That was an incredible scoring performance for the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 146-117 to claim their seventh win in a row, about as impressive of an offensive game as a team can have. Despite shooting just 8-of-25 from three-point range, the Nuggets shot an absurd 52-of-76 from two-point range, good for over 68% from that zone. It was quite nearly a historic shooting performance from the Nuggets inside the arc.

Before the game, Michael Malone gave immense credit to the Blazers, noting that they were the top defense in the entire NBA during their recent 10-2 stretch. Jerami Grant sat out though, and with Scoot Henderson in the lineup, the Nuggets had too many places they could attack consistently.

But even then, Denver’s shotmaking tonight was just absurd, led by Nikola Jokic with 40 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in just three quarters of game time.

Jokic was firing from everywhere tonight, and though he only hit 2-of-7 from three, he shot an absurd 13-of-15 from two-point range and 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Whenever the Nuggets needed a bucket, they went to Jokic, and he delivered every single time. It was incredible to watch, especially the above shot in the deep corner over a seven-footer in Deandre Ayton.

Of course, the Nuggets certainly didn’t need to go to him every time because they scored 146 points. Christian Braun was dynamic with 26 points on 12-of-14 from the field. Malone shared postgame that Braun had 22 of his 26 points in the paint, which is a truly impressive and aggressive number against a team with length and athleticism. Both Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson were forced to guard Braun and he made them pay for being undersized.

In addition, Jamal Murray had 17 points on 7-of-10 from the field and eight assists compared to one turnover before being unceremoniously ejected. He got his first technical after arguing over an egregious no-call on a Jokic shot attempt, and he got his second when was talking some smack to the Blazers.

Still, it was probably worth it after the ridiculous And-1 layup he hit in the third quarter.

Julian Strawther had an efficient 18 points, Aaron Gordon had seven assists, and even Zeke Nnaji chipped in 11 efficient points off the bench.

Overall, it was one of Denver’s better wins on the season with where they were health wise and how the Blazers were playing coming into tonight’s game.

Jalen Pickett shows out

The biggest story of the game for me was probably Jalen Pickett, who continues to play well in his opportunities as backup point guard. Pickett set career highs in both points and assists tonight 14 and 9 respectively, and it was genuinely cool to see him be this successful given how last season and Summer League went for him.

“I’ve had a rough last year,” Pickett admitted postgame about the challenges he’s faced since entering the NBA. “You’ve gotta just love that, being able to go through challenges, find things that you’re good at after such a successful college career and coming here and basically starting over. It was tough at first, and I kinda just fell in love with the grind and just getting back in the gym and seeing where I could take my game.”

The Nuggets have heaped praise on Pickett lately and how he has managed to stay the course. They’re all happy for him across the board, and it shows.

“Russ is coaching from the sidelines, and seeing him cheer me on is…it’s unreal to be honest with you. Russell Westbrook, Hall-of-Famer, one of the best point guards I looked up to, seeing him cheer me on is amazing.”

“Jalen Pickett, looking like Bob Cousy out there with the floating one-hander,” Malone proclaimed. “One thing about Jalen that’s really impressed me is that he didn’t feel sorry for himself. He just found a way to get back in the gym and work…this year, he’s gotten the opportunity, and he’s taken advantage of it. He’s playing really good basketball for us.”

Nikola Jokic was also impressed with Pickett’s vision and ability to see the floor.

“I think just his style of play helps him to kind of calm down and see everything,” Jokic shared. “He’s not rushing. He’s really under control, and I think that helps him a lot.”

Sometimes in sports, you get to enjoy fun stories you weren’t expecting. Heading into the season, I did not expect to be discussing how awesome Jalen Pickett has been, but it’s absolutely true. Pickett’s making plays, approaching the game with confidence, and making an impact on both ends of the floor. His defense is surprisingly good at this stage, and the Nuggets are better defensively with him out there because he’s always in the right place to make the play that’s needed.

Pretty cool stuff for the second-year point guard at this stage of the season.

Final Rotations