A day after the surprising firing of coach Michael Malone, the Denver Nuggets ended a four-game losing streak with a decisive 124-116 road win against the Sacramento Kings on April 9, 2025, in the NBA.
This matchup was significant for Denver (48-32) as they played their first game under interim coach David Adelman. The Nuggets maintained control for most of the game, which was critical for their postseason standings. Going into this game, Denver had fallen from third place in the Western Conference, entering a tight race with several teams with equal records.
As the dust settled, the Nuggets found themselves tied for fourth with the Los Angeles Clippers (48-32) and a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers (49-31). Notably, they were ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies (47-32) and the Golden State Warriors (47-33).
Nikola Jokic, who is in pursuit of joining an elite group of players to average a triple-double for an entire season, made significant contributions, scoring 20 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists in the game against Sacramento (39-41).
Despite a quieter offensive performance than usual, Jokic exhibited his talent at crucial moments, pushing through a double team to score a pivotal floater in the late fourth quarter.
He later set up Jalen Pickett for yet another basket, helping the Nuggets fend off a late comeback attempt from the Kings.
The Kings had trailed by as many as 16 points but rallied late, closing the gap to four points with just four minutes remaining. Guard Zach LaVine, who led the Kings with 27 points, was instrumental in this push, shooting adeptly from the three-point line.
Alongside LaVine’s performance, Keon Ellis contributed 20 points, hitting 6 of 11 from beyond the arc, while DeMar DeRozan added 22 points. Their efforts kept the Kings competitive down the stretch.
However, Denver’s clutch performances proved vital. Michael Porter Jr. nailed a late three-pointer under pressure, expanding the Nuggets’ lead back to seven points with just over three minutes to play. Porter finished with 21 points in total.
Pickett sealed the victory with another three-pointer, contributing to his 18 points, the lowest score among Denver’s starting five. Furthermore, Christian Braun led the team in scoring with 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 21 points, including a strong start in the first quarter.
“This victory underlines our potential as a team, and we look forward to building on this momentum,” noted interim coach David Adelman after the game.
As the playoffs loom, the Nuggets appear determined to regain their former glory as they strive for success in the home stretch of the season.
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