Doubt Miami at your own peril. Being the underdog is nothing new for Erik Spoelstra's squad, and the Heat won't be satisfied with a Finals appearance.
Jordan Greer
The 10 best players, ranked, who will be playing in the 2023 NBA Finals between the Heat and Nuggets.
Stephen Noh
We break down Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Nuggets (-9.0) and the Heat, providing an over/under prediction along with our favourite player props.
Sloan Piva
The Nuggets and Heat are set to meet in the 2023 NBA Finals in what should be an interesting matchup.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 NBA Finals between Denver and Miami including the series schedule, start times, TV channels and more!
Sam Jarden
Will the Heat's Cinderella run end with a championship, or will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray be too much for Miami's defense?
Scott Rafferty
Nikola Jokic is still the betting favorite to win Finals MVP after winning the Western Conference Finals MVP and leading the Nuggets to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. We break down the latest odds for the 2023 NBA Finals MVP race.
Jovan Alford
The Sporting News was tracking live score updates and highlights throughout Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers are making a few big changes to their starting lineup as they look to avoid elimination at the hands of the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
Gilbert McGregor
The discussion around Carmelo Anthony's retirement spells out everything that's wrong with rings culture.
Micah Adams
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Game 3 of Lakers vs. Nuggets. Check out all of the action you may have missed right here.
As the Lakers look to slow Jamal Murray down, the NBA world quickly made him the No. 1 topic of discussion in the Twittersphere.
You don't get a triple-double without impacting the game in a number of areas, but there is one particular way Jokic is hurting the Lakers in the series.
LeBron James went full Denzel Washington on a flop in Game 2. The internet had a field day.
Nikola Jokic triple-doubled, Jamal Murray went off in the fourth while LeBron and AD struggled from the field in the Nuggets' Game 2 win
Joseph Corr
LeBron James and the Lakers face a 2-0 deficit to the Nuggets following Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Here's what history says is next for the NBA star:
Zac Al-Khateeb
Jamal Murray scored 23 of his game-high 37 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Nuggets to a 108-103 win over the Lakers in Game 2.
Benyam Kidane
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was not happy about the narratives so far in the Western Conference Finals. He expressed displeasure before and after Game 2.
Kyle Irving
The Lakers are wasting no time when it comes to making adjustments against the Nuggets.
Here's the latest on the infection Jamal Murray is dealing with and his status for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
How James attacked Murray in Game 1 could turn out to be the Lakers' best shot at keeping up with the Nuggets.
The Lakers lost Game 1 against the Nuggets, but they made a late run and had some good success by putting Rui Hachimura on Nikola Jokic.
The Sporting News tracked live score updates and highlights from the Nuggets' Game 1 win of the Western Conference Finals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has played with both Nikola Jokic and LeBron James and says there's plenty of similarities between the pair.
Nikola Jokic may have humbly downplayed his impressive performance, but it was a hot topic of discussion throughout the night.
Davis and Jokic will likely guard each other for much of the series, and that matchup will have massive ramifications on which team advances to the NBA Finals.
We break down Wednesday's Western Conference Finals Game 1 matchup between the top-seeded Nuggets and seventh-seeded Lakers, providing an over/under prediction along with our favourite player prop.
Nick Musial
The Lakers defeated the Nuggets in five games the last time they met in the Conference Finals. Will history repeat itself?
The Nuggets are set to take on the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Here's what you need to know about the matchup and a prediction on who will win.
Following another dominant display from Nikola Jokic in Game 6, Suns star Kevin Durant had nothing but praise for the Nuggets center.
ESPN announcer Mark Jackson was the only media member who did not give All-Star center Nikola Jokic a top-five vote for the 2023 NBA MVP award.
With Deandre Ayton ruled out for Game 6, the onus is on Jock Landale to try and slow down Nikola Jokic. Here's a breakdown of Landale's role with the Suns and brief look back at his college career.
Here's everything we know about Deandre Ayton's rib injury ahead of Game 6.
