Nikola Jokic dominant again as Nuggets take early series lead over Trail Blazers

If certain parts of Game 7 between the Nuggets and Spurs “set basketball back” for the lack of shotmaking, as Gregg Popovich put it Saturday, Denver’s second-round opener against Portland on Monday showed what makes the modern game great: so much skill everywhere.

The Nuggets and Trail Blazers both came out firing; each shot 52% in the first half. Denver, though, only continued to cook after the break to take the opening game of the series 121-113.

Nikola Jokic, the unofficial MVP of Denver’s first-round series, continued his stellar play. Jokic had 37 points, nine rebounds and six assists. He made 11 of the 18 shots he took, including 3 for 5 from 3-point land. Enes Kanter had no answer for him, though the Turkish big man starting in the injured Jusuf Nurkic’s place did have a nice game offensively (26 points on 11-of-14 shooting).

Denver also got strong performances from Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris. Millsap looked too big for Al-Farouq Aminu to handle down low. He had 17 by halftime and finished with 19. Murray was excellent all-around with 23 points, eight assists and only one turnover. And Harris, who hit a twisting layup in the third quarter where he seemed to hang in the air for an eternity, had 11 points and played some strong defense late.

Denver short 50.6% from the field. It survived an excellent game from Damian Lillard, who hit four 3s and scored 39 points.

The Nuggets will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in two day’s time. Game 2 is Wednesday in Denver.