By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Labeled as the favorite to win, the Denver Nuggets and back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic did not get the job done in the visit to the Utah Jazz Wednesday evening. At 0-1 to start the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season.
“We didn’t shoot that much. The second half was a little bit better but not where it’s supposed to be,” the Joker shared his view on the opener of his eighth NBA campaign, “They made a lot of shots. We didn’t. They were open. It’s not like they were just making contested shots.”
Jokic, 27, finished with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals in Vivint Arena. Lasting 33 minutes in catchup mode for the night, he was apparently frustrated in rough stretches. On a positive note, both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were back from long stints on the injury list. In particular, Murray missed the entire 2021-22 season due to knee surgery.
“I love to play with him, of course. I know he’s gonna be really bad for the next 20 games, but we’re gonna survive,” Jokic joked about finally reuniting with the explosive point guard.
“I was shaking off the rust obviously,” said Murray after scoring 12 points with 5/13 field goals in 26 minutes, “I got some great looks, rushed into them hoping just to get a little rhythm.”
Staying on the road for the second game of the Regular Season, the Nuggets will take on the defending champions Golden State Warriors Friday.
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