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SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Beat Nuggets 102-87 Behind SGA and Holmgren’s Dominant Performances

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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

In a rematch of last season’s top Western Conference teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder took an early lead in the rivalry with a 102-87 win over the Denver Nuggets. OKC, which secured the No. 1 seed last year after winning the season series 3-1, relied on standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to set the tone.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren combined for 53 points, leading OKC’s charge. Gilgeous-Alexander packed the stat sheet with 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and three blocks, while Holmgren contributed 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, showcasing his versatility on both ends.

Denver’s Nikola Jokić made history by recording the first triple-double of the season, tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists—his 131st career triple-double. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s dynamic duo.

One of the game’s defining moments came in the third quarter when Holmgren blocked Jokić in the lane, sprinted down the court, and completed a dunk off an assist from Gilgeous-Alexander. This play highlighted Holmgren’s two-way impact and earned an impressive Dunk Score of 65.7.

With both teams projected to contend again in a tight Western Conference, this early win may provide the Thunder a crucial edge in what’s shaping up to be another fiercely competitive season.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Timberwolves’ Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals, Sends Nuggets to Cancun

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Timberwolves' Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals

In a thrilling Game 7, the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, 98-90. Trailing 58-38 with 10:50 left in the third quarter, the Timberwolves comeback set a record for the largest second-half comeback in a Game 7 during the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).

Minnesota’s victory marks its second-ever Game 7 win, propelling the team to its first Conference Finals since 2004—exactly 20 years before their last appearance. The Timberwolves’ top-rated defense was instrumental, dominating the third quarter 28-14 and finishing the frame on a 28-9 run to cut the 20-point deficit to just one point.

During the critical run, Minnesota limited Denver to 20% shooting while hitting 50% of their shots. Anthony Edwards, who had a slow start, ignited the comeback with 9 points during the run. Karl-Anthony Towns (23 points) and Jaden McDaniels (23 points) also made significant contributions.

From 10:50 in the third quarter to the final buzzer, Minnesota outscored Denver 60-32, holding the Nuggets to 33% shooting. Except for Nikola Jokic, who scored 21 points in that stretch, no other Denver player managed more than 6 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, shot 48.7%, outrebounded the Nuggets 28-13, and saw every starter post a +23 or better.

Despite Denver’s attempts to rally, including tying the game at 72-72 and getting within three points at 85-82, Minnesota maintained their lead. Key plays, such as a Naz Reid putback, a Mike Conley steal, and an Anthony Edwards three-pointer, secured the win.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 35 points, while Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic recorded 34 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. This game marked only the second time in NBA history that two teammates each scored 34+ points in a Game 7, following Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in the 1962 NBA Finals.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Timberwolves’ Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals, Sends Nuggets to Cancun first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Anthony Edwards Powers Wolves to Force Game 7 Against Nuggets

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Anthony Edwards Powers Wolves to Force Game 7 Against Nuggets

The first three minutes of Game 6 appeared to follow a familiar script, with Denver jumping to a 9-2 lead, forcing Minnesota to call a timeout to regroup. However, the next 45 minutes unfolded as one of the most extraordinary win-or-go-home performances in NBA Playoff history, with the Timberwolves dismantling the Nuggets 115-70.

Minnesota responded to Denver’s early lead with a 20-0 run over the next five-plus minutes, extending the surge to 29-5 to close the first quarter. The Wolves added a 24-0 run in the fourth quarter, becoming the first team to achieve two separate 20-0 runs in a Playoff game during the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).

The Wolves led by as many as 50 points and secured the eighth-largest postseason win in NBA history (+45) and the second-largest Game 6 win ever, behind only Chicago’s +54 in 2015. Their 45-point victory is the second-largest in a win-or-go-home scenario, surpassed only by the Minneapolis Lakers’ 58-point win over the St. Louis Hawks in 1956.

Anthony Edwards fueled the victory with 27 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and four three-pointers. Minnesota’s defense, reminiscent of their early series performance, smothered Denver and allowed the Wolves to force a decisive Game 7 in the Mile High City.

In Edwards’ 34 minutes on the court, the Wolves outscored the Nuggets by 43 points—the largest plus/minus of the 2024 Playoffs and the seventh-largest in the play-by-play era.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

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Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets to a series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite battling a calf strain, Murray’s resilience shone through as he sank his second game-winning shot of the series with just 3.6 seconds remaining, securing a 108-106 win in Game 5.

