Ryan Blackburn here, the host of the daily Locked On Nuggets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nuggets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nuggets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Nuggets Needed That Hawks Win Badly
Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The 10-piece gives you what you need to know from each of the Nuggets’ 82 games this season. Tonight’s breaks down the Nuggets’ blowout 141-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
1. The Wizards game was fresh in the mind: The Nuggets needed a statement win. They got it tonight. It doesn’t change what happened against the Washington Wizards, losing to a team that won 16 in a row, but it was a start.
2. Winning the Start: The Nuggets have now won seven total first quarters this season out of 22 tries. When the Nuggets win the first quarter, they’re 7-0. They won this quarter 38-23, the largest margin Denver’s won any first quarter this season.
3. Jokic domination: Nikola Jokic was unbelievable with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. It was important for him to be great tonight after calling out the team the night before. Some superstars have called out their team and then wiped their hands of the entire mess. Jokic was in the trenches with his teammates tonight trying to fix the problem.
4. Historical dominance: In the last three games, Jokic has scored 131 points, grabbed 50 rebounds, and dished out 27 assists. Nobody in NBA history has accomplished those totals in a 3-game span in the last 50 years.
5. Michael Porter imposes his will: As awesome as Jokic was, Porter also showcased his unique abilities. He shot just 1-of-5 from three-point range, but he shot 11-of-12 from two-point range, attacking the paint relentlessly. The Hawks couldn’t stay with him.
6. Russ energizes the room: Russell Westbrook had just nine points, but it didn’t matter. His energy, playmaking, and defense supercharged the Nuggets. It was a great leadership opportunity, and Russ did what he could with 11 assists, three stocks, and a nice corner three. He’s shooting 56% from the corners this year and just 26% from above the break.
7. Aaron Gordon returns: It actually wasn’t an awesome game from Gordon overall. He didn’t shoot well, and the normal hustle plays and physicality weren’t there. He’s clearly playing through some injuries, but the Nuggets needed him out there last night to settle things down.
8. Christian Braun’s streak continues: 22 straight games of double-digit scoring. Braun has a heavy burden on his shoulders this year, and he’s handled it well. 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three stocks last night. He was a +34 in his 32 minutes. The Nuggets need him.
9. Julian Strawther’s scoring: The impact numbers are really bad for Strawther this year. He was a minus-2 in a game the Nuggets won by 30. And yet, his scoring remains very important. 13 points on near perfect shooting last night.
10. Jalen Pickett shines(?!): It’s been a rough go for Jalen Pickett so far, but last night, he had five points and five assists in 17 minutes, a +18 on the game. I don’t know how many opportunities he will get this season, but I hope he takes advantage of every single one. He deserves it.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
Analysis Michael Malone praised Russell Westbrook’s impact after the Nuggets’ victory over the Hawks, emphasizing his relentless energy and leadership on the floor. His statement highlights Westbrook’s positive influence on the team dynamics. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury The NBA admitted a crucial officiating error in the Nuggets-Hawks game, which potentially impacted the game’s outcome. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of accurate officiating in critical moments. (Sports Illustrated)
Milestone Russell Westbrook made NBA history during the Nuggets-Hawks game by achieving yet another remarkable feat. His achievement further cements his legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats. (Sports Illustrated)
Replay The Denver Nuggets displayed exceptional energy in their dominant 141-111 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. This commanding performance was a much-needed boost for the team’s morale and standings. Relive the game for a detailed breakdown. (Denver Stiffs)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nuggets podcasts.
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Jamal Murray CLUTCH again! Jokic and Nuggets survive in New Orleans Matt and Ryan break down the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans led by Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook closing over Michael Porter Jr., and more.
Help the Nuggets Help Themselves Matt and Swipa break down Nikola Jokic’s performance and whether he needs more help.
