DENVER — Three different Nuggets, Danilo Gallinari, Gary Harris and Will Barton totaled at least 20 points, and the Nuggets –behind a strong fourth quarter effort — took down the Indiana Pacers 129-126.
In that final quarter Barton led the charge scoring 15 points and playing the entire quarter. The Nuggets ended up outscoring the Pacers 45-35 in the final frame, their highest point total in a quarter this season.
“That’s Will the Thrill,” Malone said of Barton. “Sit back and enjoy the ride. I don’t know what he’s going to do, neither does Frank Vogel. He is a guy that the whole season has made plays for us.”
Barton and Randy Foye who chipped in nine of his 12 points in the fourth carried the load offensively, but defensively it was Harris, who held Paul George to 1-6 shooting in the quarter and 19 points for the game.
“I think Gary Harris’ defense on Paul George was terrific.” Malone said.
The first half was all Indiana as the Pacers raced out to a 66-54 halftime lead behind 66 percent shooting from the field and a red hot 7-10 from three.
“You have to try hard not to defend that badly.” Malone said.
In the second half, the Nuggets came out with more energy and aggressiveness. Emmanuel Mudiay scored eight of his 10 points in the final two periods, two of them on an electrifying two-handed throw down in traffic.
“I love seeing [Emmanuel Mudiay] with emotion,” Malone said. “On the surface he looks like he’s laid back, but I like to see Emmanuel aggressive. I like to see Emmanuel with emotion and we’re all starting to see the true Emmanuel Mudiay.”
Nikola Jokic had another strong game offensively as well. The rookie ended up with 18 points on 11 shots but recorded just two rebounds in just over 24 minutes. Jokic seems to be ahead of the curve offensively, but defensively he’s still a work in progress, improving every game.
“I think he’s doing a hell of a job defensively,” Malone said. “He’s smart. He knows the concepts. He knows the coverages. Sometimes you have a hard time hearing him. He’s trying to call out the coverages. He does whatever you ask. Obviously he’s not that terrific athlete that’s going to be flying around blocking shots. He’s a very good position defender, he’s always in the right place and he has discipline. So I think he’s doing a good job. He has to improve his rebounding defensively and that’s going to be his biggest challenge; can he bound against bigger, stronger guys and keep them out of his area.”
For the Pacers, Myles Turner in his first game back from injury scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds in nearly 29 minutes. Monta Ellis chipped in 24 and Joe Young had 15 off the bench for Indiana.
WHEN/WHERE
Friday, Jan. 17, 2016 at Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
STAR OF THE GAME
Tonight it was Will Barton who erupted for 15 points in that fourth quarter. With Gallinari in foul trouble, the Thrill carried the load offensively in the latter stages of the game.
PLAYS OF THE GAME
Barton’s 360 degree layup
Mudiay’s in traffic two-handed slam
Foye’s three finds the bottom
BY THE NUMBERS
NBA.com
QUOTE OF THE GAME
Malone on Barton’s new hairdo:
“I didn’t recognize him. Before the game I said, ‘Who the hell is this guy.’ He looked like a little kid out there.”
LASTING IMPACT
Denver now sits 2.5 games out of the eight spot in the West at 16-25 overall.
WHAT’S NEXT
Denver continues their season long eight-game home stand when they host both the Thunder, Grizzlies and finally welcome in the Hawks to close out the week.
