By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming out of four straight losses across the 2024 NBA Preseason schedule, the Denver Nuggets bounced back with a 132-126 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Target Center on Thursday.
Nikola Jokic was limited to four points in the preseason finale for the team coached by Michael Malone. The Serbian superstar made 2/5 two-pointers and missed two free throws. Besides a poor scoring showing, he piled up seven assists, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block over 28 minutes.
In European teammates coming off the bench, Croatian Dario Saric chipped in 13 points and five rebounds, and Slovenian Vlatko Cancar paired nine points with three assists.
On the losing end, naturalized Bosnian Luka Garza starting instead of resting French center Rudy Gobert scored a team-high 29 points with 11/17 field goals. Dutch Jesse Edwards logged 14 points.
“I know how rare this kind of opportunity comes, especially like this. A chance to start against the best player in the world, it is an awesome opportunity,” Garza referred to matching up with Jokic.
Dallas and Phoenix
In American Airlines Center, Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo (rest) and Slovenian Luka Doncic (left calf contusion) were among the sidelined players as the Dallas Mavericks prevailed, 109-84, over the Milwaukee Bucks. German Maxi Kleber (left ankle sprain) remained on the Mavs injury list as well. Latvian Anzejs Pasecniks recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Bucks.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers got an overtime win, 128-122, versus the Phoenix Suns in Footprint Center. French Armel Traore registered two points, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. For the hosts, Bosnian Jusuf Nurkic scored 15 points.