After scoring 10 of the Denver Nuggets’ first 12 points, it looked like prized rookie Michael Porter Jr. was in for yet another big game. His quick burst allowed the Nuggets to lead throughout much of the first quarter, which ended with Denver holding a 32-28 lead over the San Antonio Spurs by the end of the period. However, Porter slowed down in the second quarter, only scoring 4 points in the quarter as San Antonio battled back to take a 65-62 lead over the Nuggets.
Although Denver held a 45-35 lead over the Spurs midway through the second quarter, San Antonio would score 37 points in the quarter and veteran forward Rudy Gay would lead all players with 15 points by halftime. It looked like the Nuggets was going to fall apart for the second time in three games after the Spurs amassed a 71-62 lead over Denver early in the third quarter. Fortunately for the Nuggets, they were able to battle back after forcing the Spurs into misses.
They also got a tremendous effort on the boards, namely from Porter and Nikola Jokic.
Similar to how he took over in overtime during the team’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic was a beast in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and allowing the Nuggets to knot the game up at 89. Holding San Antonio to just 24 points in the third quarter, their lowest amount in the game, underscored a defensive effort by Denver that seems to have carried over from their win over the Thunder.
The Nuggets would never look back after taking the lead in the fourth quarter, and defeated the Spurs 132-126. Porter would finish the game with 30 points on 11-19 shooting and 15 rebounds. Jokic would record a double-double himself, with 25 points and 11 assists. Meanwhile, Monte Morris and Jerami Grant would combine for 41 points.
Denver held San Antonio’s starters to 40.9% shooting from the field.
The Nuggets’ next game will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on August 6 at 6 PM MST.
