In a thrilling showdown that went down to the wire, the Nuggets managed to defeat the New York Knicks behind Emmanuel Mudiay‘s late-game heroics once again. Two excellent crunch time games in a row for the young Nuggets point guard. Final: Nuggets win 101-96.

THE RUNDOWN

First Quarter – Starters: Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic

The Jokic versus Kristaps Porzingis show was on full effect early on as the two matched up with each other despite playing different positions. Nikola came out on top in the first as he scored nine points on 3-6 shooting while holding Porzingis to a putrid zero points on 0-5 from the field.

Jokic was taking him to school, killing him with his off-ball movement and craftiness. Here he used a nicely executed V-cut to punish Porzingis’ overplay, finishing it with the soft touch on a floater:

Here Jokic used a well-timed pump fake to expose Kristaps’ knack for chasing blocks. Smart stuff from the Serbian rookie:

The defense of Gallinari and Jokic on Porzingis and Carmelo was crucial as they completely shut the Knicks duo down for a combined 0-10 shooting. That combined with Faried’s excellent play sealed the first quarter up for Denver as he scored a quarter-high 10 points on 5-6 shooting with some great hustle and defense.

I’ve never been the biggest Faried fan, but it’s indisputable Michael Malone has him playing the best basketball of his career. He’s completely bought in and has shown improved effort and commitment on both ends of the court.

To build upon the already mounting momentum for the Nuggets, Danilo Gallinari hit a half-court buzzer beater before the end of the first to give him his first make from the field.

End of first: Nuggets up 31-20.

Second Quarter – Starters: Randy Foye, Harris, Will Barton, Joffrey Lauvergne, Jusuf Nurkic

It was the Barton show as The People’s Champ put on a show scoring a quarter-high 10 points on 5-7 shooting. He was playing with his usual supreme confidence not only with dazzling finishes, but also making plays on defense. Here he is stuffing Afflalo on the fastbreak, the man he was traded for, and throwing it off of Langston Galloway to give the Nuggets possession:

Carmelo and Porzingis finally started to get it going as they combined for 16 points on 6-10 shooting after being shut down in the first. Fortunately Denver was still able to hold onto its 11-point lead.

End of second: Nuggets up 60-49.

Third Quarter – Starters: Mudiay, Harris, Gallinari, Faried, Jokic

Porzingis showcased his ability to take over in the third as drained shot after shot on his way to a 13-point, 6-9 shooting third quarter to go along with his seven boards. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Jokic got in foul trouble once again and was unable to respond.

The Nuggets came out flat while the Knicks looked like they had something to prove, dominating the third 30-17 to evaporate in a single quarter the lead Denver built in the first half.

End of third: Knicks up 89-73.

Fourth Quarter – Starters: Foye, Harris, Barton, Miller, Lauvergne

Jokic, Faried and Nurkic interestingly enough did not make a return in the game as Malone decided to ride Lauvergne out for the rest of the game. One has to wonder whether or not the trade deadline had any bearing on that decision. Still, it worked out as King Joffrey racked up a double-double and hustled all over the court.

Mudiay checked in and immediately hit a nice midrange jumper. He started making big play after big play, extremely reminiscent of last game against Chicago. He finished with 15  points and 9 assists. Nine of his points came in the fourth as he shot 6-9 to bring the game home. Could the Nuggets have a new closer on the roster?

Final: Nuggets win 101-96.

WHERE/WHEN

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | Feb. 7th | Regular Season Game 52 (21-31)
BY THE NUMBERS

NBA.com

The Knicks had the two highest scorers in the game with Porzingis and Carmelo, but the Nuggets won the game with their spread out team effort. As they say, many hands make light work.

The Nuggets didn’t shoot too well, going 43 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three, numbers actually worse than the Knicks’, but made up for it by draining their shots at the free throw line (78.6 percent) and winning the turnover battle with just seven to New York’s 10 and six steals compared to their two.

The day was saved by Barton who tipped a close game in Denver’s favor with a stellar performance of 19 points on 7-12 shooting to go along with five assists. Barton may come off the bench, but he still has the power to single-handedly swing games in Denver’s favor.

Faried was on his way to having a monster game before never returning and being replaced by Joffrey. The scent of trade deadline is heavy in the air…

PLAYS OF THE GAME

Mudiay with a nice pocket pass for a MANIMAL SLAM!

Jokic looking like money from beyond the three-point line. So much confidence now

Gallinari drains a shot from half-court to end the first quarter!

Mudiay goes right at rival-rookie Porzingis for the tough reverse layup

WHAT’S NEXT

The Nuggets continue their battle in New York as they head to Brooklyn and prepare to face off against the Nets tomorrow. Tip off is at 5:30 p.m. MT in the Barclays Center.