5 Game SummaryAfter losing the last game of the previous summary to the Spurs, the Nuggets went undefeated this time around, going 5-0. In the game before the All-Star break, Denver completed a 31 point demolition against the last West side the Trail Blazers. Utah didn't come a whole lot closer as they were easily accounted for, while Boston also felt the wrath of the 3-peat champions. Before the feature game, the second best Eastern Conference side got the closest, losing by 10 points. But the biggest challenge of the 5 game summary came from the league cellar dwellers, the Orlando Magic:
Nuggets Win Ugly Against Tragic Orlando
The Nuggets were able to win a low scoring 74-67 game against Orlando in Denver. The post-Dwight Magic haven't had a lot to cheer about this season, but they managed to be the only team to lose by single digits in Denver's last 5 games. They were led by Eli Buck, who scored 17 points. MacKenzie MacMahon added 12, while Fred Carroll and Duncan Werner both had 10 points each.
J.R. Smith provided Denver with 22 points and ended up being a big difference between the teams as the only player above 20 points. Kevin Durant had a quiet one with 14 points, while Borislav Perko had yet another solid outing with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
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ORL@DEN
DEN: 74 (Smith 22, Durant 14, Perko 12)
ORL: 67 (Buck 17, MacMahon 12, Carroll 10)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Borislav Perko 12 points 9 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block
Rebounds
DEN: Perko 9
ORL: Buck, Kelly, Myers 6
Assists
DEN: Perko 6
ORL: MacMahon 5
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Last 5 GamesPOR: 86-55 W
UTA: 79-61 W
BOS: 100-84 W
DET: 90-80 W
ORL: 74-67 W
The Nuggets are now 46-9 for the year.
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The Real Nuggets MVP?
Perko continues to produce the stat-lines and against the Jazz, he did what he does best. This time he had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. The Nuggets are starting to run most of their plays through him, with both J.R. Smith and Kevin Durant getting better shots by cutting to the rim.Unaffected
Even though all the talk has been about Borislav Perko, J.R. Smith's game hasn't been affected at all. Against the Celtics he scored 35 points and still remains number 2 in the league when it comes to points per game.Where Did That Come From?!
Rudy Fernandez has been benched lately in favour of Taylor MacKenzie, but when he made a statement when he came on to play against Detroit. He ended up being the game's top scorer with 28 points. Wow!Becoming What Skita Wanted to Be?
Aaron Watters showed what a useful role player he's becoming for Denver with 14 points against Portland. When you look at this guy play, you can't help but think of Nikoloz Tskitishvili. Skita came to Denver as a highly touted 7-footer that had range. Eventually he ended up being a bust. Will Watters become what Denver wanted Nikoloz Tskitishvili to be?--------------------------------------------
Next 5 Games@GSW
@LAL
@LAC
@PHX
CHA
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The February review will be up next.