Jamal Murray is listed at only 6-4 and 215 pounds, but the Nuggets guard knows how to operate in the post.
At the end of the first quarter of Game 5, Booker appeared to tweak his foot while attempting to finish at the basket in transition.
Given the Suns' title aspirations, Chris Paul's status for the remainder of the series — and postseason — looms large.
Jokic and Ishbia were involved in an altercation during Game 4 that resulted in Jokic being assessed a technical foul.
The two-time MVP received a technical foul for his role in the incident. However, he was not ejected from Game 4.
The Nuggets star center was assessed a technical for pushing the Suns owner, who had the ball after it went out of bounds.
Edward Sutelan
The Suns delivered in a must-win situation by taking Game 3 from the Nuggets, but it wasn't without internal friction.
While both All-Stars have not yet reached the NBA Finals, they have posted some stellar playoff numbers during their careers with the 76ers and Nuggets.
Only 7.4% of teams to trail 2-0 in a best-of-7 series have come back to win. Can the Suns claw their way back against the Nuggets?
We break down Tuesday's Game 2 matchup between the top-seeded Nuggets (-4.0) and fourth-seeded Suns, providing an against-the-spread and over/under prediction along with our favorite SuperDraft prop.
Deandre Ayton's defense against Nikola Jokic could be the swing factor in this clash of top-four seeds.
The Sporting News previews the Western Conference Semifinals matchup between the Suns and Nuggets.
After falling into a 3-0 hole, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards made a promise that the series wasn't over. He upheld that promise by leading Minnesota to a win in Game 4.
Murray, who was sidelined for 18 months after a devastating injury, is back and better than ever in the NBA Playoffs.
Here's the latest news on Nikola Jokic's wrist injury, which could impact him in Game 2.
Two years on from suffering a torn ACL, Jamal Murray has worked his way back to his best, helping the Nuggets establish themselves as championship contenders.
We break down the first-round series between the No. 1 seed Nuggets and No. 8 seed Timberwolves, providing our best bets and series prop bets for this Western Conference playoffs matchup.
Can the Timberwolves challenge the West's No. 1 seed? Here's a breakdown of this first-round series.
Here's everything we know about Nikola Jokic's injury and the latest on when he could return.
We break down Friday's Nuggets-Pelicans nightcap, providing our best bet and favorite player prop bet for this Western Conference showdown.
The Bucks and Celtics have the shortest odds to win the 2023 NBA Finals. While Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic battle it out for MVP favouratism. We break down the Championship and Awards markets as we approach the end of the season.
Here's everything we know about Murray's injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
With just 28.3 seconds remaining in their loss to the Nuggets, Raptors forward Scottie Barnes was ejected by referee Scott Foster.
We break down Saturday's marquee Western Conference tilt between the top-seeded Nuggets and the second-seeded Grizzlies. Get odds, picks, predictions, and player props ahead of what could be an instant classic.
Here is everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Clippers, including TV and streaming options for the game.
Being in the conversation is obviously different from actually winning the award, but Nikola Jokic's path to going back-to-back-to-back is becoming clearer by the day.
The Celtics-Nuggets matchup was delayed by 40 minutes as arena staff had to replace the rim after Robert Williams' dunk.
With the Nuggets looking like contenders once again, Jamal Murray is shaping up to be the biggest X-factor in the Western Conference come playoff time.
With five games of action spanning the entirety of the day, we have you covered with tip-off times and how to watch each NBA game on Christmas Day.
For the 15th straight year, basketball fans get to unwrap the gift of five NBA games on Christmas Day, a tradition that will never get old.
Nikola Jokic stuffed the stat sheet with his 81st career triple-double.
Nikola Jokic pulled the strings for the Nuggets, notching his 79th career triple-double as they held off a spirited comeback from the Thunder, securing a 122-110 win on the road.
For the second consecutive game, Russell Westbrook came off the bench and tonight his impact was telling as the Lakers secured their first win of the season.