Murray’s performance etched his name in NBA history as the only player in the play-by-play era to make two game-winning field goals in the final five seconds of a playoff series. With 32 points, seven assists, and five 3-pointers in 41 minutes, Murray delivered when it mattered most.

 “I didn’t want to sit,” Murray said. “The training staff, they’re really cautious with it, they don’t want it to get worse. I was like ‘I’m not gonna leave my brothers out there.’ I got a little emotional in the back. I was like ‘I’m not sitting.’”

Nuggets Coach Michael Malone added, “He just told me, ‘I’m glad I played because I don’t know if we win if I don’t play tonight.’ I said, ‘Well, that’s the understatement of the year.”

You can watch the final five minutes of the game below.

Supported by standout performances from Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic, who combined for 51 points, Murray showcased his leadership and clutch ability on the court. Jokic’s dominant 25-point, 20-rebound, and 9-assist performance marked his second 25/20/5 game of the series.

The Nuggets ‘ resilience and tenacity prevailed despite the Lakers’ formidable efforts, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ halftime leads in each game were nullified by Denver’s strong finishes, exemplified by a decisive 21-10 run in the third quarter of Game 5.

With their sights set on the Conference Semifinals, the Nuggets prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 promises to be an electrifying showdown on Saturday in Denver as Murray and the Nuggets look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for NBA glory.

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LeBron James Erupts On Darvin Ham As Lakers Beat Nuggets With Caleb Williams Sitting Courtside

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were finally able to beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, ending an 11-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions. The first overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, sat courtside for the game. With the win, the Lakers extend their playoff hopes to at least another game, although no team in history has come back down 0-3.

“We get another opportunity to go play one more game, and if we win, come back and play another one and keep moving from there,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said afterward. “Odds aren’t stacked in our favor, but anytime we can keep ourselves floating above water and give ourselves an opportunity to do something special, we’re up for the challenge.”

Read More: LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

LeBron James Reacts To An Out Of Bounds Call

Los Angeles, CA – April 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after going out of bounds against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

The win comes despite a heated viral exchange between LeBron James and Lakers coach Darvin Ham in the fourth quarter. As James went for a steal against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the former Laker threw the ball out of bounds, but referees called it Nuggets ball. James wanted Ham to challenge the ruling, but he refused. After the game, Ham told reporters: “We deserved this tonight. We’ve just got to bottle it up and keep pushing and understand it can be our time. Why not us? Every new game is a new opportunity to be more competitive and more together and more selfless.”

LeBron James Furious After 4th Quarter Call

Game 5 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip-off in Denver on Monday night. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

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SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

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Murray's Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets' Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

Jamal Murray delivered a jaw-dropping performance, capping off the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 with a sensational game-winning shot. Murray’s 15-foot fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis’ outstretched arm, dubbed the Tissot Buzzer Beater, sealed the Nuggets’ 104-101 triumph.

Murray erupted for 14 points in the final 9:19 of the game, finishing with 20 points. His heroics were complemented by Nikola Jokic’s monstrous triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and ten assists. Michael Porter Jr. also contributed significantly with 22 points and nine boards.

“That’s Jamal Murray right there,” said Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he’s never shying away from the moment, the spotlight.”

Jokic’s performance marked a historic milestone, as he tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most games with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in playoff history, achieving his fourth in just 70 career playoff games.

Despite the Lakers’ efforts, led by Anthony Davis’ 32 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James’ near-triple-double of 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, they fell short in the face of the Nuggets’ relentless onslaught.

Meanwhile, in another electrifying matchup, the New York Knicks stunned the Philadelphia 76ers with a late rally in Game 2, securing a 104-101 victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo combined for an impressive 64 points, overshadowing Joel Embiid’s historic performance of 34 points and ten rebounds. This marked his 15th playoff game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the most in Sixers history.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers first appeared on The Source.

