Nikola Jokic fires for 37 points as Denver Nuggets open series with 121-113 win over Portland Trail Blazers
Tuesday 30 April 2019 09:07, UK
Nikola Jokic fired for a team-high 37 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 121-113 win in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-final series with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jokic continued his outstanding postseason with a superb 42-minute stat-sheet stuffing display to ensure the Nuggets opened their round two series in winning fashion.
The Serbian center's 37-point haul came on 11-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. he was a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line and added nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and a pair of blocks.
Jokic was instrumental as the Nuggets compiled a decisive scoring run in the opening minutes of the third quarter.
He hit a triple, point guard Jamal Murray scored with a 3ft floater and forward Torrey Craig nailed a three of his own following Jokic's offensive rebound and pass to the perimeter to extend the Nuggets' lead from three to 11 points.
Through eight postseason games, Jokic is now averaging 24.0 points with a 50.3 field goal percentage, 11.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
Speaking after the game he said: "I was aggressive a little bit more because we went into the game a little sloppy and slow. We found a way to win the game, that's the most important thing."
Game 2 takes place in Denver in the early hours of Thursday morning (2am) live on Sky Sports Arena.