Here's the latest on how long the Lakers will be without Russell Westbrook, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Russell Westbrook is far from the only reason the Lakers have struggled as much as they have, but one of his plays from their loss to the Trail Blazers illustrates their biggest issues.
Here's everything we know about Jamal Murray's injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
Will the Nuggets' healthy roster put them at the top, or will the new-look Timberwolves hit their stride and shake up the division standings?
Following his impressive showing at Las Vegas Summer League, Aussie Jack White earned the team's final two-way contract for the upcoming season.
Aussie Jack White turned in an impressive performance for the Nuggets in Vegas as he continues his push towards earning the franchise's remaining two-way deal.
The two-time league MVP has signed the richest contract in league history to remain with the Nuggets.
Nick Metallinos
Thanks to Taco Bell, Nikola Jokic's immigrant journey has become an inspiration.
Ananth Pandian
With each finalist having a worthy claim to earn the honor, just how close was the MVP race? Here is a breakdown of the results.
Nikola Jokic becomes just the 13th player in NBA history to win consecutive MVP awards. Here's the full list.
With the Nuggets' loss to the Warriors in the first round, Nikola Jokic joined a small list of MVPs that failed to take their team through the opening stage of the NBA Playoffs.
Joel Embiid may still be playing in the postseason but here's why Nikola Jokic deserves to win the MVP over the Sixers' big man.
Draymond Green and Nikola Jokic were locked in a chess match throughout their first-round series.
As the Nuggets head into the offseason, there is plenty to be excited about in the future. Here's a snapshot of where Denver stands.
Here's everything you need to know about Warriors vs. Nuggets, including a full schedule for the first-round series.
With the Nuggets back in familiar territory, it's hard not to acknowledge the prospect of them coming back from a 3-1 deficit once again.
Does Nikola Jokic have the lottery numbers?
Joe Rivera
After returning from an injury, Stephen Curry has emerged as Golden State's new sixth man.
After a two-year hiatus from the playoffs, Golden State could be the first team to advance to the second round in 2022.
Jordan Poole followed up his impressive playoff debut with 29 points in Game 2 as the Warriors take a 2-0 series led over the Nuggets.
The Nuggets will look to level the series after the Warriors cruised to a comfortable victory in Game 1.
It was a major surprise when it was announced that Stephen Curry would return from his foot injury for Game 1, but he would come off the bench. Jordan Poole stepped up in his place, leading the Warriors to a 1-0 series lead over the Nuggets.
Jamal Murray is yet to play this year, but the Nuggets star isn't ruling out a playoff return.
Kevin Skiver
The Warriors and the Nuggets begin their playoff series on Saturday night.
The Warriors will take on the Nuggets in the opening round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
The reigning MVP makes NBA history in Denver's playoff-clinching victory over Memphis on Thursday.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic continues to add his name to the NBA record books, becoming the second-fastest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists club.
The two MVP frontrunners went toe-to-toe in Philly and while Joel Embiid outscored Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets big man had the last laugh, walking away with the win.
TSN's Scott Rafferty watched all of Nikola Jokic's assists so far this season to pick out the five best. Prepare to be mesmerized.
We looked at the 15 closest MVP races in modern NBA history to find out whether head-to-head records matter when it comes to picking MVPs.
Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo spoke with The Sporting News about the new golden age of centers in the NBA, beginning with MVP candidates Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic stuffed the stat sheet to power the Nuggets to a 138-130 overtime win over the Pelicans, rewriting the record books along the way.
Nikola Jokic put up another triple-double on Saturday night in the Nuggets' win over the Sacramento Kings, and with it, moved one step closer to passing Wilt Chamberlain on an all-time list.
From Kawhi Leonard to Zion Williamson to Jamal Murray and more, here are some stars who could make their return to the floor after the All-Star break.
The Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid and the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic have established themselves as the premier big men in the NBA, but which of the two is having the better season in 2021-22?
NBA.com Staff
The standout big men take home the honors for the month of January.
A turnover Nikola Jokic committed in Denver's recent win over Milwaukee is a perfect example of what makes the three-time All-Star unlike anyone else in the NBA. How so? NBA Global's Scott Rafferty explains.