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Carmelo Anthony Calls The Nuggets “Petty” For Giving Nikola Jokic His Number

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Carmelo Anthony has sounded off against his former team, the Denver Nuggets, about their decision to give Nikola Jokic his old number. “When you think of 15 in Denver now, to this generation, you thinking Joker. I’m like, ‘F-ck is going on? 15?’” Melo told the 7am in Brooklyn podcast. Furthermore, Melo called the move “petty”.

Melo spent eight years in Denver to begin his NBA career. However, after a string of playoff misses and one-and-done first-round exits, Melo announced that he would be exploring free agency when his contract expired in 2011. However, rather than let him walk, the Nuggets traded Melo to the Knicks. Before coming to the NBA, Jokic also wore No. 15 in Serbia.

Read More: Carmelo Anthony Has No Regret About Retiring Without A Ring

Carmelo Anthony “Throwback” Performance Blows Jadakiss Away

However, during a separate appearance on 7am in Brooklyn, Melo got a chance to share some love for a close friend. As Jadakiss gave Usher his flowers for his recently-ended Vegas residency, he also mentioned that he still fondly remembered his time working with Usher. A moment later, Anthony was dropping a perfect cover of Kiss’ verse from that collaboration, “Throwback”. “He killed it!” Jadakiss exclaimed once Anthony had powered through the verse. You can watch Melo’s impromptu performance below. Let us know in the comments what you thought of Melo’s performance.

Jadakiss and Melo have been friends for most of Anthony’s professional basketball career. After Melo retired in May, Kiss was sure to honor his close friend. As Jadakiss began his performance at an Air Jordan event in July, he played audio from the 2003 NBA Draft, specifically the announcement of Melo going third overall to the Nuggets. Melo was in the crowd and was evidentially touched by the unorthodox shoutout. Kiss has also referred to Anthony as his “little brother” on numerous occasions during their friendship. Furthermore, Kiss’ son previously called his dad the “Melo of the [music] industry”, drawing yet another parallel between the pair.

Read More: Cam’ron Reveals How He Wanted Jadakiss To Be His It Is What It Is Co-Host

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Aaron Gordon Out Indefinitely After Christmas Day Dog Attack

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There is “no timetable” for Aaron Gordon to return to the Nuggets after he was attacked by a dog on Christmas Day. Per Shams Charania, Gordon suffered “serious dog bites to his face and shooting right hand on Monday — requiring 21 stitches”. Later, the team said that Gordon was “in good condition and will remain away from the team while he recovers”. Gordon is averaging 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game this season. He is in his fourth year with the team.

The Nuggets, with Gordon a key player, have started their title defense well and sit at 22-10 on the season. This includes a currently active five-game winning streak. However, they only hold the second seed in the West due to the white-hot Timberwolves. Minnesota holds a 22-7 record. Nikola Jokic has been the powerhouse of the Nuggets this season. The two-time MVP is averaging a double-double with 26.4 points and 12.3 rebounds. Furthermore, Jokic is also averaging 9.2 assists a game, nearly putting him on a triple-double.

Read More: Aaron Gordon Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Ja Morant Faces Criticism For Gun Celebration

Without Gordon, the Nuggets will be short-handed as they host the Grizzlies, who are yet to lose since Ja Morant’s return to the team. However, Morant has found himself in a new controversy this week. After dropping a dunk, Morant appeared to fire off two imaginary guns before running back down the court. Of course, this caused a lot of outrage given that Morant is just four games into a season cut short by a gun-related suspension. However, the Grizzlies appeared to be a fan of the move, sharing the clip to the team’s official X account.

The win over the Pelicans marked the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive win, meaning the team is 4-0 since Morant returned to the team. Morant had a game-high 31 points along with 7 assists. However, Morant was also tied for a game-high 6 turnovers with the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson. Denver won a close game against a Morant-less Memphis in their second game of the season.

Read More: GloRilla & Moneybagg Yo Attend Ja Morant’s Memphis Homecoming

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Russell Wilson And Future Jr Post Up At Nuggets Game

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Russell Wilson took his stepson, Future Jr., to a Nuggets game this week. They were all smiles as Wilson posted a picture of the pair to social media. “The Best Times. Father Son time! Best Recovery Ever,” Wilson added as a caption. Future Jr is the son of Future and Wilson’s wife Ciara. However, it’s always been clear that Wilson doesn’t view the kid any differently from his biological children.

