “I love MVPs, I love all-stars, I love all the praises that go with it, but nothing matters if you don’t win and that is where I hang my hat,” Shai said after the victory of his team.
Regarding Nikola Jokic, who also disputes for his fourth League MVP, contributed with an impactful 24 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists, but struggled with his shooting efficiency. In the first quarter he seemed to adjust his judge elbow and never seemed to shoot as precisely when we got used to.
The Serbian came on Friday from a historic victory of 149-141 against the Suns in Ball Arena on Friday and placed an incredible 31 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists. With this version, the Serbian continued to cement himself as one of the most important leaders for this year’s MVP title.
As for his coach Michael Malone, he no longer had words to praise his All-Star Center. “Nikola Jokić is one of one. I mean, the first player to ever have a game of 30, 20 and 20. I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me, “said the nuggets tactician.