Nikola Jokic got the better of fellow MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, finishing with a near triple-double in just three quarters as the Nuggets steamrolled past the Bucks, 136-100.
After taking home MVP honors for the 2020-21 season, Nikola Jokic has been even better this year, providing nightly reminders of just how impactful he is.
The Brooklyn Nets have made it clear that James Harden will not be made available at the trade deadline next month. They are confident that their All-Star is committed to winning a championship in Brooklyn.
Patty Mills, adding to his growing number of honours, was awarded as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to basketball as a competitor, charitable initiatives and to the Indigenous community.
The reigning Kia MVP and Atlanta's All-Star guard take home the honors for Week 14.
Denver Nuggets Strength and Conditioning coach Felipe Eichenberger has received the NBSCA Coach of the Year award for his work with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic not only stuffed the stat sheet by coming up big through key stretches of the game but also set-up the game-winning play in overtime, helping the Nuggets edge the Clippers
Yash Matange
The Celtics, Nuggets and Spurs have agreed to a three-team deal that sends Bol Bol to Boston and Bryn Forbes to Denver.
Despite a 125-102 loss to the Utah Jazz, the Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic recorded his ninth triple-double of the season, finishing with 25 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists. Jokic now moves to seventh on the all-time list behind Wilt Chamberlain.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson has hit out at what he perceives to be a lack of effort from the team following their 133-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
A two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking to win the award for the third time in four seasons. Has he done enough to surpass Kevin Durant?
Cousins was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after averaging 9.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17 games this season.
Nikola Jokic continues to stuff the stat sheet with absolutely absurd lines. The latest came against the Clippers in a performance that entered him into the Nuggets record books.
Kane Pitman
With Devin Booker, and possibly Trae Young, set to make their Christmas Day debuts, take a look back at how other NBA legends performed on the marquee day.
The next games for the Cavaliers, Magic and Nets as well as the next two games for the Nets have been postponed, the NBA announced.
Official Release
Chalmers last played in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2017-18 season. Since then, he has played internationally in Greece (AEK Athens, Aris) and Italy (Virtus Bologna, Indios de Mayagüez) while also participating in the BIG 3.
Appropriate for the NBA's landmark 75th season, Devonte' Graham rewrote history with his shot, sinking what is now the longest game-winning buzzer-beater in NBA history.
Anthony Edwards became the youngest player ever to hit 10 3-pointers in a game, setting some impressive career benchmarks in the Timberwolves' win over the Nuggets.
Pelicans guard Devonte' Graham connected on a game-winner at the buzzer from the opposite 3-point line against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Is it the craziest ever? Our NBA.com Staff weighs in.
Isaiah Thomas' grind back to the NBA got off to an impressive start, dropping 42 points in his G League debut for the Grand Rapids Gold.
Nikola Jokic was tossed from the game midway through the fourth quarter, finishing with 28 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists.
The majority of the NBA MVP attention has focused on Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to start the year, but what about the player who won the award last year? Nikola Jokic has been just as good, if not better, than he was a season ago.
Nikola Jokic had one of his finest games of the season in Denver's overtime win against New Orleans. In the process, he showed why he might be the best post-up player in the league.
One member of the NBA Global staff created a team made up of six players — a starting five and sixth man — of players who are outplaying their current contracts. Who joins Seth Curry and Alex Caruso?
Jokic recorded his third triple-double of the season and the 60th of his career to pass Larry Bird for eighth all-time.
After missing the previous four games over a period of nine days, Nikola Jokic returned to the Nuggets lineup as the team began a monster seven-game road trip in Miami. For a return game, the reigning MVP stuffed the stat sheet with a near triple-double of 24 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in just 33 minutes of action on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field.
Michael Porter Jr. left Denver's matchup with Houston on Nov. 6 with a back injury and hasn't taken the court since.
An exciting nine-game slate provided plenty of action and thrilling performances headlined by the marquee contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. In case you missed anything, we got you covered with the best game, top performers and the final scores.
