By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic delivered his top game in the preseason with 21 points, five assists and four rebounds over 22 minutes to help the Denver Nuggets beat the reigning champion Golden State Warriors 119 – 112.
Jokic was out during the Nuggets’ preseason matches against the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns while nursing a right wrist sprain. In his return to action, the Serbian big man showed that he’s ready to go for the regular season, just three days before the opener vs. the Utah Jazz on the road.
Denver enters 2022-23 with reasonable championship aspirations due to the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Nuggets coach Mike Malone was satisfied with how his team performed. “Congrats on a hell of a preseason,” he told his players in the locker room. “Not because we won three in a row but I thought the work ethic and commitment you guys showed from San Diego all the way to tonight and San Francisco was tremendous.”
The Dallas Mavericks completed their preseason schedule with a 115 – 101 win over the Utah Jazz behind 24 points and five assists by Luka Doncic. Lauri Markkanen had 21 points for Utah.