It’s been a big week for Wilson elsewhere. The Wilson-led Broncos won their second game in a row, taking their season record to 3-5. However, they also snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Chiefs, whom they beat 24-9. Without Taylor Swift in the stands, the Chiefs were unable to get anything going on offense, with Patrick Mahomes throwing two interceptions. Wilson threw for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

Read More: Ciara Recreates Iconic Nicki Minaj Look For Halloween

Nuggets Host Hilarious Costume Contest

The day after their Wilson-attended win over the Jazz, the Nuggets were on their way to Minnesota for a road game. With the trip coinciding with Halloween, a number of the team decided to dress up for the flight. Deandre Jordan went all-in, rocking up to the airport blasting “Bad Blood” and dressed as Taylor Swift. Jordan’s costume was simple – a Chiefs letter jacket and a blonde wing. However, the visuals were absolutely fantastic. Several other members of the team also dressed up ahead of their flight to Minnesota. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was Michael Myers, Aaron Gordon was a pirate (guessing Robin Hood would be too on the nose), and Reggie Jackson came in one of those inflatable dinosaur suits. Even coach Mike Malone got on board, showing up to the flight as a championship-winning gorilla. The most notable costume absence was of course Nikola Jokić, who refused to dress up and told reporters he had no plans on getting into costume.

The Nuggets have begun their title defense 4-0, dispatching the Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, and Jazz. This week they look to extend their start to 7-0 with games against the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Bulls. Jokić is already averaging a double-double, with 26.5 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is nearing a double-double of his own, with 20 points and 8.5 assists a game. It remains to be seen who in the West is going to be able to hold a candle to Denver this season.

Read More: Cam’ron Suggests Russell Wilson Dump Ciara To Improve His Play

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Deandre Jordan Dresses As Taylor Swift For Nuggets Halloween Costume Contest

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Deandre Jordan went all-in for the Nuggets’ team Halloween costume contest. The veteran center rocked up to Ball Arena blasting “Bad Blood” and dressed as Taylor Swift. Jordan’s costume was simple – a Chiefs letter jacket and a blonde wing. However, the visuals were absolutely fantastic. Several other members of the team also dressed up ahead of their flight to Minnesota. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was Michael Myers, Aaron Gordon was a pirate (guessing Robin Hood would be too on the nose), and Reggie Jackson came in one of those inflatable dinosaur suits. Even coach Mike Malone got on board, showing up to the flight as a championship-winning gorilla. The most notable costume absence was of course Nikola Jokić, who refused to dress up and told reporters he had no plans on getting into costume.

The Nuggets have begun their title defense 4-0, dispatching the Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, and Jazz. This week they look to extend their start to 7-0 with games against the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Bulls. Jokić is already averaging a double-double, with 26.5 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is nearing a double-double of his own, with 20 points and 8.5 assists a game. It remains to be seen who in the West is going to be able to hold a candle to Denver this season.

Read More: LeBron James Shows Off He And Savannah’s Incredible “Beetlejuice” Halloween Costumes

Shaq Goes As Jimmy Butler

However, it wasn’t just players who were dressing up. Shaq was without a doubt the winner of Inside The NBA‘s costume contest. Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson both played it safe, going the pop culture route as Top Gun‘s Iceman and The Godfather‘s Vito Corleone respectively. Meanwhile, Charles Barkley threw it back to an iconic Kevin Durant insult leveled at him, coming into work as a bus driver. However, Shaq took the cake as he rolled up to set as “Emo Jimmy Butler”, a reference to one of the offseason’s more viral moments. Everything about the costume was perfect, from the painfully 2000s wig to the fake nose and lip rings.

Butler wasn’t playing on Tuesday night, with the Heat having lost to the Bucks on Monday night. However, it was definitely one of the standout costumes of the evening. Of course, Giannis had set the tone after that Bucks victory, showing up to his post-game press conference dressed as the Hulk. However, perhaps the closest contender to Shaq’s meme reference was Victor Wembanyama. The 7″4 Spurs rookie perfectly embodied Slenderman as he rolled up to the team’s game against the Suns. In fact, Wemby’s outfit was referenced on Inside The NBA, with Barkley roasting Shaq for not knowing who Slenderman was.

Read More: Ciara Recreates Iconic Nicki Minaj Look For Halloween

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