Just six games on Friday but plenty of action and competitive games to look back on. In case you missed anything, we got you covered with the top highlight, best game and top fantasy performers.
Through the first month of the season, the NBA's Most Valuable Player is...
A huge 10-game slate filled the NBA schedule, with plenty of highlight performances to go around. Catch up on the best game, highlight and fantasy performances from another busy day around the league including big nights for Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Devin Booker and many more.
Seven games around the league on Sunday, headlined by big wins for the Lakers, Hornets and Hawks. If you missed any of the action, we've got you covered with the best game, highlight, performance, fantasy performers and more below.
With a huge 11-game slate, there was plenty of action around the NBA on Saturday. If you missed any of it, we had you covered with the best game, highlight, performance, fantasy performers and more below.
Nikola Jokic has been suspended for one game and Markieff Morris has been fined for their altercation in the Nuggets-Heat game on Monday.
Bringing the ball up the floor, Nikola Jokic was fouled hard by Markieff Morris which sparked quite the physical reaction from the Serbian Center. Tensions flared but after things calmed down and upon review, both players were ejected.
With eight games on today's NBA schedule, we've got you covered with where to watch and what to keep an eye on.
Young and Murray will playtest, provide feedback, and collaborate with Wilson on their NBA products, joining a growing list of Advisory members.
Sunday's six-game slate served up plenty of big performances, headlined by Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Devin Booker. Catch up on all the news, scores and highlights right here.
What a day of hoops it was around the NBA with eleven games on the slate. Three games where decided by one possession, with monster performances across the league. Catch up on all the news, scores and highlights right here.
This was a fun night around the NBA. We had rookie battles, vintage veteran performances and statement wins. If you missed any of the action check in here for the scores, highlights and best performances of the night.
Ingles is the first player in Jazz franchise history to reach 1,000 3-pointers, extending his lead at the top of the all-time leaderboard.
A five game slate was headlined by an OT battle between the Lakers and Spurs. Catch up on big performances, injury scares and plenty of highlights from tonight's NBA action.
Nikola Jokic clashed knees with Rudy Gobert during the second quarter. The MVP was ruled out of the game with a knee contusion.
Nine games filled the slate on Tuesday, as the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets looked to remain undefeated in the early going. If you missed any of the action jump in right here for all the news, highlights and recaps of the day's play.
An entertaining opening night was followed by an action-packed 11-game slate on Day 2 of the NBA's 75th anniversary season. Follow along for all your final scores, stats, news, highlights and top fantasy performers from each game.
The 2021-22 NBA season is underway and there are 11 games of action with 22 teams making their season debut. We have you covered with the perfect plan of attack to consume as many games as possible.
Using their Season Simulation, NBA 2K played out the full season, crowning an NBA champion as well as some of the key end-of-season award winners.
The second to last day of preseason is in the books, with several teams wrapping up their preparation ahead of opening night next week. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Trae Young were all in action, so if you missed any of it don't worry, we've got you covered.
Josh Giddey's first preseason is in the books, with the Australian teenager falling just shy of a triple-double against the Denver Nuggets. Attention now turns to the regular season opener against Joe Ingles and the Utah Jazz.
Day 11 of the preseason provided seven games on the slate, with game winning jump shots, highlight reel dunks and big time individual performances throughout. If you missed any of the action we've got you covered with scores, highlights and news from the days play.
Josh Giddey and the Oklahoma City Thunder topped Denver in an entertaining preseason matchup. The Australian rookie impressed in the win, before discussing the adjustment to NBA play in a postgame interview.
It was a massive day of preseason basketball headlined by the Los Angeles Lakers season debut for LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. Catch up on all the scores, news and highlights in our daily recap.
Day 4 of the NBA preseason is in the books. Monster dunks, classic GIF's and some Luka magic were all on the agenda. If you missed any of the action we've got you covered here with scores, notable performers and top highlights!
