ATLANTA – The Denver Nuggets snapped their three-game losing streak with a 129-122 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, fueled by strong performances from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Despite a late rally from the Hawks, the Nuggets managed to hold on for the win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 29 points, while Nikola Jokic found his form, contributing 25 points. The game also marked a significant performance from Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Hawks, who set career highs with 40 points and 10 three-pointers, albeit in a losing effort.
Bogdanovic’s late-game heroics, which included sinking three 3-pointers in the final two minutes, brought the Hawks within striking distance. However, the Nuggets, who led by as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter, managed to stave off the comeback. Jokic, reflecting on the game’s tense moments, emphasized the importance of securing the win and getting the necessary stops.
The contest also served as a reunion for former Serbian national team colleagues Jokic and Bogdanovic. Jokic expressed his delight at seeing Bogdanovic perform free from knee injuries, recalling their time together in international competitions.
For the Nuggets, rookie Julian Strawther had a standout game, scoring a career-high 22 points, including six three-pointers, and leading the game with five steals. Aaron Gordon added a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The game had its share of drama, with Murray initially leaving the court due to a rolled ankle but later returning to contribute significantly. In contrast, the Hawks faced a setback when star player Trae Young was ejected for accruing two technical fouls in the third quarter, leaving coach Quin Snyder to adapt without one of his key players.
Despite his recent shooting struggles, Jokic showed why he is a two-time MVP, shooting efficiently from the field and nearly achieving a triple-double. The Hawks, meanwhile, were missing key players Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter due to injuries.
The first half was competitive, with Bogdanovic and Dejounte Murray propelling the Hawks early on. However, Strawther’s second-quarter surge helped the Nuggets take a 65-62 lead into halftime, overcoming the Hawks’ initial advantage.
Both teams now look ahead to their next games, with the Nuggets set to face Chicago and the Hawks traveling to Toronto.
This victory for Denver showcased their resilience and ability to close out games under pressure, while Atlanta, despite the loss, demonstrated their potential to challenge even without key players on the court.