The first multi-game slate of the 2021-22 NBA preseason and there was no shortage of action. We've got you covered with the final scores, top performers, biggest storylines and more from Day 2.
At the tip-off of the 2021-22 season, as many as four NBA teams have three max players on their roster including strong contenders in the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Michael Porter Jr. has agreed to a five-year max contract extension worth up to $207 million with the Denver Nuggets.
After 18 years of an off-court friendship and on-court rivalry, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony will finally be NBA teammates for the first time. With Melo joining the Lakers this offseason, take a trip down memory lane and look at pictures of marquee moments and matchups throughout their careers.
Led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver boasts one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. This season, the Nuggets have a chance to prove themselves to be legitimate title contender, even in a crowded Western Conference.
NBA.com's Kyle Irving, Gilbert McGregor and Scott Rafferty discuss how the Western Conference is shaping up following another busy offseason. Should the Lakers and Suns be in the same tier? What should be made of the Clippers, Nuggets and Warriors? Which teams are destined to compete for a spot in the Play-In Tournament?
Ahead of training camp, our NBA.com Staff gives their predictions for who will be named the league's Most Improved Player in the 2021-22 season.
Denver became one of three franchises (Boston, Houston) to record multiple 3-1 series comebacks, however, the Nuggets set themselves apart by doing so in the same postseason (2020) having also beaten the Utah Jazz in the first round after being down 3-1.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Aaron Gordon has agreed to a four-year extension with the Nuggets that includes a player option on the 2025-26 season.
The draft, free agency and trades and the avenues to building a contender. Not every team is constructed the same way. Ahead of the 2021-22 season, take a look at some of the contenders around the NBA and how they have priced their roster together.
This was Jamal Murray's second 50-point performance in three games, making him only the fourth player after Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and Donovan Mitchell (earlier in the series) to score 50 or more twice in a single series.
Donovan Mitchell scored 51 points, helping the Jazz overcome Jamal Murray's 50-piece and win the hard-fought contest 129-127. It was the first time in NBA playoff history that opposing players had scored at least 50 in the same game.
The Grand Rapids Gold officially have a head coach. The new G League identity has announced the hiring of longtime NBA veteran Jason Terry. After one year coaching in college basketball, Terry returns to lead the new Denver Nuggets affiliate as the G League attempts to tip-off a normal schedule after an interrupted two seasons.
NBA Summer League is highlighted by the opportunity to see the top picks in their first NBA action, but there are always a few under-the-radar rookies who have breakout performances, showing promise for the upcoming season. Here are 10 rookies who made the most of their opportunity in Las Vegas.
The NBA has announced its Opening Week national television schedule for the 2021-22 season and there is no shortage of star power. The eight games feature 12 different teams, including the last eight players to win MVP and three matchups from last year's playoffs.
The Wizards announced that they have reached an agreement with Nuggets' associate head coach Wes Unseld Jr. to become their new head coach. Unseld Jr. spent the last six seasons with the Nuggets, but returns to where his NBA coaching career began, as a former assistant for the Wizards from 2005 to 2011.
In two closeout games on the road this post-season, Booker has scored a combined 81 points.
Paul scored a season-high 37 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to their first Western Conference finals appearance since 2010.
Nikola Jokic was ejected from Game 4 after a hard foul on Cameron Payne in the third quarter.
A shoulder injury limited Chris Paul in the first round, but he's been firing on all cylinders against Denver in the second round. That much was clear down the stretch of Game 3 when the Point God put on a pick-and-roll clinic to put the Suns one win away from the Western Conference Finals.
Nikola Jokic was presented with the MVP trophy pregame and went on to deliver a performance worthy of the award. Despite a monster triple-double, the Nuggets still lost Game 3 to now be on the brink of elimination.
The Denver Nuggets are officially on the brink of elimination. Chris Paul and Devin Booker were once again the stars for the Phoenix Suns, with the No. 2 seed now taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Although head coach Michael Malone called their performance embarrassing and felt that they quit in Game 2, Jokic wasn't as harsh as he discussed what the Nuggets need to make this series more competitive as it shift to Denver for Games 3 and 4.
The Phoenix Suns dominance in Game 2 started on the defensive end, with head coach Monty Williams praising his team's relentless approach as the series now moves to Denver.
For the second consecutive game, the Phoenix Suns used a third quarter blitz to rock the Denver Nuggets. Led by Chris Paul, the Suns blew out the Nuggets after halftime and now take a commanding 2-0 lead as the series moves to Denver.
Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic took home the 2020-21 MVP trophy, beating out Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry for the award.
The Denver Nuggets big man becomes the first center to be named Most Valuable Player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
Nikola Jokic appeared in all 72 games this season, posting career-highs across the board of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists on .566/.388/.868 shooting splits. He led the league with 60 double-doubles and ranked second behind only Russell Westbrook (38) with 16 triple-doubles.
"This crowd is crazy, it's crazy to have the fans in there and the energy. There's nothing like it," Chris Paul said postgame. The crowd in Phoenix during Game 1 brought the atmosphere, as the Suns turned the game around with a big 39-12 run in the second half.
This is exactly why the Phoenix Suns acquired Chris Paul. Trailing and under pressure during the third quarter, Paul took over, producing a fourth quarter masterclass to lead the Suns to an important win in Game 1.
After averaging just 9.2 points in the first round of the 2021 postseason, Chris Paul finished with 21 points in Game 1, including in the fourth quarter alone, as the Suns comfortably clinched Game 1 by turning the game on its head with a monster 39-12 run in the second half.
The Suns and Nuggets played one of the most competitive season series, but Denver will enter without key rotation players in Jamal Murray, Will Barton and PJ Dozier. Can the MVP favourite in Nikola Jokic help the shorthanded Nuggets make a series of this?
The Denver Nuggets' hopes of another long postseason run remains in tact, with MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic continuing his dominant 2020-21 season.
The Serbian MVP finalist, one of six Nuggets to finish in double figures, scored 27 of his 36 in the second half as Denver flipped this game by going on a 42-18 run over the final 15 minutes.
Damian Lillard has made a habit out of hitting unbelievable shots both in the playoffs and regular season, making 'Dame Time' nearly a guarantee when things get tight. Following his monster effort in Game 5 against the Nuggets, let's rewind to some of Dame's most iconic buckets.
"We never hung our heads. We never got down on ourselves," Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said postgame as he credited his team for their fight to leave it all on the floor and overcome Damian Lillard's 'superhuman' effort for the win.
Damian Lillard finished with a game-high 55 points on 17-of-24 shooting from the field while also dishing out 10 assists and knocking down 12 3-pointers, setting and breaking multiple franchise and NBA records in the process.
The Trail Blazers superstar was setting and breaking records left, right and center which left the NBA fraternity including current and former players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant speechless as they took to Twitter to share their reactions.
The NBA Playoffs continue with a trio of Game 5s on Wednesday (AEST), including two pivotal meetings in the Western Conference while the Nets look to advance past the first round.
Following a tough loss in Game 3, Norman Powell led the Blazers to a dominant win in Game 4 with a game-high 29 points in 34 minutes of play. For more on Portland's victory, some takeaways at the buzzer...
Sunday's busy slate consists of four playoff games, a pair of Game 4s and a pair of Game 3s. The Bucks will look to sweep the Heat, the Trail Blazers will try and even the series with the Nuggets, the 76ers look to keep the Wizards winless and the Grizzlies and Jazz aim to take a one-game lead in their series. Here are a couple of things to watch for in Saturday's games.
The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason missing one of their best players in Jamal Murray but it hasn't mattered to this point, with the team now holding a 2-1 edge in the series. Head coach Michael Malone praised his squad's fight on the road, as they look ahead to a pivotal Game 4.
The signing of Austin Rivers late in the season has paid dividends, with the veteran guard producing a huge fourth quarter to help the Denver Nuggets pull off a huge road win in Game 3. The Nuggets now lead the series 2-1.
